Start by asking an adult to preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas mark 6 for you. The oven will then be ready to use when you've finished making your cookies.

Next, make the cookie dough. Put the softened butter and the sugar into a mixing bowl and use a wooden spoon to beat it until it is light and fluffy.

Beat the egg with a whisk (or ask an adult to help you do this with an electric whisk) and add the egg to the mixture. Add a few drops of vanilla essence and keep beating the mixture until it is smooth. Stir in the flour, making sure it is mixed in well. The mixture should start to form a stiff dough in the bowl.