Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large mixer bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, and beat well. Beat in the orange juice and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and baking soda. Gradually beat flour mixture into butter mixture. Cover and refrigerate the cookie dough for one hour, until it's firm enough to handle easily.

Step 2

Roll the chilled dough into balls 1-1/4 inch in diameter. Roll each ball into a 6-inch rope, then fold in half and twist twice. Place the cookies 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Editor's Tip: Another classic way to make these cookies is to form them into an S shape. Mix it up!

Step 3

In a small bowl, beat the eggs, and brush over the prepared dough. Bake the kouloukaria for 7 to 12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown. Remove the cookies from the oven, and transfer to wire racks for cooling.