Kourabiethes Recipe - Traditional Greek Almond Cookies

Kourabiethes

Kourabiethes Recipe - Traditional Greek Almond Cookies
Region / culture: Greece | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

Kourabiethes
Kourabiethes

Kourabiethes are traditional Greek cookies that are typically made during special occasions such as weddings, Christmas, and Easter. These delicious buttery cookies are coated in powdered sugar and are a favorite among many.

History

Kourabiethes have been a part of Greek cuisine for centuries, with recipes being passed down through generations. The cookies are believed to have originated in Greece and have become a staple in Greek households during festive times.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. In a large bowl, beat the butter, oil, and sugar until fluffy.
  2. Stir in the beaten eggs, soda diluted in cognac, cinnamon, and almonds.
  3. Gradually combine the flour with the mixture and knead thoroughly until it forms a dough.
  4. Take pieces of dough and form balls the size of a walnut.
  5. Arrange the dough balls on a prepared baking tray and bake for 15 - 20 minutes in a preheated oven at 180°C / 350°F / gas 4.
  6. When they are slightly cool, completely cover them with icing sugar.
  7. The coating should be thick.
  8. Arrange them on a platter.

Variations

  • Add a splash of rose water or orange blossom water for a floral twist.
  • Substitute the almonds with walnuts or pistachios for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to beat the butter, oil, and sugar until fluffy to ensure a light and airy texture.

- Be sure to coat the cookies in a thick layer of icing sugar for the perfect finish.

- Allow the cookies to cool slightly before coating them in icing sugar to prevent it from melting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Kourabiethes with a cup of Greek coffee or tea for a delightful treat.

Cooking Techniques

Kneading the dough thoroughly is essential to ensure the cookies have the right texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the olive oil with vegetable oil if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Kourabiethes on a decorative platter and sprinkle with extra icing sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Kourabiethes with a glass of sweet dessert wine for a perfect combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Kourabiethes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Kourabiethes contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Kourabiethes contains approximately 20g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Kourabiethes contains approximately 15g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Kourabiethes contains approximately 5g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Kourabiethes are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Kourabiethes contain almonds and eggs, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Kourabiethes are a delicious treat that is high in fats and carbohydrates, making them a rich and indulgent dessert option.

Summary

Kourabiethes are a delightful Greek cookie that is perfect for special occasions. With a rich buttery flavor and a generous coating of icing sugar, these cookies are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Greece. My grandmother, Yia Yia Maria, was known far and wide for her delicious Kourabiethes, traditional Greek almond shortbread cookies coated in powdered sugar.

I remember watching her in the kitchen, her hands expertly mixing the ingredients together, a cloud of sweet almond scent wafting through the air. I would sit at the kitchen table, mesmerized by the way she worked, her face filled with concentration and love for the art of cooking.

One day, as she was making a batch of Kourabiethes, I asked her where she had learned to make them. She smiled at me, her eyes twinkling with memories of the past. She told me that the recipe had been passed down through generations of our family, originating from a dear friend who had taught her how to make them when she was just a young girl like me.

Yia Yia Maria then took out a faded, stained piece of paper from a drawer, the recipe written in her elegant handwriting. She handed it to me, telling me that it was now my turn to learn the secret of making the perfect Kourabiethes.

I took the recipe and studied it carefully, memorizing each step and ingredient. I watched my grandmother closely as she made the cookies, taking mental notes on her techniques and methods. I was determined to master the art of making Kourabiethes, just like she had.

Over the years, I practiced and honed my skills, perfecting the recipe until I could make the cookies with my eyes closed. I added my own personal touch to the recipe, incorporating a pinch of cinnamon for warmth and depth of flavor.

As I grew older, I shared the recipe with my own children and grandchildren, passing down the tradition of making Kourabiethes to the next generation. They would gather in my kitchen, their eager faces watching me as I mixed the ingredients together, just like I had watched my grandmother all those years ago.

I taught them the importance of using high-quality ingredients, of taking the time to mix the dough gently and with care, of shaping the cookies into perfect little crescents before baking them in the oven until they were golden brown.

And as they bit into the sweet, buttery cookies, their faces lighting up with delight, I knew that I had succeeded in passing on a piece of our family history. The recipe for Kourabiethes was not just a list of ingredients and instructions – it was a connection to our past, a way to honor the traditions of our ancestors.

To this day, whenever I make a batch of Kourabiethes, I think of my grandmother Yia Yia Maria and the legacy she left behind. I am grateful for the gift of her recipe, for the love and care she put into teaching me how to make these delicious cookies.

And as I watch my own grandchildren gather around me in the kitchen, their faces filled with joy and anticipation, I know that the tradition of making Kourabiethes will continue to live on for generations to come. The recipe may have come from a dear friend long ago, but it is now a cherished part of our family story, a reminder of our shared heritage and the love that binds us together.

Categories

| Almond Recipes | Christmas Desserts | Cognac Recipes | Egg Yolk Recipes | Greek Desserts | Greek Recipes | Wheat Flour Recipes |

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