Kourapiedes are delicious Cypriot shortbread cookies traditionally made with almonds and dusted with powdered sugar. They are also enjoyed throughout the year, but in particular at Christmas time, when many households make them and give them to friends and neighbours as a token of goodwill and peace.
HOW TO MAKE KOURAPIEDES
Ingredients:
250g of unsalted butter
1/2 cup of powdered sugar
1 egg yolk
1/4 cup of Cyprus brandy
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1/2 cup of finely chopped almonds
Instructions:
Pre-heat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg yolk, brandy, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Gently fold in the finely chopped almonds until evenly distributed throughout the dough and then take small portions of the dough and create your own shapes of choice.Â
Place each shape seperately on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are just beginning to turn golden around the edges.
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.
While the cookies are still warm, carefully roll them in powdered sugar until they are well coated and then allow them to cool completely.
Once the cookies have cooled, dust them with an additional layer of powdered sugar before serving.
