These Greek shortbread cookies are super easy to make and the gluten-free version has a nice buttery texture. My dad uses almond but today I used the rose extract that I bought while shopping with my friend Meher. It smells ah-mazing. Dusted with powdered sugar duster and graced with a clove, you definitely want to try making these at least once a year.
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Gluten Free Kourambiethes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 1 dozen cookies 1x
Description
These gluten-free Greek shortbread cookies have a buttery texture and are delicately flavored with rose extract, making them a delightful treat.
Ingredients
- 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup (240 ml) gluten-free flour
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup (240 ml) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 cup (240 ml) powdered sugar, for dusting
- 1 tsp vanilla or rose extract
- 1/2 tsp whole cloves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking trays with parchment paper.
- Sift the gluten-free flour and baking powder together in a bowl.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the room-temperature butter until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolk and vanilla or rose extract to the butter, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking trays.
- Press a whole clove into the center of each cookie ball.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the tray before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cool, generously dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For a traditional flavor, use almond extract instead of rose.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet gift.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 5
- Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 20
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are kourambiethes?
Kourambiethes are traditional Greek shortbread cookies dusted generously with powdered sugar and pressed with a whole clove in the center. The article describes them as super easy to make with a buttery texture, and notes they are typically made around the holidays.
Can I use a different extract flavor?
Yes. The recipe gives you a choice between vanilla or rose extract (1 tsp). The article notes the author’s dad traditionally uses almond extract, while she used rose extract she found while shopping. The notes also confirm almond extract as the traditional option if you want to stay classic. 
How long do these cookies keep?
The notes say to store them in an airtight container for up to a week, making them a good make-ahead option for holiday gatherings or as edible gifts.
