Step into a world of festive flavors with these delightful Greek Christmas treats, Koulourakia Vanilias! These buttery, aromatic vanilla cookies are a staple in Greek households during the holiday season, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. Whether you’re looking to impress your family with a traditional recipe or simply craving a cozy baking project, these Koulourakia Vanilias are sure to bring joy to your kitchen and home.
Koulourakia Vanilias Vanilla Cookies
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup milk
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
– Sesame seeds or sprinkles, for topping
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender crumb in your cookies, so take your time and ensure the mixture is well combined.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The eggs will provide structure and richness to the dough, so make sure they are fully incorporated before moving on to the next step.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and milk until evenly distributed. The aroma of vanilla will infuse the dough with a delightful fragrance, enhancing the overall flavor of your Koulourakia Vanilias.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sift this dry mixture into the wet ingredients gradually, mixing well after each addition. The flour will give the cookies their structure, while the baking powder will help them rise slightly for a light texture.
5. Once the dough comes together and forms a smooth ball, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will make it easier to handle and shape into the traditional twisted patterns of Koulourakia Vanilias.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Now, it’s time to shape the cookies! Take portions of the dough and roll them into ropes about 6 inches long, then twist them into various shapes like coils, braids, or figure eights.
7. Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each for spreading. Brush the tops with the egg wash made from the egg yolk, which will give them a beautiful golden finish once baked. Feel free to sprinkle sesame seeds or colorful sprinkles on top for a festive touch.
8. Bake the Koulourakia Vanilias in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden on the edges. Keep an eye on them while baking, as the cookies can quickly go from golden to overbaked.
9. Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These Koulourakia Vanilias are best enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or coffee, savoring the delicate vanilla flavors and buttery crumb.
10. Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, although they are so delicious that they might not last that long! Share these treats with loved ones or savor them yourself as a cozy holiday indulgence.
Step into the enchanting world of Greek Christmas traditions with these delightful Koulourakia Vanilias Vanilla Cookies. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply savoring with a warm drink, these buttery and aromatic treats will surely become a beloved addition to your festive baking repertoire. Enjoy the process of creating these festive cookies and embrace the joy they bring to your cozy home during the holiday season.
