There are few things in this world more homely and pleasant than a tray of freshly-baked, still-warm cookies. Even better are a tray of freshly-baked, still-warm cookies which are relatively simple to prepare, require very few ingredients and taste good, too.

You can't make cookies much simpler, or tastier, than these. Of course, they aren't exactly low-fat, but the best things in life usually aren't.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 4 cups flour
• Dash of vanilla essence

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.

2. Mix together butter and sugar. It will mix more quickly if the butter is at room temperature.

3. Add your dash of vanilla essence.

4. Mix in the flour to make dough.

5. Then flatten out your dough with a greased roller or with your hands, cut it into preferred cookie shapes and bake until lightly brown.

You can add a little variety by pressing an occasional raisin, chocolate chip or M&M on top of the cookies.