Kourabiethes: Sugared Almond Cookies

Kourabiethes are traditional Greek celebration cookies served at Christmas, weddings, baptisms, and other special occasions. Here in my home, as we get ready for Thanksgiving and then the December holidays, I start making these small shortbread-type cookies that are packed with roasted almonds and sprinkled with powdered sugar.

This is a great recipe for kids, and since my 9-year old granddaughter is my chief assistant, I put her to work. The dough is fairly dry so it won't stick to the hands, and it's easy to roll it into balls that are slightly flattened before baking. When the cookies are done and cooled, I put the powdered sugar in a strainer and she shakes it to give the cookies a thick coating.

This recipe for Sugared Almond Cookies is easier than some others, and the cookies are extremely light. If you're planning to make these to send as gifts, try this recipe for kourabiethes that are more dense and less likely to break during shipping. Kourabiethes keep well when stored in airtight containers, so don't hesitate to make large quantities.

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