Now, let’s dive into the process of creating these delightful treats. Each step is a dance of precision and creativity, much like the afternoons spent watching my mum whip up her masterpieces.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Divide the dough into two equal parts. If you’re using cocoa powder, mix it into one half of the dough for a chocolatey twist.
7. Roll each portion of dough into a long rope, about 1 inch in diameter. If you’re using two different colors, twist them together gently for a marbled effect.
8. Cut the twisted dough into 4-inch pieces and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each twist.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft. It’s the perfect balance that my mum always insisted on.
10. Allow the twists to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.