Koulourakia (Greek Butter Cookies)

I got this recipe off a PBS television special on Christmas cookies. These are absolutely delicious with a hot cup of tea!

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Yields: 60 cookies

Ingredients

• 1  lb butter or 1  lb margarine
• 1 1⁄2 cups sugar
• 2  egg yolks, beaten
• 1⁄4 cup milk
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
• 2  teaspoons vanilla
• 4 -5  cups flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
•  sesame seeds
•  beaten  egg white

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper; set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter& sugar until very light& fluffy.
4. Add egg yolks, milk, baking powder, vanilla, cinnamon& baking soda; mix well.
5. Gradually add flour, about 1 cup at a time, until dough is no longer sticky (dough should not stick to your hands, but should not be too dry).
6. Dough should be easy to handle without chilling.
7. Take a 1" lump of dough, and roll into a 6" log on work surface.
8. Sprinkle a few sesame seeds on work surface; roll log over seeds.
9. Form log into a ring or twist; place on parchment-lined cookie sheets.
10. Brush each ring or twist with egg white.
11. Bake 15-17 minutes or until light golden brown.
12. Cool completely on wire rack.
13. Store in airtight container.