Greek Butter Cookies - Koulourakia

Greek Butter Cookies just melt in your mouth. Koulourakia are usually served at  Greek Easter along with other delicious baked delicacies. I like these butter cookies for their flaky buttery taste along with a hint of orange and brandy.

1 cup butter, at room temperature
1 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoon vegetable shortening
1 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup orange juice
3 eggs
2 tablespoons brandy
7 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Sesame seeds

Beat butter, oil and shortening in a large bowl of  electric blender until well blended. Add sugar, 1/2 cup at a time blending well.  Stir baking soda into orange juice, stir. Add to butter mixture. Add eggs and brandy, mixing well.  Combine flour and baking powder. Add flour 1 cup at a time to creamed mixture. Remove from mixture when dough is heavy. Knead by hand until dough is smooth.  Tear off a piece of dough a little larger than a walnut. Roll between palms to form a pencil shape 6 to 7 inches long,  cross dough to form a twist. Place twists one inch apart on lightly greased cookie sheet. Brush with egg wash. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.  Bake 350 F for 20 minutes or until golden. Makes about 4 1/2 dozen cookies

Enjoy!