Lemon Greek Easter Cookies (Koulourakia)

Preheat oven to 350 F.

In a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer, beat butter and shortening until creamy. Add eggs and sugar. Continue to beat on medium until mixture is light and fluffy, about 10 minutes. Add lemon zest and juice and mix to combine. Carefully mix in the flour, baking powder and baking soda until fully combined. Batter will be thick.

Work with small pieces of dough at a time, about a golf ball size. Roll each piece of dough into a strip that is about 5 inches long and ½ inch thick. Make a “u” shape with the dough strip, cross one side over the other and twist into a twisted rope shape. Arrange cookies on a parchment paper- or Silpat-lined baking sheet leaving a little space between each.

Brush cookies with milk and sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of sugar. Bake for 15 minutes or until slightly browned.