Koulouria (Greek Sesame Cookie Twists)

These delicious, lightly sweetened cookies are perfect for dunking in coffee or tea. But beware…one is never enough!

Ingredients

Cookie:

• 1 ¾ cups butter (3 ½ cubes)
• 1-cup sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 6 cups flour

Topping:

• 1 ½ cups sesame seeds
• 1 egg yolk, beaten
• 2 teaspoons milk
• ½ teaspoon sugar

Directions

1. Using electric mixer, cream butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
2. Mix dry ingredients in separate bowl.
3. Add egg mixture to dry ingredients, blending well. Add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time if dough is too dry. Dough should be pliable but very dense.
4. Scoop out portions of dough about the size of a small lemon.
5. Roll into 8–10 inch thin, long ropes. Ropes should be no thicker than a pencil or a woman’s “pinkie” finger. Shape into twists. 
6. Dip tops of twists in bowl of sesame seeds; shake off excess seeds.
7. Place twists on greased cookie sheet.
8. Combine beaten egg yolk, 2 teaspoons milk, and ½ teaspoon sugar.
9. Brush/dab each twist with egg yolk mixture.
10. Bake at 350° for 20–25 minutes; tops should be a light, toasty brown. Be careful not to over brown or burn the cookies.
11. Cool thoroughly; store in airtight container.