Kourabiedes
Greek Almond Butter Cookies
Kourabiedes are traditional Greek butter cookies, known for their incredibly crumbly texture and rich almond flavor. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a staple during the Christmas holidays, generously dusted with powdered sugar.
🧂 Ingredients
- 250 g Unsalted Butter(Must be softened to room temperature for best results.)
- 100 g Powdered Sugar (Icing Sugar)(Plus additional for coating the finished cookies. Sift before using.)
- 400 g All-Purpose Flour(Sifted.)
- 100 g Almonds(Toasted and finely ground. You can toast them in a dry pan until fragrant or in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes.)
- 2 tbsp Brandy(A good quality brandy will enhance the flavor.)
- 1 tbsp Rose Water(Optional, but adds a classic floral aroma.)
- 1 tsp Baking Powder(Ensures a light texture.)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract(Enhances the overall flavor profile.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the 100g of sifted powdered sugar using an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Beat for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture is very light, pale, and fluffy. This aeration is crucial for the cookie's texture.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes - 2
Add the brandy, rose water (if using), vanilla extract, and baking powder to the creamed butter mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined.
⏱️ 1 minute - 3
Gradually add the sifted flour and the finely ground toasted almonds to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed or by hand with a spatula until a soft, pliable dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can toughen the cookies.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 5
Take small portions of the dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and shape them into small crescents or balls. Place them about 2 cm (1 inch) apart on the prepared baking sheets.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 6
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden brown at the edges and just set. They should not brown too much, as they are meant to be pale.
⏱️ 18-20 minutes - 7
Remove the baking sheets from the oven. Let the kourabiedes cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool slightly. While they are still warm (but not hot), generously dust them with powdered sugar. You can also roll them in powdered sugar once they have cooled a bit more.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 8
Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They are best enjoyed after a day or two, allowing the flavors to meld.
⏱️ 30 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the butter is at room temperature and beaten until very fluffy for the signature crumbly texture.
- ✓Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added; this can lead to tough cookies.
- ✓Coat the cookies generously with powdered sugar while they are still warm for the best adhesion.
- ✓Kourabiedes are a beloved Christmas tradition in Greece, often prepared in large batches.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of ground cloves or cinnamon to the dough for a spiced variation.
- Incorporate finely chopped pistachios along with or instead of almonds.
- Shape the cookies into different traditional Greek designs.