KOULOURAKIA | Greek Easter Biscuits

Koulourakia: The Sweet, Butter-Filled Greek Treat That Celebrates Easter

Easter is a time of great significance in Greek culture—it's a celebration of life, renewal, and tradition. One of the most beloved symbols of the season is Koulourakia: a buttery, sweet Greek cookie that has been a part of Easter celebrations for generations. With their signature braided or twisted shapes, golden-brown crusts, and delicate flavours, Koulourakia hold a special place in the hearts of Greeks, whether they're enjoyed with coffee on Easter Sunday or shared with family and friends during the festive days leading up to the holiday.

A plate of Kolourakia, Greek Easter biscuits

What are Koulourakia?

Koulourakia (pronounced koo-loo-RAH-kee-ah) are traditional Greek cookies that are typically baked during Easter and served to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The name "Koulourakia" comes from the Greek word "kouloura", meaning "circle" or "ring", and the cookies are often shaped into various forms, including braids, twists, or simple circular shapes.

What sets these cookies apart from other types of Greek sweets is their rich, buttery flavour and their soft, slightly crumbly texture. They are usually lightly sweetened and often flavoured with a touch of vanilla, orange zest, or mastica, like our recipe.

In Greece, Koulourakia are more than just a treat—they are an essential part of the Easter celebration. They are often prepared ahead of time, allowing family members to gather in the kitchen, bake together, and bond over the shared joy of creating these symbolic cookies.

The Tradition Behind Koulourakia

Koulourakia are typically associated with Greek Orthodox Easter, one of the most important religious holidays in Greece. During Easter, Greek families prepare a variety of festive foods to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and Koulourakia are among the highlights of the sweet offerings.

Historically, Koulourakia were made to symbolize renewal and new life, which align with the religious meaning of Easter. The braiding of the dough represents the intertwining of faith and family, while the golden colour of the cookies mirrors the light of the resurrection. In many families, making Koulourakia is a cherished annual tradition—one that is passed down through generations.

In some regions of Greece, Koulourakia are also offered as gifts to neighbours, family, and friends during the Easter season, along with other festive treats like Tsoureki (Greek Easter bread) and Kokoretsi (grilled lamb intestines). They are often paired with a glass of tsipouro or ouzo, enjoyed with family, and savoured in the company of loved ones.

Purchase my Koulouraki recipe tea towel here: Koulourakia Tea Towel/

Recipe tips:

Like all Greek recipes passed down to us, flour quantities are approximate. Recipes from our mothers and grandmothers usually state “as much flour as it takes” therefore sometimes you may need to add more flour and sometimes less. It is best to use your discretion when testing out the dough to see if it rolls perfectly into a Koulouraki. If the mixture is still too soft, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until you reach the perfect workable consistency.

KOULOURAKIA | Greek Easter Biscuits

Mary Politis
Koulourakia embodies the essence of Greek Easter tradition. Each year, I look forward to baking these buttery delights for my family. Perfumed with the flavours such as, orange and mastica, delicately paired with vanilla. While traditionally enjoyed during Easter, these treats complement any coffee break throughout the year.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 40 biscuits

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g room temp unsalted butter
  • 7 cups plain flour
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 cups caster sugar
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • Zest of 3 oranges
  • 1/2 tsp ground mastica
  • 1 egg plus
  • 2 tablespoons of milk or water whisked together

Instructions
 

  • Cream butter and sugar with your wooden spoon or stand mixer till nice and fluffy or pale in colour. Add the eggs one at a time, slowly whisking between each addition. Add 1 cup of flour into the butter, sugar, and egg mixture and incorporate well.
  • In a separate glass or bowl combine orange juice, zest, vanilla, baking powder and soda and stir well until it fizzes pouring it into your bowl. Add the ground mastica to the remaining flour and mix it through then gradually adding it to the butter mixture.
  • The dough will seem sticky in the bowl but is workable in your hands (you can add additional flour a tablespoon at a time like I have in the video). Allow the dough to rest for 30 mins covered in glad wrap before creating different shapes.
  • Preheat your oven to 170C. Use a heaped tablespoon of dough to roll out your shapes and once they have been formed, brush with egg wash and bake at 170C fan forced for approximately 15-20 minutes or until golden.
  • Note: be mindful of the thickness of your shapes. Thin koulourakia cook quicker.

Notes

Recipe tips:

Like all Greek recipes passed down to us, flour quantities are approximate. Recipes from our mothers and grandmothers usually state “as much flour as it takes” therefore sometimes you may need to add more flour and sometimes less. It is best to use your discretion when testing out the dough to see if it rolls perfectly into a Koulouraki. If the mixture is still too soft, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until you reach the perfect workable consistency.
Keyword Easter
Posted in Recipe, Sweets.