Heat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4

Put the butter and sugars into a bowl and beat until light and fluffy

Beat in the egg

Sift the dry ingredients into the bowl, add the chocolate chips and nuts (if using)

Mix to a stiff dough

Using a heaped tablespoon as a measure roll the dough into balls then arrange on two large non-stick baking sheets. Flatten them slightly with your fingers and leave enough space for them to spread.

Bake for 12-15 minutes

Let cool for 3-5 minutes on the trays to firm up slightly and then transfer to a wire rake to cool

If you can resist eating them all, store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to a month