Heavenly Delight: Finger-Licking Butter Chicken Recipe
Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present to you one of the most delectable and traditional Greek cookies – Krasokouloura, also known as Wine Cookies. This recipe has been passed down through generations of Greek families and is a staple in many Greek households during special occasions, particularly during the holiday season.
These delicate cookies are made with a combination of white wine, olive oil, cinnamon, and sesame seeds which makes them crispy, chewy, and irresistible. The touch of sweetness and the subtle hint of wine flavor are so unique that once you have tasted them, there is no turning back.
Krasokouloura cookies are not only a delicious treat but also a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Greece. These cookies have been an integral part of Greek traditions for centuries and have even been served to guests as a symbol of hospitality.
So, whether you are looking to add a new dessert to your holiday spread or just want to try something different yet flavorful, this recipe will take you on an unforgettable culinary journey to Greece. So get ready to indulge in the sweet taste of Krasokouloura – the perfect pairing for a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I must say, there are few things that bring me more joy than a fresh batch of homemade koulourakia – especially when they’re given an extra zing with some Greek wine. That’s why I’m thrilled to share this recipe for krasokouloura wine cookies with you!
These cookies are a true labor of love, made with traditional ingredients and a special twist that sets them apart from your average cookie. The combination of sesame seeds, ground cloves, cinnamon, and granulated sugar make for a sweet and savory flavor that is perfectly complemented by the bold taste of Greek wine. The result is a delicious treat that is sure to impress both guests and family alike.
But what makes these cookies truly special is the history behind them. Krasokouloura comes from the Greek words “krasi,” meaning wine, and “kouloura,” meaning biscuit or pretzel. These cookies were traditionally made in Greece during the grape harvesting season to use up leftover red or white wine. Over time, this recipe has become a beloved staple in Greek households around the world.
So whether you’re looking for a new dessert to impress guests at your next dinner party or simply want to indulge in a thoughtful homemade treat, these krasokouloura wine cookies are guaranteed to hit the spot. Trust me – you won’t want to pass up on this taste of tradition!
Ingredient List
Here is the ingredient list to make these delightful wine cookies from Greece, also known as krasokouloura. These traditional Greek cookies are made with white wine, olive oil, and a blend of warm spices for a sweet and fragrant treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- pinch salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ cup white wine
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- sesame seeds (for topping)
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all the ingredients, let’s start baking these delicious Krasokouloura or Wine Cookies!
Step 1: Mixing the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of baking powder, 1/2 tsp of baking soda, 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon, a pinch of ground cloves, and a pinch of salt.
Step 2: Mixing the wet ingredients
In another mixing bowl, mix together 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of olive oil until the mixture becomes creamy. Then add in 1 cup of white wine and 2 tbsp of lemon juice. Mix well.
Step 3: Combining the dry and wet mixtures
Gradually add in the dry mixture to the wet mixture while mixing with a spatula. Fold until no streaks remain.
Step 4: Shaping the cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Use your hands or cookie scooper to roll small balls from the cookie dough, then roll them on a plate full of sesame seeds.
Shape them into various shapes including small rings or small biscuits as desired. Place them on your lined cookie pan.
Step 5: Baking
Place the cookie pan with rolled wine cookies into the oven and bake for around 20 minutes until they have turned golden brown evenly around.
Remove from oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool for up to an hour.
Serve and enjoy these traditional Greek wine cookies with any drinks you prefer.
Substitutions and Variations
While Krasokouloura is already a delicious and unique cookie, there are plenty of ways to make it your own.
For a vegan version of this traditional Greek treat, substitute the white wine with grape juice and use olive oil instead of butter. You can also replace the honey with grape molasses or agave syrup.
Adding finely grated lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy zing is another fun variation. You can also incorporate chopped nuts or dried fruit, such as raisins or figs, for added texture and flavor.
For a Christmas twist on Krasokouloura, swap out the white wine for red wine and add plenty of warming holiday spices like cinnamon, ground cloves, and nutmeg. These would pair perfectly with some rich hot chocolate or spiced cider during the festive season.
Finally, get creative with the shapes you make your cookies in – the easy-to-work-with dough can be rolled into balls or twisted into knots – just like traditional Greek cookies called koulourakia. Don’t forget to sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for an authentic finishing touch!
No matter which variation you choose, these wine cookies are sure to impress any guest and transport them straight to Greece!
Serving and Pairing
Krasokouloura, also known as wine cookies, are a delightful accompaniment to a glass of Greek wine. These cookies have a subtle sweetness and hint of cinnamon that pairs perfectly with both red and white wine.
When serving krasokouloura, I suggest arranging them on a platter with a sprinkling of sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor. They can be served alongside other Greek desserts, such as moustokouloura or olive oil cookies, for a beautiful spread.
