Ladokouloura Greek Olive Oil Cookies Recipe

Baking these cookies with olive oil and fresh orange juice was a delightful experience, as the aroma of citrus and spices filled my kitchen. The sesame seed topping added a touch of sophistication, making them not only tasty but beautifully textured.

A beloved Greek dessert, ladokouloura expresses Mediterranean flavors at their best. Rich olive oil and the fresh zest of oranges make a harmonious pairing of sweet and fragrant.

Ground cinnamon and cloves lend a touch of warmth, while the optional sesame seeds add a lovely crunch.

Ladokouloura Greek Olive Oil Cookies Recipe Ingredients

• Olive Oil: Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, aids heart health.
• Orange Juice: Adds natural sweetness, packed with Vitamin C.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice, known for antioxidant properties.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure, primary source of carbohydrates.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies, adds moisture when baked.
• Ground Cloves: Intensely aromatic, enhances the flavor profile.
• Orange Zest: Zesty and fragrant, boosts vitamin content.

Ladokouloura Greek Olive Oil Cookies Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

How to Make this Ladokouloura Greek Olive Oil Cookies Recipe

1. Set your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to warm up while you prepare the next steps. Take the baking sheet you intend to use and lay it out flat. Then line it with parchment paper. If you don’t have any parchment paper, you can also use wax paper; just be aware that your cookies may be a bit less crispy on the bottom.

2. In a big mixing bowl, combine the olive oil and sugar by whisking them together until they are thoroughly integrated and the sugar seems to have started to dissolve.

3. Stir in the fresh orange juice and orange zest into the olive oil mixture, so they are nicely combined.

4. In another bowl, combine and sift the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt.

5. Slowly incorporate the dry components into the wet mixture, using a wooden spoon or spatula to mix until all is combined, and a soft, smooth dough forms.

6. Select small amounts of dough and shape them either into ovals or small logs about 3 inches long.

7. When using, gently press one side of each cookie, which has been shaped into form, into the sesame seeds so as to coat them.

8. Put the cookies on the baking sheet that you prepared, sesame seed side up, and leave a little space between each one.

9. In the oven that has been preheated, bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cookies are light golden and firm.

10. Take the cookies out of the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes to finish baking. When you can handle the cookies, use a spatula to transfer them to a wire rack. Do not skip the baking sheet resting step; it ensures that the cookies keep a nice texture.

Ladokouloura Greek Olive Oil Cookies Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper (or wax paper)
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Another mixing bowl
6. Whisk
7. Wooden spoon or spatula
8. Measuring cups and spoons
9. Sifter
10. Zester or grater
11. Spatula
12. Wire rack

FAQ

• What type of olive oil should I use for Ladokouloura?A good quality extra virgin olive oil is the best choice for achieving a rich flavor that enhances the cookies.
• Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?Whole wheat flour can be used as a substitute, but it might alter the cookies’ texture and taste slightly, making them a bit denser.
• Is it necessary to use fresh orange juice?The first choice is vivacious and sweet-sour fresh orange juice. Next in line is bottled orange juice.
• Do I have to use the sesame seeds on top?You can opt not to use sesame seeds, but they add a nice texture and flavor to the final product.
• How should I store these cookies?An airtight container can hold the cookies at room temperature for a week. After that, the cookies should still be fine to eat, but their flavor and texture may have started to irreversibly change for the worse. In this week-long scenario, it seems that way.
• Can I freeze the cookies?Indeed, the cookies can be stored in the freezer for as long as three months. Serve them after bringing them back to room temperature.

Ladokouloura Greek Olive Oil Cookies Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, and use the same amount. This will give your baked goods a nuttier flavor and add fiber without changing the texture or structure of what you’re making.
You can substitute 1 cup of honey or maple syrup for the granulated sugar. If you use either of these, you might want to decrease the amount of orange juice a bit to re-establish the liquid ratio you had before.
Substituting olive oil with an equal amount of vegetable oil or melted coconut oil will give you a different flavor profile without altering the basic structure or formatting of the source material.
Lemon juice can be used instead of fresh orange juice for a more tart taste, though it will alter the flavor somewhat.
An alternative to the combination of cinnamon and cloves is to use pumpkin pie spice. It makes for a spiced variation on pumpkin butter.

Pro Tips

1. Use High-Quality Olive Oil Since olive oil is a key ingredient, use a high-quality, extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor. It will enhance the overall taste and give the cookies a pleasant, fruity undertone.

2. Chill the Dough After forming the dough and before shaping the cookies, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

3. Fresh Orange Zest For the brightest flavor, zest the orange right before adding it to the mixture. The fresh zest will provide a more vibrant citrus note than pre-zested orange.

4. Adjust Baking Time Depending on your oven, you might need to adjust the baking time slightly. Look for cookies that are light golden in color and feel firm to the touch. If they seem too soft after 20 minutes, give them an extra minute or two, but keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking.

5. Toast the Sesame Seeds For added flavor, lightly toast the sesame seeds before using them as a topping. This can bring out their nutty flavor and add a lovely aroma to the cookies. Just a few minutes in a dry pan over medium heat until they are golden should do the trick.