Indulge in the heavenly delight of Classic Greek Kourabiedes Christmas Cookies—tender, buttery treats that practically melt in your mouth! These exquisite cookies, adorned with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, are not just a festive favorite; they're a taste of tradition that will transport you straight to the sun-kissed hills of Greece. With a simple list of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create these melt-in-your-mouth wonders in less than an hour. Ready to impress your friends and family with a treat that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat? Let’s dive into the recipe and discover the magic of Kourabiedes!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ground almonds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of ground almonds, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and additional powdered sugar for dusting.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of ground almonds to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Once the dough is combined, use your hands to form small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie as they will spread slightly while baking.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on the bottom. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cookies are still warm, dust them generously with powdered sugar. This is a signature step for Kourabiedes, giving them their classic appearance and sweetness.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, dust them with additional powdered sugar if desired, and serve them on a festive plate. Enjoy your melt-in-your-mouth Classic Greek Kourabiedes!
Tips
- Ingredient Temperature: Ensure your unsalted butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with the powdered sugar, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
- Mixing Technique: When mixing the dough, start on low speed to prevent flour from flying everywhere. Gradually increase the speed as the ingredients combine.
- Cookie Size: For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop or measure out 1-inch balls with your hands. This ensures even baking and a consistent shape.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be lightly golden on the bottom; overbaking can lead to a dry texture.
- Powdered Sugar Dusting: Dust the cookies with powdered sugar while they are still warm for better adherence. For an extra festive touch, you can repeat the dusting once they have cooled completely.
- Storage: Store your Kourabiedes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to keep them fresh and delicious.
- Customization: Feel free to add a hint of almond extract for an extra nutty flavor, or experiment with different nuts if you want to put your own spin on this classic recipe!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 160kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
