Koulourakia with Olive Oil Recipe

These Koulourakia with Olive Oil are a delightful and flavorful Greek cookie that’s perfect for any occasion. With a delicate balance of sweetness and a hint of citrus, these twisted cookies are easy to make and offer a wonderful melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bake a batch of these delicious cookies:

• Self-raising flour: Preferably sifted, provides structure and helps the cookies rise. You can use a gluten-free self-raising flour blend if desired.
• Almond flour: Adds a delicate nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture.
• Caster sugar (superfine white sugar): Adds sweetness.
• Freshly squeezed orange juice: With pulp, adds a bright citrus flavor and moisture.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and a subtle fruity flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth and sweetness.
• Sesame seeds: Optional, lightly toasted or unhulled, for garnish and a nutty crunch.
• Ground cinnamon: Optional, enhances the flavor and adds warmth.

How to Make Koulourakia with Olive Oil

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) for fan-forced or 180°C (356°F) for conventional ovens. Line two baking trays with parchment paper.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, vanilla extract, and caster sugar until well combined. Add the almond flour and self-raising flour to the bowl. Using a rubber spatula, mix thoroughly until a soft and pliable dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. Avoid over-drying the dough.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Divide the dough into equal portions of about 30-35g each. Roll each portion into a smooth ball. Then, roll each ball into a 15cm long and 1.5cm wide rope. Fold the rope in half to form a U-shape, then twist the two halves together from the top to create a twisted braid. Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking trays, about 3cm apart.

Step 4: Add Sesame Seeds (Optional)

If desired, you can coat the koulourakia with sesame seeds. Sprinkle some sesame seeds on your working surface and roll the dough ropes in the seeds before twisting.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the koulourakia for 12 minutes, then rotate the trays between the top and bottom racks of the oven for even baking. Bake for another 12 minutes.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the koulourakia inside with the oven door closed for at least 30 minutes to allow them to cool and crisp up. For a softer texture, you can reduce the cooling time to 15 minutes. Remove the cookies from the oven and enjoy them warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve Koulourakia with Olive Oil

• Simple Snack: These Koulourakia are delicious on their own as a simple and satisfying snack.
• With Beverages: Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Dessert: Serve them as a light and refreshing dessert after a meal.
• Dipping: Dip them in melted chocolate or your favorite glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If using gluten-free flour, the texture may change slightly over time.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of self-raising flour?

Yes, you can use regular flour, but you’ll need to add 2 teaspoons of baking powder to the dry ingredients.

Can I add other ingredients to these cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, citrus zest, or even spices like cinnamon or cardamom to the dough.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, you can try using a vegan butter substitute and a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) as an egg replacement.

How can I make these cookies crispier?

Bake them for a few minutes longer, or increase the oven temperature slightly.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for Koulourakia with Olive Oil that will impress your friends and family. Enjoy!

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