Description
These Kourabiedes are buttery, delicate Greek almond cookies that melt in your mouth and are generously dusted with powdered sugar. Their tender texture and snowy finish make them a timeless holiday favorite.
Ingredients
1 cup (230g) cold unsalted butter
1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar (plus more for coating)
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
1 tsp rosewater (optional)
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup (120g) roasted almonds, chopped
2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). If almonds are not already roasted, roast them for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Let them cool completely, then chop finely.
- In a large bowl, beat the cold butter and powdered sugar with an electric mixer for about 5 minutes until pale, light, and fluffy.
- Mix in the fresh orange juice, rosewater if using, and salt. Fold in the chopped almonds until evenly distributed.
- Sift together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add to the butter mixture and mix just until combined to form a soft dough. Do not overmix.
- Shape the dough into small balls or crescents and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden while the tops remain pale.
- While still warm, dust generously with powdered sugar. Once completely cooled, coat again with a thick layer of powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Rosewater can be omitted for a more classic buttery almond flavor.
For a traditional variation, replace the orange juice with a splash of brandy.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, separating layers with parchment paper.
Freeze baked cookies without the final sugar coating for up to 1 month; thaw and dust with fresh powdered sugar before serving.
Chilling the shaped dough helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 115 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 18 mg
