Holy Tuesday. Koulourakia

 

Today is the day for making the Easter biscuits "Koulourakia" There are the biscuits given to all visitors over this time. They are flavoured with orange and are quite crispy. 

If you want to give it a try, here is a recipe:

Ingredients

• 3½- 4 cups all purpose flour  (3½ + ½ cup separated)
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar 
• zest of 1 orange
• 1/2 cup butter, cubed, room temperature
• 2 large eggs room temperature
• 1 large egg yolk room temperature
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract 
• 1/4 cup orange juice freshly squeezed
• 1/4 cup milk room temperature
• 1 teaspoon ouzo (optional)

Egg wash:

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon water
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds 

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place rack in the centre of oven. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Sift together 3½ cups flour and baking powder and set aside. The other 1/2 cup of flour is reserved in case we need to add extra flour.
  
• In a bowl of a mixer using the paddle attachment, mix together the orange zest and the sugar.  
  
• Add the  room temperature butter and cream together with the sugar until light and fluffy. This can take up to 5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times.
  
• Add the eggs, one at a time beating well and scraping down the bowl between each addition.
  
• Add the extra egg yolk and again, beat well.
  
• Add the vanilla extract, orange juice, milk and ouzo (if using). Beat together for 30 seconds.
  
• On low speed, add the 3½ cups of flour and baking powder. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Add a few tablespoons of flour if the dough is still sticky.  
  
• divide mixture, roll into sausage shapes  - about 6 inches long and shape braids, pinwheels, twists, etc... 
• Place on parchment lined baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
  
• Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds if liked. 
  
• Bake for 12-15 minutes or until koulourakia are golden.
  
• Allow to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to wire rack to completely cool down.
  
• Can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 weeks.