When it comes to festive desserts that bring joy and nostalgia to the table, Kourabiedes Recipe (traditional almond cookies) hold a special place in Greek cuisine. These cookies, with their crumbly texture and melt-in-your-mouth buttery flavor, are generously coated in powdered sugar, giving them a snowy appearance perfect for holiday celebrations. Whether you’re making them for Christmas, Easter, or just to treat yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to spread cheer.
Why You’ll Love Kourabiedes Recipe
- Irresistible Texture: Buttery, crumbly, and light as air.
- Flavorful Delight: A harmonious blend of toasted almonds, butter, and a hint of vanilla (with a traditional twist of brandy or ouzo for extra authenticity).
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp brandy or ouzo (optional, for traditional flavor)
- 2 1/2 cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 cup (100 g) finely chopped almonds, toasted
For Coating:
- Powdered sugar, as needed
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Hand or stand mixer
- Parchment-lined baking sheets
- Whisk
- Sifter (for powdered sugar coating)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy (about 5 minutes). This step is crucial for achieving the cookie’s signature texture.
3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and brandy or ouzo (if using) to the butter mixture. Beat until fully combined.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the toasted almonds.
5. Shape the Cookies
Take small portions of the dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and shape them into rounds or crescent shapes. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake
Bake the cookies for 18–20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheets.
7. Coat in Powdered Sugar
While the cookies are still warm, generously coat them in powdered sugar using a sifter or by rolling them directly in a bowl of powdered sugar. Allow them to cool completely before storing.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a cup of hot tea or Greek coffee for a traditional experience.
- Serve alongside a platter of other holiday cookies, like baklava or melomakarona, for a festive dessert spread.
Tips for the Perfect Kourabiedes
- Use high-quality butter for the best flavor and texture.
- Toast the almonds for an extra nutty aroma.
- Don’t skip the creaming process—it ensures a light and airy texture.
- Be generous with the powdered sugar coating—it’s what makes these cookies magical!
Storage Instructions
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze the cookies (without the powdered sugar coating) for up to 3 months, and coat them in sugar after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
What can I use instead of brandy or ouzo?
If you prefer to skip alcohol, simply omit it. The cookies will still taste amazing!
Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?
Absolutely. Walnuts or pistachios are great alternatives.
Conclusion
Making Kourabiedes at home is a heartwarming experience that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of butter and almonds. With their festive appearance and timeless flavor, these almond cookies are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Related Recipes
📸 Don’t forget to snap a photo of your Kourabiedes and share it on Pinterest! I’d love to see your creations.
💡 Subscribe to my email list for more traditional recipes like this one.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 2g
Enjoy these delightful cookies and happy baking! 😊
Print
Kourabiedes Recipe
Description
When it comes to festive desserts that bring joy and nostalgia to the table, Kourabiedes (traditional almond cookies) hold a special place in Greek cuisine. These cookies, with their crumbly texture and melt-in-your-mouth buttery flavor, are generously coated in powdered sugar, giving them a snowy appearance perfect for holiday celebrations. Whether you’re making them for Christmas, Easter, or just to treat yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to spread cheer.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp brandy or ouzo (optional, for traditional flavor)
- 2 1/2 cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 cup (100 g) finely chopped almonds, toasted
For Coating:
- Powdered sugar, as needed
Instructions
1. Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy (about 5 minutes). This step is crucial for achieving the cookie’s signature texture.
3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and brandy or ouzo (if using) to the butter mixture. Beat until fully combined.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the toasted almonds.
5. Shape the Cookies
Take small portions of the dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and shape them into rounds or crescent shapes. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake
Bake the cookies for 18–20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheets.
7. Coat in Powdered Sugar
While the cookies are still warm, generously coat them in powdered sugar using a sifter or by rolling them directly in a bowl of powdered sugar. Allow them to cool completely before storing.