Authentic Greek Koulourakia Recipe: Buttery Butter Cookies

INGREDIENTS

1 pound of unsalted butter (1 cup is equal to 4 sticks) 1‑1/2 cups granulated sugar 3 large eggs (2 eggs for the dough; 1 for the egg wash) 2 tablespoons orange juice 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 teaspoons baking powder, sifted 4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted 1/2 cup sesame seeds

PREPARATION:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a cookie sheet with butter or line it with parchment paper.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer or using a regular bowl with a handheld mixer, cream together the butter and sugar at medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the 2 eggs slowly, one at a time, mixing on low speed.
4. Add the orange juice and vanilla, and mix thoroughly.
5. Add the baking powder and all-purpose flour slowly, mixing slowly until a thick dough forms.
6. Remove dough from mixer bowl, and place it on top of a lightly floured surface.  Knead cookie dough with your hands for 2-3 minutes and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
7. Take a small piece of dough the size of a golf ball and roll into a long strip.  Fold the strip over, braid the dough, and shape into a twist, wreath, or any other desired shape.
8. Beat the remaining egg for the egg wash, and brush the egg over the cookies.  Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of each cookie.
9. Bake in oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 18-20 minutes and enjoy!

This recipe appears in: Christmas