Koulourakia Paschalina are traditional Greek Easter biscuits, which are usually prepared a few days leading up to Pascha.
They’re not too sweet and make an excellent biscuit to accompany your frappe, coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate.
The word 'Koulourakia' originates from their round, twisted shape.
Here is a recipe my προγιαγιά (great grandmother) wrote in her cookbook, which I love following.
*Just a warning, they will taste divine, you may not want to share them!
Ingredients:
- 250g butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2/3 cups of orange juice
- 1 teaspoon of orange rind
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 4 cups of self-raising flour
- 1 egg (beaten for glazing)
Note: Sesame seeds may be sprinkled onto biscuits before baking as a variation
Method:
- In a mixer's bowl, beat butter and sugar well.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Continue beating, while adding in turn, the orange juice &rind, vanilla essence and baking powder.
- Preheat the oven to 170ο C - 180ο C.
- Gradually add most of the flour to the bowl and continue mixing.
- Add the remaining flour and knead with your hands until a soft dough is formed.
- Form into desired shapes. E.g. take a small piece of dough and roll it into a long strip. Fold this strip in half and then twist the two halves together. This makes the traditional twisted shape. (Refer to photo above)
- Place the biscuits on baking trays lined with parchment paper and glaze with beaten egg. Be sure to space your biscuits generously, as they will increase in size.
- Transfer the trays into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until brown and crisp.
- While cooking, your nostrils will be filled with the aromas of orange and vanilla!
- Let them cool and serve.
Wishing you and your family Καλό Πάσχα! (Happy Easter!)
