Craving a Cookie? Bake a Perfect Single Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie in Minutes

Is that sweet craving hitting hard? You know the feeling – only a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie will do. But the thought of baking a whole batch when you just want one can feel like too much effort. Enter the magic of the single serve chocolate chip cookie! This recipe is your express ticket to cookie heaven, delivering a thick, chunky, and incredibly chocolatey treat in just about 30 minutes, chilling time included! Yes, you read that right – this recipe is perfectly crafted for one glorious cookie.

Alt text: Hand holding a broken single serve chocolate chip cookie with visible melted chocolate and flaky sea salt.

Alt text: Interior view of a single serve chocolate chip cookie, highlighting its chewy texture and melted chocolate.

While I stand by my Thick Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies as some of the best cookies ever (seriously, try them!), sometimes you just need a single, satisfying treat. Whether you’re baking for one, practicing portion control, or simply don’t want the temptation of a dozen cookies staring back at you, this single serve cookie recipe is your answer.

Keep reading for all the details, expert tips, and tricks to make your single serve chocolate chip cookie absolutely perfect!

Why Single Serve Cookies are a Game Changer

The beauty of “single serve” recipes lies in their simplicity and practicality. A single serve recipe is designed to make just one portion – ideal when you’re cooking or baking for yourself. But why are Single Serve Cookies specifically such a game changer?

Perfect for Solo Indulgence: Living alone? Sometimes you just want a treat without the leftovers. Single serve cookies are portioned perfectly for one.
Mindful Portion Control: Watching your intake? A single cookie is a controlled indulgence, satisfying your sweet tooth without derailing your goals.
Say Goodbye to Waste: No more leftover dough or cookies going stale. You bake exactly what you need, minimizing food waste.
Instant Gratification: Craving a cookie now? This recipe is quick, satisfying that immediate desire without committing to a large batch.

In today’s world, where individual portions and mindful eating are increasingly popular, single serve recipes are becoming a kitchen essential. And when it comes to satisfying a sweet craving, nothing beats a freshly baked, warm single serve chocolate chip cookie.

Alt text: Baked single serve chocolate chip cookie on parchment paper, showcasing its size and toppings.

Elevate Your Single Serve Cookie: Expert Baking Tips

While cookies are generally straightforward to bake, a few key techniques can transform a good cookie into an exceptional one. Follow these expert tips to ensure your single serve chocolate chip cookie is bakery-level delicious!

Precise Measurement is Key

In baking, accuracy is paramount, especially in single serve recipes where ingredient ratios are crucial. Using proper baking measuring spoons is essential, as standard kitchen spoons can vary in size. Invest in a set of baking measuring spoons for consistent results. And remember the golden rule of flour measurement: always fluff it up in the container first, then lightly spoon it into your measuring spoon, avoiding packing it down.

The Vigor of Whisking

Don’t underestimate the power of whisking your sugars and butter! This step is more than just combining ingredients – vigorous whisking incorporates air and helps dissolve the sugar crystals into the butter. This process significantly contributes to the cookie’s final texture, creating a chewy and slightly crisp edge. Spend a minute or two really whisking for optimal results.

Choose Quality Chocolate, Ditch the Chips

The star of any chocolate chip cookie is, undeniably, the chocolate. For the ultimate chocolate experience, I strongly recommend using chopped chocolate bars instead of pre-packaged chocolate chips (or even chocolate chunks). Chocolate chips often contain stabilizers that prevent them from melting fully during baking. Chopped chocolate, on the other hand, melts beautifully into irresistible puddles of chocolate throughout the cookie, creating a far more decadent texture.

You can choose semi-sweet or dark chocolate based on your preference, but I personally love the richness of dark chocolate to balance the cookie’s sweetness. Lindt 70% cocoa bars are a fantastic option for this recipe.

Chill Out for Chewier Cookies

I know, patience is tough when a cookie craving strikes! But chilling the cookie dough, even for a short 10-15 minutes, makes a world of difference. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a more complex and delicious cookie. It also firms up the butter, which prevents the cookie from spreading too thin during baking, leading to a chewier, gooier texture. The good news? This single serve recipe only requires a brief chill time!

Master the Bake Time: Don’t Overbake!

Overbaking is a common cookie mistake, but remember that cookies continue to firm up as they cool outside of the oven. The perfect time to pull your single serve cookie out is when the edges are set and golden brown, but the center still looks slightly soft. It will continue to bake from the residual heat and achieve that perfect chewy center as it cools. Using a lighter colored cookie sheet also helps prevent the bottom of the cookie from browning too quickly.

