Greek Almond Cookies (Kourabiedes)
⏱ Time
Prep: 20 min
Bake: 15–18 min
👥 Makes
30–36 cookies
🧾 Ingredients
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250 g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for coating)
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1 egg yolk
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ tsp almond extract
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2½ cups all-purpose flour
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¾ cup toasted almonds, finely chopped
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Pinch of salt
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prep
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Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F.
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Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Cream butter
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Beat butter and powdered sugar until very pale and fluffy (important!).
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Mix in egg yolk, vanilla, and almond extract.
3️⃣ Combine
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Gradually add flour and salt.
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Fold in chopped almonds.
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Dough should be soft but not sticky.
4️⃣ Shape
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Shape into crescents, balls, or logs.
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Place on baking sheet (they won’t spread much).
5️⃣ Bake
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Bake 15–18 minutes.
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Bottom should be lightly golden, tops pale.
6️⃣ Sugar coat
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Cool slightly.
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Roll generously in powdered sugar.
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Let cool completely, then roll again.
🍪 Tips for Authentic Flavor
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Toast almonds first 🌰
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Don’t overbake — pale = tender
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Some versions add 1 tbsp ouzo or brandy