Baking during the holidays can bring so much joy to your home. The aroma of warm spices and sweet treats can make the season even more special. Today, I’m excited to share a delightful Greek Christmas baking recipe that combines two beloved treats – Koulourakia and Pasteli into one delicious creation. Koulourakia Me Pasteli Sesame Cookie Bars are a delightful fusion of buttery cookie goodness and crunchy sesame seed sweetness that make for the perfect festive indulgence or wonderful homemade gift.
Koulourakia Me Pasteli Sesame Cookie Bars
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/2 cup sesame seeds
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Sift the flour and baking powder together and gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may need to use your hands to knead the dough gently until it comes together.
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to easily lift the bars later.
5. Divide the dough in half. Press one half evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
6. In a small saucepan, heat the honey over low heat until it is thin and runny. Remove from heat and stir in the sesame seeds.
7. Spread the honey-sesame mixture evenly over the pressed dough in the baking dish.
8. Take the remaining dough and crumble it on top of the honey-sesame layer, covering it as best as you can.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Once baked, allow the Koulourakia Me Pasteli Sesame Cookie Bars to cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes.
11. Using the overhanging parchment paper, lift the bars out of the dish and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into bars or squares.
12. Enjoy these delightful cookie bars with a cup of hot tea or coffee, or package them up elegantly for a lovely holiday gift.
These Koulourakia Me Pasteli Sesame Cookie Bars are a delightful and unique addition to your holiday baking repertoire. The combination of buttery cookie goodness and the nutty sweetness of sesame seeds and honey creates a delightful treat that is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you enjoy them with a hot beverage in the cozy warmth of your home or gift them to loved ones, these bars are a wonderful way to spread the holiday cheer. Happy baking!
