Koulourakia: Traditional Greek Butter Cookies vs Traditional Welsh Cakes (Picau ar y Maen)

Both treats start from butter, sugar, egg, milk and baking powder, but they handle them in opposite ways. Koulourakia cream softened butter with sugar into an airy base, add vanilla and, optionally, orange zest, then twist the dough into ropes, brush them with egg wash and bake them until golden and firm. Welsh cakes rub cold butter into flour, fold in dried currants and mixed spice, and cook cut rounds on a griddle until they puff slightly, finishing with a warm dusting of caster sugar.