Kourabiedes
 A plate of Kourabiedes in Greece | |
| Place of origin | Greece |
|---|---|
| Region or state | Greece, Cyprus, Greek diaspora |
| Associated national cuisine | Greek |
| Main ingredients | Butter, flour, sugar, almonds, powdered sugar |
| Ingredients generally used | Baking powder or baking soda |
| Similar dishes | Qurabiya, Ghoriba |
Kourabiedes or Kourabiethes (Greek: κουραμπιέδες, singular: κουραμπιές, kourabies) – also known as "Greek Wedding Cookies" – are Greek biscuits or cookie popular in Greece, Cyprus, and Greek communities in Anatolia, as well as across the Greek diaspora in the United States, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa and nations.
Terminology
The Greek word Kourabiedes comes from Turkish word kurabiye, which has an Arabic root غرّيبة (Ghoriba) which means cookies. Nowaday Kourabiedes in Turkey are called Kavala Kurabiyesi, which means Kavala style cookies.
Description
Kourabiedes may resemble light and airy shortbread, but are made with the addition of almonds. Almonds are the most important ingredient in a Kourabiede, and provide the cookie’s signature almond flavor. Other ingredients include large amount of butter, as well as flour, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract, among others.
There are variations of Kourabiedes that are made with the Greek spirit, Metaxa, for flavoring, though this is not as common as vanilla. Vanilla extract is most popular, although in Greece, mastika or rose water are also popular. In some regions of Greece, the Christmas kourabiedes are adorned with a single whole spice clove embedded in each biscuit.[1]
Kourabiedes are shaped either into circles, crescents or balls, then baked till slightly golden. Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, the Kourabiedes are rolled in confectioner's sugar (powdered/icing sugar) and left to cool. They are typically then rolled in powdered sugar again once cooled.[2]
Traditions
Kourabiedes are also especially popular for special occasions, such as Christmas or baptisms (christenings), though they're seen in Greece year-round. Kourabiedes are traditionally served at Greek weddings, hence the alternative name, Greek Wedding Cookies.
Regional variations
Greece
In Greece, Kourabiedes are commonly consumed during the Christmas season, as well as around Easter, and other holidays and special events. They are served traditionally at Greek weddings, as well as birthday parties and special occasions. They are also a popular treat for New Year’s festivities.