Alt text: Broken single serve chocolate chip cookie showing the interior with melted chocolate and sea salt flakes.

Video Recipe: Watch & Bake Along

For those who learn best visually, here’s a quick video tutorial to guide you through each step of this single serve chocolate chip cookie recipe. Watch along and bake your perfect cookie!

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Your Single Serve Cookie Questions Answered (FAQ)

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common questions about making single serve chocolate chip cookies:

Can I Scale Up This Recipe?

Absolutely! You can easily double, triple, or even quadruple this recipe to make more cookies. However, if you’re looking to bake a larger batch (around 8 cookies), I recommend checking out my full-batch chocolate chip cookie recipe for optimized ingredient ratios and baking instructions for a bigger quantity.

Sugar Reduction: Is it Possible?

While you might be tempted to reduce the sugar, I don’t recommend it for this recipe. Sugar plays a vital role in the cookie’s texture, contributing to its gooey center. If sweetness is a concern, ensure you don’t skip the pinch of salt and use dark chocolate to balance the flavors.

Chocolate Chips vs. Chopped Chocolate: Does it Matter?

Yes, it truly does! While chocolate chips will work in a pinch, using chopped chocolate bars elevates the cookie to a whole new level. Chopped chocolate melts into luscious puddles, creating a far superior texture and richer chocolate experience compared to chips that often retain their shape.

How to Know When It’s Perfectly Baked?

The key is to look for set edges and a slightly soft center. When the edges are golden brown and firm to the touch, but the middle still appears a bit soft, it’s time to take the cookie out. Remember, it will continue to firm up as it cools. Slightly underbaking is preferable to overbaking for a chewy, gooey result.

Make Ahead Magic: Baking Now or Later?

Yes! You have a couple of make-ahead options. Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For even fresher results, you can keep the cookie dough chilled in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, simply scoop and bake as directed – chilled dough might require a minute or two of extra baking time.

Alt text: Close-up of a hand holding a single serve chocolate chip cookie, emphasizing its warm, freshly baked appearance.

Alt text: Hand splitting a single serve chocolate chip cookie, highlighting the melted chocolate and sea salt topping.

Single Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

This recipe yields one perfectly portioned, decadent chocolate chip cookie.

Print Recipe

Description

A single chunky, gooey and chocolatey cookie which comes together in just 30 minutes!

Ingredients

1.25 tbsp butter (18g)
1 tbsp brown sugar, packed (13g)
½ tbsp white sugar (7g)
½ egg yolk
3 tbsp flour (25g)
⅛ tsp baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 oz chopped dark chocolate (28g)

Instructions

Melt the butter in a small bowl in the microwave, using 8-second intervals to prevent burning.
Add the white and brown sugar to the melted butter and whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes until well combined and slightly lightened in color.
Add half of an egg yolk and whisk again for 30-60 seconds until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
Sift in the flour, baking soda, and salt directly into the wet ingredients. Use a small rubber spatula or spoon to gently fold until the flour is almost combined, with just a few streaks remaining. Avoid overmixing.
Add the chopped chocolate and continue to gently fold just until no more streaks of flour are visible. Do not overmix after adding the dry ingredients and chocolate – gentle mixing is key for a tender cookie.
The batter will be a bit soft at this stage. Don’t worry, cover the bowl and chill in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to firm up.
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
Once the dough is chilled, gently form it into a ball and place it onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookie is firm around the edges but still slightly soft in the middle.
Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes before enjoying. The cookie will continue to set as it cools.

Video tutorial:

Notes

For optimal flavor and texture, chill the cookie dough for a minimum of 10-15 minutes in the freezer. For even better results, chill in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.
Using a light-colored baking sheet is recommended, as darker sheets can cause the cookie to brown too quickly and become overly crispy on the bottom.
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 10 min
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

More Delicious Single Serve Dessert Ideas

If you loved the ease and deliciousness of this single serve chocolate chip cookie, why not explore more single serve dessert options? Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without making a large batch! Consider trying:

Single Serve Brownie: Indulge in a fudgy brownie, perfectly portioned for one.
Single Serve Mug Cake: Ready in minutes in your microwave, mug cakes are incredibly convenient for a quick dessert.
Single Serve Cheesecake: Enjoy a mini cheesecake without the fuss of a full-sized version.

These single serve desserts are all fantastic options when you crave a sweet treat but want to keep portions controlled and minimize leftovers. Happy baking!