Chocolate Chip Cookies

Recipes dedicated to chocolate would not be complete without the popular chocolate chip cookie. This basic recipe is delicious on its own but can also form the basis of several variations the only limit being the imagination.

6oz/175g plain flour

1 tsp baking powder

4½oz/125g soft margarine

3oz/90g light muscovado sugar

2oz/60g caster sugar

½tsp vanilla extract

4½oz/125g dark chocolate chips

Lightly grease two baking sheets.

Place all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and beat until well combined.

Place tablespoonfuls of the mixture on to the baking trays, spacing them well apart to allow for spreading during cooking.

Bake in a preheated oven, 190°C/375°F/Gas Mark 5, for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown.

Using a palette knife, transfer the cookies on to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations

• Choc & Nut Cookies – add 1½oz/40g chopped hazelnuts to the basic mixture.
• Double Choc Cookies – beat in 1½oz/40g melted dark chocolate
• White Chocolate Chip Cookies – use white chocolate chips instead of the dark chocolate chips.
• Mixed Chocolate Chip Cookies – use a mixture of dark, milk and white chocolate chips in the basic mixture.
• Chocolate Chip and Coconut Cookies – add 1oz/25g desiccated coconut to the basic mixture.
• Chocolate Chip and Raisin Cookies – add 1½oz/40g raisins to the basic mixture.

Next Time: Chocolate Fudge Pudding