CookTheGreekWay

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cookies filling the home during Christmas time. These Traditional Greek Orange Cookies — known as koulourakia — are the kind of recipe that brings back childhood memories, holidays with family, and the warmth of a Greek kitchen.

Soft on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and beautifully scented with fresh orange zest…

They make the perfect homemade food gift Place them in a festive jar or cookie tin with a ribbon and share a little taste of Greek Christmas joy!

Traditional Greek Orange Cookies
Authentic Recipe — Christmas Edition

Ingredients
(Makes approx. 1 kg of cookies)

• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 cup olive oil (or half olive oil – half sunflower oil)
• 1 cup sugar
• Zest of 2 oranges (unwaxed)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional but recommended!)
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves (optional)
• 1 packet baking powder (10–12 g)
• 700–750 g all-purpose flour (as needed)
• 1 vanilla powder (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F), fan.
2. Whisk together olive oil and sugar until well combined.
3. Add orange juice, zest, baking soda (dissolved in the juice), vanilla, cinnamon & cloves.
4. Mix flour with baking powder & salt — add gradually to the wet mixture.
5. Knead gently until you have a soft, elastic dough that doesn’t stick to your hands.
6. Shape into braids, rings or “S” twists.
7. Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.

Tips & Secrets

• For crispier cookies → bake slightly longer and let them cool inside the oven with the door slightly open.
• These cookies are naturally vegan (no eggs, no butter) — perfect for fasting seasons!
• Sprinkle sesame seeds before baking for a traditional look.
• Store in airtight containers up to 2–3 weeks.

Food Gift Idea

Package them in a holiday cookie tin, add a handmade gift tag, and… you’ve got the sweetest homemade Christmas present!

Perfect for teachers, colleagues, family & friends.

Nutritional Information
(Approx. per 100 g – about 4–5 cookies)

Calories: ~450 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~60 g• Sugars: 20–25 g
Fat: ~20 g• Saturated fat: ~3 g
Protein: ~5–6 g
Salt: ~0.3 g
Fiber: ~2 g

Vegan & dairy-free!

FAQ – Greek Orange Cookies

1. How long do they stay fresh?

Up to 2–3 weeks in a sealed container.

2. Can I skip cinnamon & cloves?

Yes! You’ll get a more pure orange flavor — add vanilla if you like.

3. My dough is sticky — what do I do?

Add a little more flour and knead gently. Too much flour makes them tough.

4. Can I replace olive oil?

You can use part sunflower oil for a lighter flavor.

5. Are these vegan?

Yes — completely!

6. How can I decorate them for Christmas?

Dip in melted chocolate. Add sprinkles. Use sesame seeds before baking

7. Are they good for gifting?

They are perfect — they keep well, travel great & everyone loves them!