Why Yiayia Anna’s Jam Kourabiedes Christmas Cookies Are a Must-Try This Festive Season.
Yiayia Anna’s Jam Kourabiedes Christmas Cookies comes in two forms. First, there’s the classic version we all know and love; a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread loaded with almonds and buried under a mountain of icing sugar. You can find the traditional one here. And then, there’s the Jam Version.
Now, let me tell you a little story about the original recipe. Yiayia’s handwritten recipe called for something we found a bit odd: Bulla Cream. At first, we were scratching our heads; what’s Bulla doing in kourabiedes? But the real challenge came when we tried to decipher her handwriting. She wrote “Bulla” in Greek letters, and the word “KRIM” (cream) was missing its “M,” leaving us with “KRI.” It took a bit of detective work, but we eventually figured it out! Below is Yiayia Anna’s original recipe.
Table of Contents
Yiayia Anna’s original handwritten recipe of Jam Kourabiedes Christmas Cookies.
I did a quick Google search to see if anyone else had posted a recipe like this, and guess what? Nothing. So, you might be looking at the first-ever Jam Kourabiedes to grace the internet.
What I did notice in Yiayia’s original recipe is that she left out the almonds. Whether it was an intentional omission or just her saying, “Why bother with almonds when jam’s the star of the show?” I’ll never know. But I stuck to her version, and let me tell you they taste fantastic.
If you’re looking for a twist on this classic favourite, this one’s a winner.
And hey, at least you know no one else is rocking up to Christmas with the same biscuits. You’ll be the talk of the dessert table guaranteed.
Here’s a video tutorial on how it all comes together if you’re more of a visual learner.
Combine the softened butter, caster sugar, vanilla sugar, plain flour, self raising flour and thickened cream into a bowl to form a dough.
Divide the dough into two halves and roll into balls.
Flatten into a disc and roll out into a circle.
Cut the dough into pizza-like slices like pictured.
Spoon some jam onto each slice, placing it on the very end (widest part of the slice)
Roll each slice starting from the wide base to the point. Ensure you seal all the edges so that no jam is exposed.
Bake at 180°C for 20 or so mins or until golden brown.
Heavily coat each biscuit with icing sugar
Store in a airtight container with plenty of icing sugar. These kourabiedes can last up to a couple of weeks.
Yiayia Anna’s Jam Kourabiedes
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine the butter, sugars, flours, and salt (if using) until mixed.
- Divide the dough in half and roll each half into a ball.
- Flatten each ball into a disc, then roll it out into a circle.
- Cut each circle into pizza-like slices.
- Place a small amount of jam at the base (widest part) of each slice.
- Roll each slice from the wide base to the point, sealing the edges to keep the jam from leaking during baking.
- Place the biscuits on a baking tray and bake at 180°C for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let them cool completely before dusting generously with icing sugar.
FAQs: Jam Kourabiedes Christmas Cookies Recipe
1. What makes Yiayia Anna’s Jam Kourabiedes Christmas Cookies different from the classic version?
Yiayia Anna’s Jam Kourabiedes Christmas Cookies are a unique twist on the traditional Greek shortbread. Instead of almonds, this version features a sweet jam center that takes the spotlight, making them an irresistible treat for the festive season.
2. Can I use any type of jam for Jam Kourabiedes Christmas Cookies?
Absolutely! You can use any jam you love, but fruit-forward flavours like raspberry, or strawberry pair beautifully with the buttery shortbread of the Jam Kourabiedes Christmas Cookies.
3. Can I make Jam Kourabiedes Christmas Cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can! These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to a week, making them perfect for early Christmas prep. Your Jam Kourabiedes Christmas Cookies will still be fresh and delicious when it’s time to share them with family and friends.
4. Why is Bulla Cream included in the original Jam Kourabiedes recipe?
Yiayia’s original recipe, written by hand, included Bulla Cream; a surprising ingredient for kourabiedes! While we initially found it odd, it adds a delightful creaminess to the dough.