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DessertSnack

Kourabiedes (Greek Almond Shortbread)

These traditional Greek shortbread cookies are tender, buttery, and melt in your mouth. Made with ground almonds and dusted generously with powdered sugar, they are a festive treat often enjoyed during holidays.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
50 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Medium
Per serving
1,093 kcal
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Vegetarian

Allergen information: may contain eggs, gluten, milk, and tree nuts. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Kourabiedes (Greek Almond Shortbread)

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

Ingredients

  • 225 gunsalted butter, softened
  • 1 pcsegg yolk
  • 1 tspvanilla extract
  • 1 tbspbrandy(optional)
  • 250 gall-purpose flour
  • 0.5 tspbaking powder
  • 100 gground almonds

cookie dough

  • 100 gpowdered sugar

for dusting

  • 200 gpowdered sugar
  • 1 tbsprose water(optional)

Equipment

parchment paper · large bowl · wire rack · baking sheet · electric mixer · whisk

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    About 5 min

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and the cookie dough powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

    About 5 min

    Cook’s note: Ensure butter is at room temperature for best creaming results.

  3. 3

    Beat in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and brandy (if using) until well combined.

    About 2 min

  4. 4

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ground almonds.

    About 1 min

  5. 5

    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.

    About 3 min

  6. 6

    Scoop out small portions of dough and shape them into crescent moons or small round balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet.

    About 10 min

    Cook’s note: The cookies will spread slightly, so leave some space between them.

  7. 7

    Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set but still pale.

    About 20 min

    Cook’s note: Do not let them brown too much; they should remain light in color.

  8. 8

    While the cookies are still warm, lightly spray or sprinkle them with rose water (if using).

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: This step enhances the aroma and helps the powdered sugar adhere.

  9. 9

    Generously dust the warm cookies with the dusting powdered sugar. You can do this by placing them in a bowl with the sugar and gently tossing, or by sifting sugar over them.

    About 3 min

    Cook’s note: For best results, dust them twice: once while warm and again when fully cooled.

  10. 10

    Allow the kourabiedes to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Per serving

Nutrition

Calories
1,093.1kcal
Protein
12.7g
Carbs
128.4g
Fat
59.9g
Fibre
4.7g
Sugar
74.2g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store kourabiedes in an airtight container at room temperature.

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