Makes 12 cookies, preparation 20 minutes

If you can make a good Chocolate Chip Cookie - you'll never be short of friends!

Ingredients:

• 350g plain flour
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 220g butter
• Pinch of salt
• 160g caster sugar
• 190g soft brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 325g dark chocolate chips

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5.
2. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine the butter, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract until creamy, then beat in the eggs and gradually fold in the flour mixture. Stir in the chocolate.
4. Split the dough in half, rolling each out into sausage shapes, approximately 2in in diameter. Wrap in cling film and chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.
5. When you are ready to bake, slice the log into slices 2cm/¾in thick and lay on a baking tray. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden.