These easy Greek vanilla cookies are soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and bursting with the aroma of vanilla and orange zest. They are the perfect cookies to enjoy with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk, and their simple ingredients make them ideal for everyday baking. Shape them into twists, braids, or any design you like – they always come out golden, fragrant, and irresistible.
Easy Vanilla Cookies – Fluffy & Aromatic with Simple Pantry Ingredients
55
servings30
minutes25
minutes84
kcal55
minutesThese Greek vanilla cookies are light, fluffy, and fragrant with vanilla and orange zest.
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Ingredients
- For the Cookies
5 5 Large Eggs
250 g 9 oz Butter, at room temperature
350 g 1 3/4 cup Sugar
150 g 2/3 cup Milk
3 3 Vanillin Capsules
1 pinch 1 pinch Salt
Zest of 2 oranges (or 1 tsp dried orange powder)
1 kg 8 cup All-purpose flour
2 tsp 2 tsp Baking Powder
- For Brushing
1 1 Egg
1 shot 1 shot Glass Water
How to make Greek Vanilla Cookies
- In a mixing bowl, add the eggs, sugar, pinch of salt, vanilla, and orange zest. Beat with a mixer for 3–5 minutes until the mixture becomes fluffy.
- Add the softened butter and mix briefly on low speed.
- In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. Gradually add to the wet mixture while mixing.
- Pour in the milk and mix until you have a soft dough that doesn’t stick to your hands.
- Let the dough rest for 15 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 30 g (1 oz) portions. Shape each into twists, braids, or the design of your choice.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg with the water and brush the cookies with the mixture.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C (340°F) for 20–25 minutes, until golden.
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The Tradition of Greek Vanilla Cookies
Koulourakia with vanilla are one of the most beloved Greek treats, often baked during Easter but also enjoyed year-round with coffee or tea. Their delicate crunch and fragrant flavor make them a timeless favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses basic pantry ingredients you already have at home.
- Lightly sweet with a hint of orange and vanilla aroma.
- Flexible: shape them into braids, twists, or rounds.
- Perfect for snacking, coffee time, or gifting.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Make sure your butter is room temperature for easy mixing.
- Don’t overbake – remove them once golden brown for the best texture.
- Store in an airtight container or tin box so they stay fresh and crisp.
Check these Recipes
- Soft Chocolate Cookies – Crispy Outside, Chewy Inside
- Fluffy Orange Vanilla Cookies
- Greek Moustokouloura – Grape must cookies
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes! You can prepare the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking.
Absolutely. Once baked and cooled, store them in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months.
Store in a tin box or airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 1 week.
Yes, but the flavor will be slightly different. Butter gives the best aroma and traditional taste.
Nutrition Facts
55 servings per container
Calories84
- Amount Per Serving% Daily Value *
- Total Fat
4.1g
7%
- Saturated Fat 2.4g 10%
- Cholesterol 21mg 8%
- Sodium 28mg 2%
- Amount Per Serving% Daily Value *
- Total Carbohydrate
11g
4%
- Dietary Fiber 0.3g 0%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 1.4g 2%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.