Choc chip cookies

Makes 16

125 g unsalted butter

185 g (1 cup) soft brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla essence

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 tablespoon milk

215 g (1¾ cups) plain flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

250 g (1½ cups) dark chocolate bits (chocolate chips)

❶    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F/ Gas 4). Line a large baking tray with baking paper.

❷    Cream the butter and sugar with electric beaters in a large bowl. Mix in the vanilla essence and gradually add the egg, beating well. Stir in the milk. Sift the flour and baking powder into a large bowl, then fold into the butter and egg mixture. Stir in the dark chocolate bits.

❸    Drop level tablespoons of the cookie mixture onto the baking tray, leaving about 4 cm between each cookie, then lightly press with a floured fork. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Cool on a wire rack.