Ever get that late-night cookie craving but don’t want to bake a whole batch? You’re not alone! This Single Serving Cookie recipe is designed for those exact moments. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie, perfectly crisp at the edges and soft in the center, all without the temptation of dozens leftover. This easy recipe will guide you through making the ideal individual treat in minutes, satisfying your sweet tooth without any fuss or excess.
Close-up of a perfectly baked single serving chocolate chip cookie, highlighting its gooey center and crisp edges
The Magic of a Single Cookie Dough
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and speed. We’re talking minimal effort for maximum reward – a fresh, warm cookie ready when you are. Forget complicated steps and mountains of dishes. This single serving cookie dough comes together in one bowl in under 5 minutes, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful single cookie:
- Melted Unsalted Butter: The fat that brings richness and that classic cookie chewiness.
- Brown Sugar: For moisture, chewiness, and a hint of molasses flavor that deepens the sweetness.
- White Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create those desirable crispy edges.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors, adding a warm, comforting note.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other ingredients.
- Baking Soda: Provides lift and contributes to the cookie’s texture.
- Whisked Egg (a small portion): Acts as a binder and adds richness. We’ll show you the trick to using just the right amount from one egg!
- All-Purpose Flour: The structure of our cookie, bringing it all together.
For this recipe, and really for all your baking needs, quality butter makes a noticeable difference. Challenge Unsalted Butter is a fantastic choice. Made with traditional methods from family-owned dairies, you can truly taste the difference in its rich flavor, elevating your single serving cookie from good to exceptional.
Now, let’s address the egg situation. Most cookie recipes call for a whole egg, which is impractical when you only want one cookie. The solution? Simply whisk one egg thoroughly until the yolk and white are fully combined. Then, measure out just 1/2 a tablespoon of this whisked egg for your recipe. No waste, and perfect portioning! You can use the remaining egg for a quick scramble or omelet – breakfast is sorted!
To make the dough, start by combining the melted butter, brown sugar, white sugar, vanilla extract, salt, baking soda, and that measured half-tablespoon of whisked egg in a bowl. Mix these wet and dry ingredients together until you have a smooth, well-combined mixture. Then, gently fold in the all-purpose flour using a rubber spatula. Mix until just combined and a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tougher cookie.
Finally, the best part – the chocolate chips! For a truly decadent single serving cookie, use a mix of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips. The combination creates a wonderful depth of chocolate flavor. Once you’ve added your chocolate chips, give the dough a gentle fold to distribute them evenly. For an even better texture (though optional if you’re really in a hurry!), cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. This chilling time helps prevent the cookie from spreading too thin during baking and enhances the chewy texture.
Baking Your Perfect Single Cookie
The baking process is just as crucial as the dough itself, especially for chocolate chip cookies. Even the most amazing dough can be ruined by overbaking. Finding the sweet spot in your oven is key to achieving that ideal balance of golden edges and a soft, slightly underdone center for your single serving cookie.
For this recipe, baking at 350°F (175°C) for 8 minutes is generally perfect. However, ovens can vary, so consider this your starting point. Your cookie is ready when the edges are beautifully golden brown, but the center still looks soft and slightly gooey. Don’t worry if it seems a little underbaked when you take it out – this is intentional! The magic happens as the cookie continues to cook on the hot baking sheet outside of the oven. This carry-over cooking is what gives you that perfect soft center. Let your single serving cookie rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to allow it to finish baking and set up to the perfect texture.
Elevate Your Single Serving Cookie: Flavor Variations
Want to take your single serving cookie to the next level? Here are a few delicious variations to try:
- Brown Butter Bliss: For a richer, more complex flavor, brown the butter before making the dough. Simply melt the butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. As it melts, it will bubble and foam. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the milk solids at the bottom turn a golden brown and the butter smells nutty. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before using in the recipe. Brown butter adds a wonderful depth and nutty aroma to your cookie.
- Cookies and Cream Dream: Swap the chocolate chips for chunks of Oreo cookies and white chocolate chips. This creates a delightful cookies-n-creme flavored single serving cookie.
- Winter Spice Delight: For a cozy, seasonal twist, add white chocolate chips and dried cranberries to your dough. You can also incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Nutty Indulgence: Add chopped nuts of your choice – walnuts, pecans, or almonds all work wonderfully. Toasting the nuts beforehand enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to your single serving cookie.
More Easy Dessert Cravings?
This single serving cookie is just the beginning! If you’re looking for more quick and easy dessert inspiration, explore other simple recipes and baking ideas. And for more behind-the-scenes baking adventures and recipe inspiration, follow along on Instagram and YouTube. You can also find more sweet treats and baking inspiration on Pinterest. Happy baking and enjoy your perfectly portioned treat!
