Traditional Easter Pastries:
Κουλουράκια & Τσουρέκι
Easter is the most important religious holiday in Greece, and traditional Easter delicacies are an essential part of the celebrations. Especially popular are the buttery, slightly sweet koulourakia and the aromatic tsoureki.
Both are an integral part of Greek Easter traditions and are lovingly prepared in many households. In this article, we present the recipes so that you can easily make them at home.
Koulourakia – The Crispy Easter Cookie
Koulourakia are small, twisted cookies with a hint of vanilla and orange aroma. They are traditionally baked on Holy Thursday and are often glazed with egg or sprinkled with sesame seeds.
Ingredients:
- • 250 g butter (softened)
- 200 gr sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of one orange
- 500 gr flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 egg yolk & 1 tbsp water (for brushing)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions:
- Beat the butter and sugar until fluffy, then add the eggs one at a time.
- Add the milk, vanilla, and orange zest.
- Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually mix into the dough.
- Take small pieces of dough, roll them into cords, and shape them into the traditional twisted form.
- Brush with the egg yolk and water mixture and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 15 minutes until golden brown.
Tsoureki – The Aromatic Easter Bread
Tsoureki is a soft, fluffy braided bread with a unique aroma from mahleb and mastic, two traditional spices. It is often decorated with a red egg, symbolizing the blood of Christ.
Ingredients:
- 500 gr flour
- 100gr sugar
- 75gr butter (melted)
- 10 gr dry yeast
- 125ml warm milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp mahleb (or cardamom)
- 1 tsp mahleb (or cardamom)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 egg yolk & 1 tbsp milk (for brushing)
- 1 red Easter egg (optional)
- Almond flakes (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Mix the flour, sugar, salt, mahleb, and mastic.
- Add the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla, then incorporate the yeast mixture.
- Knead the dough well and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours.
- Divide the dough into three strands, braid them, and place them on a baking sheet.
- Brush with the egg yolk and milk mixture and sprinkle with almond flakes.
- If desired, press the red Easter egg into the center of the braid.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 30 minutes until golden brown.
Whether you prefer crispy koulourakia or aromatic tsoureki, these Easter pastries are an essential part of Greek celebrations. They not only bring delicious flavors to the table but also preserve traditions and family memories.
Happy baking and Kalo Pasxa
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