Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

220g butter, softened to room temperature*
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla essence
1 egg
2 1/4 cups self rising flour
2 cups (350g) chocolate chips**
1 cup coarsly chopped walnuts (optional)

Method:

Preheat oven to 160C

In a large electric mixer bowl beat butter, sugar, brown sugar, egg and vanilla on medium speed until well mixed.

Gradually stir in flour with a wooden spoon (dough will be stiff). Stir in chocolate drops (and walnuts, if desired).

Place tablespoon sized portions onto ungreased baking sheets and bake for about 8 minutes or until edges are light brown (centres will be soft).

Remove from oven and place baking sheets on wire racks to cool for 5 minutes then remove cookies from baking trays and allow to cool completely.

Rince baking tray with cool water before placing next batch on them for baking.

Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

*butter should be soft not melted. It should be soft enough to leave a slight indent when pressed with your finger.

If taking butter right from fridge, you can zap it in microwave for 5-10 secs and this usually works to get it soft enough.

**I usually use one cup of milk chocolate chips and one cup of dark chocolate. :-)