Chocolate Chip Cookies with Maldon Salt and Chilli

Makes 50 biscuits (using a small 3cm diameter ice cream scoop)

Prepare 2 baking trays by lining them with silicone baking paper or spraying them with non-stick cooking spray

Set your oven at 170°C (fan assisted, otherwise 180°C)

125g dark chocolate

150g flour

30g cocoa powder

5ml bicarbonate of soda

125g butter, at room temperature

75g brown sugar

50g white sugar

1tsp vanilla extract

1 large egg, lightly beaten

350g dark chocolate chips

7ml Maldon salt (optional, for those who dislike the salty tang)

2-3 chillies, deseeded, very finely chopped (optional)

Optional, few extra Maldon flakes

Chop chocolate into pieces, place in bowl and melt chocolate in the microwave
Sift the dry ingredients together
Cream the butter, sugars and vanilla until the mixture is light and fluffy (I use a food mixer)

Add the slightly cooled melted chocolate
Add the egg and about 100ml of the dry ingredients, beat well
Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until all incorporated
Lastly add the chocolate chips, the Maldon Salt and the chilli
Spoon the mixture onto the baking trays leaving at least 3cm between each cookie (I use a small spring release ice cream scoop)
If you would like extra salt, sprinkle a few flakes on the surface of each cookie