🇬🇷 Greece · Dessert
Kourabiedes: Traditional Greek Butter Cookies
By eatmundo · July 7, 2026
🇬🇷 GRKourabiedes are iconic Greek butter cookies, cherished during holidays and celebrations. These melt-in-your-mouth shortbread-like cookies are richly flavored with butter and often studded with almonds, then generously dusted with a snowy blanket of powdered sugar, creating a delightful treat.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat 250g of unsalted butter (softened at room temperature) with 100g of powdered sugar using an electric mixer on high speed for about 8-10 minutes, until the mixture is very light, pale, and fluffy. This is key for a tender cookie.
- 2
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in 1 large egg yolk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of brandy or Metaxa. Continue beating for another 2-3 minutes until well incorporated and the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
- 3
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 450g of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 0.5 teaspoon of baking soda. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- 4
Fold in Almonds: Gently fold in 100g of blanched, lightly toasted, and roughly chopped almonds into the dough. The dough will be soft and pliable. Avoid kneading excessively to keep the cookies tender.
- 5
Shape the Cookies: Take small portions of dough (about 30g each) and shape them into traditional crescent shapes, round balls, or small oval logs. Place them about 2-3 cm apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- 6
Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Bake the kourabiedes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden at the edges but still pale on top. Do not let them brown too much, as this indicates overbaking.
- 7
Dust with Powdered Sugar: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, mist them lightly with rosewater (optional) then generously dust them with a thick layer of powdered sugar while still warm. Once cooled, dust them again for that signature snowy appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Kourabiedes so tender and crumbly?+
The tenderness comes from using a high ratio of butter and thorough creaming of the butter and sugar, which incorporates air and creates a light texture. Avoid overmixing the flour to prevent gluten development.
Can I use different nuts instead of almonds?+
While almonds are traditional, walnuts or pistachios can be used as alternatives, though the flavor profile will differ. Ensure they are lightly toasted and chopped to enhance their aroma.
How do I prevent the powdered sugar from clumping?+
Dust the cookies generously while they are still warm, allowing the heat to slightly melt the sugar, creating a base layer. Once cooled, dust again for an even, thick, non-clumping coating.
How long do Kourabiedes keep, and how should I store them?+
Kourabiedes keep very well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2-3 weeks. The powdered sugar acts as a preservative, keeping them fresh and tender.
🇬🇷 GRMundo Match
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