Greek Cookies Recipe | Classic & Delicious Holiday Treat

Name: Greek Cookies Recipe | Classic & Delicious Holiday Treat
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 120 g slivered almonds; 180 g butter, softened; 90 g icing sugar (powdered sugar); 250 g plain flour (all-purpose); 1 tsp baking powder (sifted into the flour); 30 g almond meal (ground almonds); 1 egg yolk, room temperature; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp ouzo (or water/milk/orange/lemon/lime juice); Extra: 1 cup icing sugar for dusting

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The scent of butter and toasted almonds fills the kitchen, soft music plays in the background, and powdered sugar drifts through the air like first snow. These Greek cookies, or Kourabiedes, feel like Christmas wrapped in sweetness — crumbly, nutty, and made for moments when family laughter mixes with the smell of something baking.

Crumbly Greek cookies coated in powdered sugar on white surface

Quick Facts: Yield, Time, Calories

Yield & Nutrition Snapshot

Yield: 33 cookies (20 g each)
Calories per cookie: 110 kcal

All Measurements by Weight

All ingredients are measured in grams for accuracy and consistent results.

Why You’ll Love These Greek Cookies

Festive, Giftable, Make-Ahead

Kourabiedes belong on every holiday table. They’re perfect for gifting, too — simple, elegant, and wrapped in a cloud of powdered sugar. They stay fresh for days, which makes them a reliable cookie to bake ahead for busy Christmas weeks.

Simple Pantry Ingredients

Butter, almonds, flour, and sugar — that’s it. You don’t need anything fancy. And yet, together they create that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture that defines these classic Greek cookies.

Ingredient Overview

Butter, Almonds, Vanilla/Ouzo, Powdered Sugar — What Each Does

Butter gives richness. Almonds bring nutty depth. Vanilla adds comfort. A touch of ouzo (or your choice of orange juice or milk) ties everything together with a hint of warmth. Powdered sugar finishes it with that dreamy snow-dusted look.

Substitutions & Variations

Swap almonds for pistachios or walnuts if you’d like a twist. Or add a splash of citrus for a brighter note. Every variation still keeps the soul of Greek cookies alive — crumbly, buttery, unforgettable.

Step-By-Step Method

Prep: Toast Almonds & Soften Butter

Toast the almonds until golden and fragrant, then cool and chop. Meanwhile, let the butter soften until smooth and easy to mix.

Mix: Cream, Add Wet, Fold in Dry + Nuts

Beat butter until fluffy. Add icing sugar, then mix in egg yolk, vanilla, and ouzo (or your chosen liquid).
Sift flour with baking powder, add almond meal and chopped almonds, and mix just until it comes together.

Shape: 20 g Portions — Crescents, Balls, or Cut-Outs

If the dough feels soft, chill it for 30–60 minutes. Shape 20 g portions into crescents, balls, or cut-outs. Place on a lined tray and refrigerate for an hour.

Heart-shaped Greek cookies dusted with powdered sugar on blue surface

Bake & Coat: 170°C/340°F, Sugar (Warm + Cooled)

Bake at 170°C (340°F) for 20–25 minutes until just golden. Cool for 10 minutes, then roll in icing sugar while still warm. Cool completely and roll again.

Pro Tips for Perfect Kourabiedes

Temperature & Texture Control

Soft butter gives lightness, but melted butter makes cookies heavy. Always let it soften slowly at room temperature.

Chill Time to Prevent Spread

Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape, especially if your kitchen is warm. It also deepens flavor.

Double Dusting for Snowy Finish

Coating twice — once warm and once cooled — ensures a thick, snowy blanket of sugar that clings beautifully.

Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead

Room Temp Storage: 5–7 Days Airtight

Keep them in an airtight container to stay fresh and tender for up to a week.

Freeze Dough (3 Months) & Bake from Frozen (+5 min)

You can freeze shaped dough for three months. Bake directly from frozen with an extra five minutes.

Freeze Baked (Before Sugar), Thaw & Coat

You can also freeze baked cookies before dusting, then thaw and coat in sugar right before serving.

Round Greek cookies with powdered sugar in red holiday tin

FAQs

What are Greek Christmas cookies?

They’re traditional butter and almond cookies dusted in powdered sugar, made especially for Christmas celebrations.

What is the most popular Greek dessert?

Baklava is the most famous, but Kourabiedes are the heart of every festive table in Greece.

What are the most traditional Christmas cookies?

In Greece, it’s Kourabiedes and Melomakarona — one snowy, one soaked in honey.

What are Greek biscuits called?

They’re called Kourabiedes when made with almonds and powdered sugar, though the word “biskota” also means general cookies in Greek.

Greek Cookies (Kourabiedes) — Recipe Card

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Final Thoughts

There’s something comforting about a cookie that’s been made the same way for generations. These Greek cookies remind us that simple ingredients, handled with care, can create something magical. If you make them, dust extra sugar on top — because a little extra sweetness always fits the season.
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