1/2 c. softened butter
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa (carob powder can be substituted)
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda

In large bowl, cream butter, sugar, egg and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add flour (no need to sift flour). Add remaining ingredients and mix well. The dough will be stiff. Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes at 350 degrees.

For a variation, add finely chopped nuts or raisins or chocolate chips to the dough before baking.