Classic Greek Kourabiedes: Christmas Cookies that Melt-in Your Mouth

These classic Greek kourabiedes are almond Christmas cookies that melt in your mouth. They’re one of my favorites because they’re so light and delicious. I’ve shared the version of these cookies we made in our bakery before, but this is the traditional Greek recipe. The cookies are much fluffier, lighter, and flavored with citrusy orange flavor. A tin full of these would make an excellent gift for the holidays!

Why these will be your favorite

Melt in your mouth orange blossom almond cookie you can’t resist!

Here’s what you need

Unsalted butter –softened at room temperature.

Salt

Confectioner’s sugar –for the cookie dough and dusting.

Pure vanilla extract

Almonds –skin-on or blanched whole almonds.

All-purpose flour

Baking soda

Baking powder

Orange blossom water for spraying after baked.

How to Make Classic Greek Kourabiedes

Preheat the oven to 350 °F 180 °C.

Line 2-3 baking trays with parchment paper.

Place the almonds into a pan and bake them in the oven for 7-10 minutes until fragrant.

Allow the almonds to cool completely.

Then, place them into a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Set aside.

Add the butter, salt, sugar, vanilla, and orange blossom water into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.

Beat on low speed and then increase the speed to high until fluff –about 8-10 minutes.

Place the flour, baking soda, and baking powder into a large bowl and whisk together.

Slowly add the flour mixture to the mixer while it beats on low speed.

Add the almonds and beat together just until the dough is formed.

Transfer the dough to a clean work surface and lightly knead until incorporated. **Many times crumbs and almonds end up at the bottom of the mixing bowl, so this step incorporates them back into the dough. **.

Form the dough into balls (about a tablespoon or 30-40g each) and set them on the pans.

Leave them as balls and gently press the center down with your index finger to form an indentation OR form the cookies into crescents. Roll each round ball of dough into a rope and then bend it into a crescent. Place on the baking trays.

Bake the cookies on the center rack for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden.

Spray the cookies lightly with orange blossom water as soon as they come out of the oven. **This step is optional. **.

Once the cookies have slightly cooled, dust them with a generous amount of confectioner’s sugar.

These lightly golden cookies make the house smell amazing and are dangerous to be around. I could eat them all day long… if they last that long! Ha! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and be patient while making a hot cup of Greek coffee. To give them as gifts, fill a holiday tin or glass jar tied with a ribbon. Be careful, though. Whoever you give them to will ask for more. Kali Orexi!