Easy cookies recipe
 Whip up a batch of easy cookies in no time, with Allegra McEvedy's basic cookie dough. 250g/9oz unsalted butter, softened150g/5oz golden granulated sugar2-3 drops vanilla extract1 free-range egg, beaten220g/½lb plain flour1 tsp baking powderpinch salt1-2 handfuls chocolate chips (optional)1-2 handfuls nuts (such as peanuts, macadamia nuts, or brazil nuts) (optional)1-2 handfuls crystallised ginger 250g/9oz unsalted butter, softened 150g/5oz golden granulated sugar 2-3 drops vanilla extract 1 free-range egg, beaten 220g/½lb plain flour 1 tsp baking powder pinch salt 1-2 handfuls chocolate chips (optional) 1-2 handfuls nuts (such as peanuts, macadamia nuts, or brazil nuts) (optional) 1-2 handfuls crystallised ginger Method In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until pale, fluffy and well combined. Beat in the vanilla extract and beaten egg, a little at a time, until well combined. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into the bowl and mix well until smooth and combined.Lay a large sheet of cling film (approx 30cm/12in square) onto a work surface and pour the cookie batter into the middle of it. Bring the far edge of the cling film over the cookie batter and towards you, then use the side of a palette knife to press the batter against the length of cling film. Wrap the cling film around the dough to form a sausage shape 7–8cm/3–4in wide. Twist the ends to secure and chill in the fridge for one hour, or until firm. (NB: At this stage, the cookie dough can be frozen until needed.)Preheat the oven to 200C/180 Fan/Gas 6.When the cookie dough is firm, cut 1cm/½in slices from it and arrange them on a baking tray with enough space around each to allow for the mixture spreading.The cookies can be cooked as they are. Alternatively, sprinkle over toppings of your choice, such as chocolate chips, nuts or crystallised ginger before cooking. Transfer the cookies to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are pale golden-brown.Set the cookies aside for 1–2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool. In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until pale, fluffy and well combined. In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until pale, fluffy and well combined. Beat in the vanilla extract and beaten egg, a little at a time, until well combined. Beat in the vanilla extract and beaten egg, a little at a time, until well combined. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into the bowl and mix well until smooth and combined. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into the bowl and mix well until smooth and combined. Lay a large sheet of cling film (approx 30cm/12in square) onto a work surface and pour the cookie batter into the middle of it. Lay a large sheet of cling film (approx 30cm/12in square) onto a work surface and pour the cookie batter into the middle of it. Bring the far edge of the cling film over the cookie batter and towards you, then use the side of a palette knife to press the batter against the length of cling film. Wrap the cling film around the dough to form a sausage shape 7–8cm/3–4in wide. Twist the ends to secure and chill in the fridge for one hour, or until firm. (NB: At this stage, the cookie dough can be frozen until needed.) Bring the far edge of the cling film over the cookie batter and towards you, then use the side of a palette knife to press the batter against the length of cling film. Wrap the cling film around the dough to form a sausage shape 7–8cm/3–4in wide. Twist the ends to secure and chill in the fridge for one hour, or until firm. (NB: At this stage, the cookie dough can be frozen until needed.) Preheat the oven to 200C/180 Fan/Gas 6. Preheat the oven to 200C/180 Fan/Gas 6. When the cookie dough is firm, cut 1cm/½in slices from it and arrange them on a baking tray with enough space around each to allow for the mixture spreading. When the cookie dough is firm, cut 1cm/½in slices from it and arrange them on a baking tray with enough space around each to allow for the mixture spreading. The cookies can be cooked as they are. Alternatively, sprinkle over toppings of your choice, such as chocolate chips, nuts or crystallised ginger before cooking. The cookies can be cooked as they are. Alternatively, sprinkle over toppings of your choice, such as chocolate chips, nuts or crystallised ginger before cooking. Transfer the cookies to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are pale golden-brown. Transfer the cookies to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are pale golden-brown. Set the cookies aside for 1–2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool. Set the cookies aside for 1–2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.