Greek orange cookies (Koulourakia)
Orange cookies are a favourite during Greek Orthodox Easter but can also be made during other festive seasons when oranges are sweet and flavoursome. Serve these dairy free and refine sugar free cookies with an afternoon coffee or tea. You may need to double the recipe as they don’t last long.
Get the whole family involved in the baking process. Rolling the buttery dough with kids is a fun and creative project to do at home. Although the more traditional shapes are curly S, circles, and twisted plaits, there’s no limit to the shapes you can create! This is a fantastic way to encourage kids to play, create and learn.
Koulourakia
Makes approx. 38
400g spelt flour, plus extra
200g coconut sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
finely grated rind of one orange
250g butter or dairy free alternative, melted
1 large free range egg
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
Coconut milk or egg wash for topping*
Place all the dry ingredients into a large mixing bowl and whisk to remove any clumps.
Make a well in the center and add melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Mix by hand or using stand mixer with dough hook until it becomes a soft pliable dough. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour.
Pinch off small balls of dough (about 1 heaped tablespoon) and roll into thin logs, then shape into circles, curly S or twisted shapes. Place onto a baking tray lined with baking paper making sure to keep some space between each one.
Brush koulourakia with a little coconut milk or egg wash.
Bake in an oven preheated to 200 degrees C for about 13 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cool completely on a wire rack and store in an airtight container.
Notes:
To make egg wash, whisk one egg with a little water and brush lightly over each cookie.
Variation: sprinkle a few sesame seeds on top before baking.