The Olympic games, the Parthenon, the Pythagorean Theorem – there are many things Greece is famous for, but Greek cookies aren’t one of them.
They might not be as popular as classic American cookies, but I’ll tell you what – they deserve some attention, too.
While I do agree that nothing beats chocolate chip cookies, I still implore you to explore something different. You won’t regret it.
Today, I have for you 10 Greek cookies that’ll make you realize just how mouthwatering this country’s cookie selection is.
Widen your cookie horizon with these Greek cookies!
From the amygdalota to the melomakarona to the koulourakia, these treats might just make you want to pay the beautiful country a visit.
1. Patouda – Greek Honey and Date Pastries
Patouda is a Greek pastry flavored with dates and honey.
Think of it as a flaky and buttery turnover with a sweet willing of honey, nuts, dates, and seeds flavored with spices.
It’s also dusted with powdered sugar for extra charm and sweetness.
This recipe uses walnuts and almonds, but feel free to experiment with different nut varieties.
Serve it with coffee or tea, or just snack on it on its own. It’ll be amazing either way.
While it’s commonly served during Easter, I urge you to try it now. While it does call for making pastry from scratch, it’s worth it.
2. Orange & Almond Olive Oil Biscotti: Greek Vegan Paximadia
If you’re familiar with my blog, you know just how fond of biscotti I am.
I love how aromatic they are. And the magic that happens whenever I dunk it in coffee is just priceless.
It turns out, Greece also has its own version of biscotti! It’s called paximadia, and it’s incredible.
This particular recipe uses almonds and orange to add flavor to paximadia, but there are many other combinations you can try.
Personally, I can’t wait to try the almond-anise and pistachio-cranberry!
3. Koulourakia (Greek Easter Cookies)
Koulourakias are sweet and crunchy cookies most often served at Easter.
Their charming, twisty shape and shiny glaze definitely make them holiday-worthy!
Their flavor is simple, but it hits the spot. The combination of butter and orange makes them wonderfully bright and refreshing.
They may look dense and heavy at first glance, but you’d be surprised at just how light and airy they are.
4. Melomakarona (Greek Christmas Honey Cookies)
First of all – how fun does “melomakarona” sound, am I right? Its name alone was enough to intrigue me.
These are Greek honey cookies that are unbelievably tender, moist, and bursting with aroma and flavor.
They look simple from the outside, but don’t be fooled by their unassuming appearance.
Flavored with oranges and honey, infused with cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and garnished with a blend of crushed walnuts, cinnamon, and cloves, to boot, these guys will surely blow your tastebuds away.
5. Amygdalota (Greek-style Chewy Almond Cookies)
The name amygdalota is derived from the Greek word “amygdale,” meaning “almonds. From this, you already know these cookies are delicious.
These meringue cookies are crispy and crunchy on the outside and ridiculously chewy on the inside.
And as you may have guessed, they’re wonderfully flavored with almonds.
Besides the almonds, they’re also infused with orange blossom water, which gives them an extra layer of refreshing goodness.
This way, while meringue cookies are inherently sweet, they’re not overly so.
Instead, they have a wonderful balance of flavor that’ll make you want to gobble them up, one after another.
6. Greek Moustokouloura
Have you ever had a grape-flavored cookie? If the answer is no, let’s remedy that today, shall we?
The Greek moustokoulora are probably the most unique cookies you’ll ever lay your eyes (and tastebuds) on.
With a light brown hue and a wreath-like design, these cookies are definitely one-of-a-kind.
Besides their appearance, their flavor is also extraordinary.
Concentrated grape, brandy, orange juice, cinnamon, and cloves are among the flavors you can expect from these delectable delights!
Sweet, fruity, bright, and citrusy with a spicy twist, these cookies are definitely one for the books.
7. Kourabiedes (Greek Butter Cookies)
I’m such a sucker for butter cookies, so when I came across this Greek version, I knew I had to try it.
You might also know these cookies as Mexican wedding cookies, Russian tea cakes, and snowballs, but in Greece, they’re called kourabiedes.
These are buttery and crumbly shortbread cookies covered in powdered sugar.
They’re sweet, but not overwhelmingly so, which makes them even more addictive. Believe me, you’ll snack on these cookies nonstop.
8. Roxakia
First of all, how pretty are these pastries?! They’re definitely worthy of a special occasion.
Those two-toned swirls alone already make them super festive. Their flavors and textures are so terrific, one bite will get you into the holiday spirit.
These Christmas delights are made of buttery and flaky pastries drizzled with a sweet orange and spice syrup.
The pastries have a brown-tinged center, which is thanks to cocoa powder. If you’re a fan of the chocolate and orange flavor combo – these are a must-try.
9. Ergolavi
Ergolavi is a simpler, yet delectable iteration of the amygdalota (Greek almond cookies).
They’re also often described as the Greek version of the French macarons, and I think they’re awesome.
They’re crunchy on the outside, incredibly moist and chewy on the inside, and bursting with almond goodness in every bite.
What makes them even greater than French macarons is that they’re a lot easier to make. Just 30 minutes and they’re ready to serve.
10. Greek Walnut-filled Chocolates (Kariokes)
Let’s end this round-up with a bang, shall we? These walnut-filled chocolate are definitely dynamite.
Kariokes are no-bake cookies covered in dark chocolate. I’m drooling just thinking about them.
The cookies are made from a mix of crushed biscuits and walnuts flavored with butter, sugar, brandy, and cocoa powder.
I love the use of pre-made cookies here. With this technique, who needs to learn how to bake?
They’re embarrassingly easy to make, but so decadent at the same time. What’s not to love?
10 Traditional Greek Cookies
Ingredients
Instructions
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a Greek cookie recipe in 30 minutes or less!
