Kourabiedes (Greek Christmas Cookies) Without the Nuts

Celebrate the holidays with these melt-in-your-mouth Kourabiedes!

These classic Kourabiedes are Greek Christmas cookies, and this time, I’ve made them without nuts. They’re so easy to make and literally melt in your mouth. They have a buttery, crumbly texture and a generous dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, they’re a festive and delicious treat everyone will love!

If you’re going to someone’s house and want to bring something special, there’s nothing better than a homemade gift made with love. So, I love giving these out during the holiday season. I make these year-round because they are just that good, but I typically make the traditional kourabiedes with almonds. However, cookies are my weakness, so I’ll eat a lot of both.

Why will I make these all year, too?

Melt in your mouth,

Buttery, crumbly,

Light and airy,

Sweet orange blossom,

Powdery cookies.

What do I need to make Greek Christmas cookies?

Unsalted butter -soften it by leaving it on the counter for over an hour so all the other ingredients cream together.

Confectioner sugar -sweetens the cookies without adding a sandy texture.

Pure vanilla extract -a good quality because there are so few ingredients, it definitely shines through.

Orange blossom water -you can use rose water also or change it up to what your family likes best.

Egg yolks -Keep the cookie light, rich, and chewy instead of dense and crispy.

All-purpose flour -I haven’t used another flour, but let me know if you have success with another.

Baking soda -makes the cookies rise and spread into the shape.

Baking powder -encourages soft chewiness in the cookie while the outside gets crisp.

Salt -balances the sugar’s sweetness and highlights your cookie’s flavor.

Confectioners’ sugar -for garnish

Can I use another flavor other than orange blossom water?

If you’re not a fan of orange blossom water, then you probably will also not be fond of rosewater, which is a good substitute. In that case, omit the orange blossom water from the recipe and add two teaspoons of vanilla extract. For almond-flavored cookies, use one teaspoon of vanilla and one teaspoon of pure almond extract.

How do I prepare the cookie trays?

Preheat the oven to 350 °F, 180 °C, and line 3 baking trays with parchment paper.

What’s the best way to combine the wet ingredients?

In the bowl of a tabletop mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and orange blossom water. Beat on low speed until combined and then increase the speed to high and beat for 5 minutes.

Reduce the speed to low and add the egg yolks. Beat until incorporated.

How do you add the dry ingredients?

Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl and whisk together. Slowly add the flour mixture to the mixer while it is beating on low speed. Beat until a dough comes together.

How do you shape the cookies?

Take a walnut-sized piece of dough and roll it into a ball. Place on the prepared baking tray. To make moon-shaped cookies, take a walnut-sized piece of dough and roll it into a rope. Place it on the baking tray and curve the edges to form a moon or a “c.”

How long do I bake the cookies?

Bake the cookies on the center rack of the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until slightly golden.

What’s the best way to get the powdered sugar to stick?

Pour the orange blossom water into a spray bottle or into a small bowl. As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, spray them with the orange blossom water or lightly brush them with it. Dust them with a liberal amount of confectioner sugar and allow them to cool completely.

How long will these cookies last?

Not long at my house. Ha! Transfer the cookies to airtight containers, a cookie jar, or gift containers, and store them at room temperature for up to 10 days.

Do you have more Greek Christmas cookies?

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

Classic Melomakarona with Semolina: Greek Christmas Cookies

Gluten-free Greek Christmas Cookies (Almond & Cherry Amygdalota)

Linzer Cookies

Lemony Snowflake Shortbread Cookies

Decorated Butter Cookies with Cherries

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