Orange Olive Oil Cookies with Sesame | Greek Koulourakia

Greek olive oil cookies, known as koulourakia, are a timeless classic that fills the kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. These aromatic orange olive oil cookies with sesame are especially beloved for their crisp exterior, tender crumb, and irresistible citrus aroma. Made without butter, they rely on high-quality oil, fresh orange juice, zest, and warming spices to create a cookie that is both fragrant and satisfying.

Orange Olive Oil Cookies with Sesame | Greek Koulourakia

Recipe by George Zolis

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: CookiesCuisine: GreekDifficulty: Easy

Servings

90

cookies

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

170

kcal

Total time

40

minutes

Traditional Greek olive oil cookies flavored with fresh orange juice, zest, cinnamon, and vanilla, coated in sesame seeds. Crisp, fragrant, and perfect with coffee.

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Ingredients

Metric US

• 1 cup 1 Sunflower Oil

• 1 cup 1 Olive Oil

• 1 cup 1 Orange Juice

• 1/2 cup 1/2 Brandy

• Zest of 2-3 oranges

• 8 cups 8 All-purpose Flour

• 2 tsp 2 Baking Powder

• 1 tsp 1 Baking Powder

• 1 tbsp 1 Ground Cinnamon

• 1 pinch 1 Salt

• 2 tsp 2 Vanilla Extract

• Sesame seeds, for coating

How to make the Cookies

• In a large bowl, add sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
• Pour in the orange juice to activate the baking soda and stir briefly.
• Add the olive oil, sunflower oil, cognac, vanilla, and orange zest. Mix well.
• Gradually add the flour and knead gently for 1–2 minutes until a soft dough forms.
• Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
• Shape the dough into small cookies and roll each one in sesame seeds.
• Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C / 350°F (top & bottom heat) for 20–25 minutes, until lightly golden.
• Allow to cool before serving.

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What makes these cookies truly special is their simplicity. There’s no mixer required and no complicated steps. Just a quick dough that comes together in minutes. The combination of orange juice and baking soda creates a light, airy texture, while cinnamon and vanilla add depth and warmth. A splash of cognac enhances the aroma, giving the cookies that unmistakable traditional Greek bakery flavor.

Coating the cookies in sesame seeds before baking adds a subtle crunch and nutty note that pairs beautifully with the citrus. These cookies are perfect for fasting periods, everyday snacking, or serving alongside coffee and tea. They also store wonderfully, staying crisp for days, making them ideal for gifting or keeping on hand.

Whether you grew up enjoying these cookies or are discovering them for the first time, this recipe delivers authentic Greek flavor with minimal effort. They are perfect for breakfast, afternoon coffee, or a light dessert. Simple, fragrant, and utterly comforting.