Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and superfine sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process will take about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer. It’s essential for the butter to be well-softened to ensure an even mix and to create that perfect cookie texture.

Next, add the large egg and vanilla extract to your creamed mixture. Continue beating until fully combined, making sure the mixture is smooth.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, fine sea salt, and baking soda. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, incorporating slowly so as not to create a floury mess. Mix until a dough forms.

Now comes the fun part – fold in the chopped nuts, dark chocolate or chocolate chips, and orange zest. Use a spatula to ensure these add-ins are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Using a tablespoon or a small ice cream scoop, portion out the dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a lovely golden brown. Keep a close eye on them; you want that perfect balance of crispy edges and chewy centers.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Grab a glass of milk or a cup of tea and enjoy!