Koullourakia 
Healthy Easter Recipe
By Fitness and Freebies
These cookies are closely associated with Easter in Greece, another of the Greek paschal traditions that include dyed red eggs that are given to friends and family. In some villages the blanched almonds are replaced by sesame seeds.
Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons shortening
1/4 cup oil
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
4-plus cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Milk and sesame seeds
Recipe Directions
Cream butter, shortening, oil and sugar. Add orange juice and vanilla.
Gradually beat in eggs until light and fluffy.
Mix flour with baking powder and soda and add to butter mixture. Dough should be soft and pliable. Chill 2 hours.
Roll into small twists and swirls. Place on baking sheets. Brush with milk and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Bake Greek Easter Cookies at 350 degrees until golden brown.
Variation: Sesame Greek Easter Cookies
Traditional Greek cookies are two small strands of dough twisted together and brushed with egg-milk mixture and sprinkled with sesame seed.
Ingredients
1 cup butter
1-1/2 cups sugar
Three eggs
1/2 cup orange juice
6 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
Oneegg, beaten (mixed with the milk)
7 tablespoons milk
Directions
Cream butter. Add sugar gradually. Add eggs one at a time alternately with orange juice.
Add flour that has been sifted with soda and baking powder, a little bit at a time. Should be a soft dough. Shape as desired and brush with egg and milk mixture. Traditional Greek cookies are 2 small strands of dough twisted together and brushed with egg-milk mixture and sprinkled with sesame seed.
Use greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375-degrees to 400-degrees for 10 to 12 minutes.
Easter Lore
The Greeks dye their Easter Eggs red to symbolize and honor the blood of Christ, while those in Germany and Austria, traditionally give green eggs on Maundy (or Holy) Thursday -- the day commemorating Christ's Last Supper.