For pairing, try pairing the krasokouloura with a dry white Assyrtiko or a bold red Agiorgitiko. The contrast between the sweet cookie and the dry wine creates a balance that is both refreshing and delicious.
Krasokouloura also make a great addition to any dessert platter, and can be enjoyed with coffee or tea at any time of day. Their easy-to-grab shape makes them perfect for entertaining guests, whether it’s a formal dinner party or casual get-together.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Krasokouloura or Wine Cookies can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. Once the cookies are fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. The cookies can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat frozen cookies, simply thaw them out at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes and warm them up in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
You can also make the Krasokouloura dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to three days before baking. When ready to bake, take the dough out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes so that it softens a bit. Then you can shape the dough into various shapes including twists, knots, or circles, and brush them with olive oil before baking.
For an extra touch, you can sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the cookies before baking for added flavor and texture. These delicious traditional Greek wine cookies are perfect with a cup of coffee or tea and make great snacks or desserts any time of day.
Overall, these cookies are easy to make ahead of time and store well if prepared properly. They retain their wonderful flavor and texture when reheated and are a tasty treat perfect for any occasion.
Tips for Perfect Results
The krasokouloura, or wine cookies recipe, is a traditional Greek cookie that makes for a perfect snack. Making them may seem simple, but the final result can differ depending on certain factors. To ensure that your cookie dough turns out perfect every time, here are some tips that will enhance your baking skills.
Firstly, it is important to mix the ingredients properly. I suggest using a stand mixer to get a soft dough that is not too sticky. When making the dough by hand, be sure to mix the olive oil and sugar evenly so you do not end up with lumps in your dough.
Additionally, when working with this dough, I recommend using flour sparingly to avoid it becoming too dry. If the dough is dry and crumbly, add more wine until the desired consistency is achieved. This will make sure that the cookies turn out perfectly moist and not too hard.
Furthermore, while shaping the cookies, use a lightly floured surface to avoid sticking. The consistency of the dough should be such that it can be easily shaped into various forms without breaking apart when being baked.
For best baking results, use an oven thermometer. The temperature should be preheated at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn slightly golden brown. Do not over-bake as it can cause them to become too hard.
Finally, after removing the krasokouloura from the oven, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Alternatively, you can freeze them for future consumption.
By following these tips, you can guarantee excellent results every time you bake krasokouloura – delicious traditional Greek wine cookies that are perfect for any occasion!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these traditional Greek Krasokouloura or Wine Cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves sweets with a twist of wine. Not only are they easy and fun to make, but they also offer an interesting flavor that is unique to the Greek culture.
Using simple ingredients such as white wine, olive oil, sesame seeds, and cinnamon, these cookies can be prepared in various shapes and sizes, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. They can be served as a sweet dessert, or paired with cheese and fruits for a delightful snack.
These cookies have been enjoyed by Greeks for generations and are often present on special celebrations such as Christmas, weddings, or baptisms. They reflect the traditional Greek palate and evoke memories of old family recipes shared from generation to generation.
So why not bring some Mediterranean charm into your kitchen and try out this Krasokouloura or Wine Cookies recipe? I promise you will enjoy this rich combination of flavors that only traditional Greek cookies can offer. And who knows, you might even discover your new favorite cookie!
Krasokouloura or Wine Cookies (Greece) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/2 cup sunflower oil
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, preferrably toasted
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 8 cups all-purpose flour (more or less)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 4 tablespoons sesame seeds, again
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 340 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, beat together wine, sugar, salt, oils, cinnamon, cloves & 2 tablespoons sesame seeds.
- Dissolve baking soda in lemon juice & stir that blend into the mixture in the large bowl.
- Sift or whisk flower & baking powder together, then add 5 cups of this mixture to the large bow with the initial ingredients, mixing with handsl
- Continue adding flour & kneading until dough doesn't stick to the hands ~ Don't use all the flour if it isn't needed! Knead until dough is soft, about 8 minutes.
- TO MAKE SPIRALS ~ Take a piece of dough about the size of a small egg & squeeze a few times to soften. Scatter a few sesame seeds on the work surface & roll dough through seeds into a strip about 8 inches long. With strip on work surface, wrap into a spiral shape & tuck the end under the cookie.
- TO MAKE RINGS ~ Take a smaller piece of dough & roll out as above into a strip about 7 inches long. Form into a ring & pinch ends together with wet fingers.
- TO MAKE 'S' SHAPES ~ Take a larger piece of dough & roll out as above into a strip about 10 inches long. Working from both ends, wrap spirals in opposite directions until they meet in the middle.
- Place cookies on a nonstick or lightly oiled baking sheet & bake about 30 minutes.