Classic Southern Chess Pie vs Koulourakia: Traditional Greek Butter Cookies

Both desserts rely on butter, sugar, eggs and milk, but use them very differently. The chess pie whisks melted butter, generous sugar and four eggs with milk, cornmeal and a little vinegar into a sweet filling, baked in a crust until the edges set and the center keeps a slight wobble. Koulourakia cream softened butter with sugar, then add flour and baking powder for a pliable dough that is twisted into shapes, brushed with egg wash and baked until golden and firm, scented with vanilla and optional orange zest.