🍎 Apple-Filled Kourabiedes: the Greek holiday cookie you need to try 🍎

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil reduces saturated fat while maintaining moisture.

ground almonds

🥗Healthier: ground oats

💰Cheaper: ground sunflower seeds

Ground oats are more affordable and gluten-free.

powdered sugar

🥗Healthier: erythritol

💰Cheaper: granulated sugar

Erythritol provides sweetness with fewer calories.

walnuts

🥗Healthier: pecans

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Pecans are a good substitute for flavor and texture.

Begin by making the dough. Ensure you have 1 pound of unsalted butter softened at room temperature.

Add 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 cup of confectioner sugar, and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract to the bowl with the butter.

Start mixing on low speed to avoid splattering, then increase to medium-high for about 3-4 minutes until fluffy.

In a separate bowl, combine 4 cups (560 g) of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and the zest of one clementine (about 1 teaspoon). Whisk together.

Once the butter mixture is fluffy, add 4 egg yolks and mix until incorporated.

Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture in 2-3 batches.

After all flour is incorporated, use a spatula to mix everything together, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl.

If the dough is too sticky, add 1/2 cup of flour and mix again until incorporated. Set the dough aside to rest.

For the filling, peel and grate 3 small Gayla apples using a box grater, discarding the core.

Squeeze out excess juice from the grated apples and transfer them to a bowl.

Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 cup of light brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, 1/2 cup of ground walnuts, and raisins to the grated apples. Mix until combined.

Measure 50 grams of dough for each cookie and flatten it in your hand.

Place 1 tablespoon of the apple filling in the center of the flattened dough.

Pinch the edges together and roll back into a ball.

Use a fork to create a design on top of each cookie, then place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake the cookies on the center rack for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Dust the cookies with powdered sugar once they cool down.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens