In the quest for even more chewy cookies, I found this recipe and tried it out. Kiddies love it (read: niece, nephew, daughter, self). Very easy to make and very little ingredients.

A few lessons learnt

• make sure to use caster sugar and not granulated sugar- completely changes the texture if you use granulated.
• the temperature and timing is crucial to produce the perfect balance of chew and crunch.
• upon removing from oven, the cookies will 'deflate' giving the flat look and maintaining the chewy center.

1. preheat the oven to 180C/gas mark 4. line several sheets with baking paper
2. beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, add in the egg and vanilla and mix until smooth.
3. sift in the flour, cocoa powder and bicarbonate of soda and beat until well mixed.
4. with dampened hands, roll walnut-sized pieces of dough into smooth balls and place on baking sheet, spaced well apart.
5. bake in a preheated oven for 10-12min or until set. leave to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.