Sometimes, the cookie craving hits hard, and you know exactly what I mean. It’s late, you want something sweet, but the thought of baking a whole batch of cookies feels like way too much effort. Enter the magic of the Single Serve Cookie! This recipe is designed for those exact moments – when you desire just one, warm, gooey, and utterly satisfying chocolate chip cookie. Forget the leftovers, forget the temptation of dozens, this is about pure, instant dessert gratification.
Close-up shot of a freshly baked single serve chocolate chip cookie, highlighting its crispy edges and soft, gooey center
This single serve cookie recipe is all about ease and speed. We’re talking from craving to cookie in under 20 minutes, with minimal cleanup. Perfect for a late-night treat, a quick dessert after dinner, or whenever that single cookie craving strikes.
Why Single Serve Cookies Are a Game Changer
Let’s be honest, we’ve all been there. You want a cookie, but making a whole batch is overkill. Single serve cookies solve this problem beautifully.
- No Waste: You make exactly what you need, eliminating leftover cookies that might go stale or tempt you to overindulge.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and steps, perfect for even the most novice baker.
- Instant Gratification: Satisfy your sweet tooth in minutes without the fuss of traditional baking.
- Portion Control: Enjoy a treat without the temptation of a whole batch staring back at you.
Ingredients for Your Single Serve Cookie Masterpiece
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You likely have all these ingredients in your pantry already! Here’s what you’ll need to create your perfect single serve chocolate chip cookie:
- Melted Unsalted Butter: The base for that rich, buttery flavor.
- Brown Sugar & White Sugar: A perfect blend for chewiness and sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and aroma.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
- Baking Soda: For that perfect cookie texture.
- Whisked Egg (just a touch!): Binds the dough together.
- All-Purpose Flour: The structure of our cookie.
- Chocolate Chips: Because what’s a cookie without chocolate chips? (Semi-sweet and milk chocolate are recommended for a balanced flavor)
For the best flavor, especially in simple recipes like this, quality ingredients matter. Using a good butter, like Challenge Unsalted Butter, truly makes a difference. It’s made from real cream from family-owned dairies, giving your single serve cookie that classic, rich taste you crave.
Step-by-Step: Making Your Single Serve Cookie Dough
This is where the “easy” in easy single serve cookie really shines. One bowl, minimal steps, maximum flavor.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, add your melted butter, brown sugar, white sugar, vanilla extract, salt, baking soda, and a tiny bit of whisked egg (about 1/2 tablespoon from a whisked whole egg). Mix everything together until smooth and well combined.
- Add Flour: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour using a rubber spatula until just combined and a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chocolate Chips: Stir in your semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips (or your chocolate chip of choice!).
- Chill (Optional but Recommended): For a slightly thicker cookie, cover the dough and chill in the fridge for 15 minutes. This also helps to prevent the cookie from spreading too thin while baking.
Baking Your Single Serve Cookie to Perfection
Baking is key to achieving that perfect single serve chocolate chip cookie – crispy edges and a soft, gooey center.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape Dough: Place the cookie dough ball onto the prepared baking sheet. You can flatten it slightly if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. You want the edges to be golden brown, but the center should still look slightly soft and underbaked.
- Cool: Let the cookie cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This allows it to continue baking and set up perfectly. The center will become perfectly gooey as it cools.
The secret is to slightly underbake it. It will continue to cook as it cools on the hot baking sheet, resulting in that perfect texture.
Delicious Single Serve Cookie Variations
Want to switch things up? The base single serve cookie recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are a few delicious variations to try:
- Brown Butter Bliss: For a richer, nuttier flavor, brown the butter before making the dough. Simply melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Let it cool slightly before using in the recipe.
- Cookies & Cream Dream: Swap out the chocolate chips for Oreo chunks and white chocolate chips for a cookies and cream inspired treat.
- Winter Cranberry White Chocolate: For a festive twist, add white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
- Nutty Delight: Incorporate your favorite chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added texture and flavor.
Ready for Your Single Serve Cookie?
This single serve cookie recipe is your answer to those late-night cravings or any time you desire a quick, delicious, and perfectly portioned treat. Easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and endlessly customizable – it’s time to bake yourself a little happiness!
For more easy dessert inspiration and behind-the-scenes baking fun, be sure to follow me on Instagram and YouTube. You can also find more delicious recipes and inspiration on Pinterest. Happy Baking!
