Chocolate Almond Cookies

• In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar and vanilla-flavoured syrup with electric beaters until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes. • Add the egg and beat until well combined, 1 minute.

• To the bowl, add the measured cocoa powder and basic sponge mix. On low speed, beat until dough comes together, 1-2 minutes. • Stir in flaked almonds until just combined.

TIP: Beat until the dough just comes together, overbeating can cause the cookies to become tough.

• Roll tablespoonfuls of cookie dough into balls. You should get 15-20 cookies. Place dough balls on two lined oven trays, allowing room for spreading. • Bake for 14-16 minutes or until just firm to touch. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

• When the cookies have cooled, heat a medium frying pan over medium-high heat. Toast shredded coconut, tossing, until golden, 2-3 minutes. Set aside. • Place white chocolate chips and the vegetable oil in a medium heatproof bowl. Microwave in 20 second bursts, stirring each time, until melted and smooth.