Ladokouloura (Greek Olive Oil Cookies)


These traditional Greek olive oil cookies have been a Greek staple for generations.  They’re loved in Greece as well as around the diaspora and they’re very easy to make. Not only a perfect breakfast treat, but also an on-the-go snack or an afternoon pick-me-up. And since they are vegan, they are perfect during Lent.

 



Made with olive oil & topped with crunchy sesame seeds, these lightly spiced cookies will become your new favorite!

Serves: 35  |  Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 4½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • ¼ cup brandy
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 cup sesame seeds

Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 340°F

  2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and baking soda and set aside.

  3. In a large bowl, whisk the sugar, olive oil, orange juice and zest, brandy and ground cinnamon and cloves.

  4. Slowly add the flour mixture to the olive oil mixture and gently stir.

  5. Mix until the cookie dough is soft, and no flour remains.

  6. Use a cookie scoop to scoop out a piece of dough and form it into a ball.

  7. Poke your finger into the center of the ball to create a hole.

  8. Very gently form the cookie to resemble a "mini doughnut". (use your fingers to shape it out).

  9. Dip the cookie into the sesame seeds to coat it thoroughly. Repeat for the remainder of the ladokouloura cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (each cookie sheet should hold 6-8 cookies).

  10. Bake for 22 mins until the cookies are a light brown color. Remove and allow them to cool on a wire rack before serving.