Sometimes, you just want one cookie. Maybe it’s late at night, and you’re craving something sweet, but you don’t want the temptation of an entire batch sitting in the kitchen. Or perhaps you just want a little treat with your afternoon tea without having to whip up a whole batch of cookies. If you’ve ever been in that situation (and let’s be real, we all have!), this single serve sugar cookie recipe is going to be your best friend.
It’s an incredibly easy recipe that uses basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. With just a few minutes of prep and bake time, you’ll have a warm, buttery sugar cookie that’s just for you. No sharing necessary! This recipe is perfect for those moments when you want something sweet but don’t want the hassle of a big baking project. Plus, it’s super adaptable if you want to add your own twist.
Let's walk through how to make this delicious treat step-by-step. You won't believe how quick and easy it is!
Why You'll Love This Single Serve Sugar Cookie Recipe
- No special equipment: You don’t need a mixer or fancy tools. Just a bowl, a spoon, and your oven.
- Small portion: This recipe makes just one cookie, so you won’t have leftovers tempting you later.
- Quick to make: From start to finish, you’ll have a cookie in under 15 minutes.
- Pantry-friendly: Uses common ingredients you likely already have at home.
Alright, let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients for a Single Sugar Cookie
Here’s what you’ll need to make one perfectly soft and chewy sugar cookie:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (softened, not melted)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon baking powder (yes, it’s a small amount, but it helps with the cookie’s texture)
- A pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon milk (optional, for extra moisture if needed)
- A pinch of extra sugar for sprinkling on top (optional, but it gives a lovely sparkle and crunch)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
The first thing you’ll want to do is preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Since this is a small batch recipe, you won’t need to wait long for it to heat up. While you wait, gather your ingredients. It’s always a good idea to have everything measured out before you start.
Pro Tip: If you’re in a hurry or just making a single cookie for yourself, you can even bake this in a toaster oven. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as toaster ovens can vary slightly in temperature.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. You can use a fork or spoon for this—it’s such a small amount that a mixer isn’t necessary. Mix the butter and sugar together until they’re light and creamy. This should only take about a minute. You want the sugar to dissolve slightly into the butter, which helps give the cookie its soft texture.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients
Once the butter and sugar are combined, stir in the vanilla extract. This gives the cookie that classic sugar cookie flavor. Then, add the baking powder, salt, and flour. Stir everything together until a dough forms. The dough will be soft but shouldn’t be too sticky.
If the dough feels a bit dry, you can add 1 teaspoon of milk to help bring it together. This is optional, but sometimes the extra moisture makes the cookie dough easier to handle and gives a softer texture.
Step 4: Shape the Cookie
Now it’s time to form your cookie! Roll the dough into a small ball and place it on a baking sheet. If you’re using a regular oven, line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you’re using a toaster oven, you can lightly grease the baking pan instead.
Gently press the dough ball down with your fingers to flatten it slightly. Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness. The cookie will spread a little as it bakes, but not too much.
Optional: For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle a tiny bit of granulated sugar on top before baking. This gives the cookie a nice sparkle and a bit of crunch on the surface.
Step 5: Bake the Cookie
Place your cookie in the preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown. You want the center to still be slightly soft when you take it out—it will continue to cook and firm up as it cools. If you're using a toaster oven, check on the cookie around the 7-minute mark, as toaster ovens can bake more quickly.
Pro Tip: Every oven is a little different, so if your cookie doesn’t seem quite done at the 10-minute mark, give it another minute or two. But remember, we’re aiming for a soft and chewy center!
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Once the cookie is done baking, let it cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes. This allows the cookie to firm up slightly and makes it easier to handle. After a few minutes, you can transfer it to a cooling rack or just eat it straight from the pan—no judgment here!
And that’s it! You now have a warm, delicious sugar cookie to enjoy. Perfect for a quick dessert, an afternoon treat, or even a little midnight snack.
Customizing Your Single Serve Sugar Cookie
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few fun ideas to make your cookie a little more exciting:
- Add chocolate chips: Stir a few chocolate chips into the dough before baking for a quick chocolate sugar cookie hybrid.
- Sprinkles: Mix in some colorful sprinkles to make a funfetti-style cookie.
- Cinnamon sugar: After pressing the dough ball, roll it in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a snickerdoodle-like treat.
- Frost it: If you’re feeling fancy, you can whip up a small batch of frosting or glaze to drizzle over the top of your cookie once it cools.
Final Thoughts
This single serve sugar cookie recipe is so easy and quick, it’s almost dangerous. Whether you need a quick sweet fix or want to enjoy the process of baking without making an entire batch, this recipe is your go-to. It’s got all the buttery, sugary goodness of a traditional sugar cookie in a convenient, small package. Plus, it’s ready in less than 15 minutes, which means there’s always time for a cookie!
Now that you know how to make this simple single serve sugar cookie, give it a try the next time you have a craving for something sweet and don’t want to go through the hassle of making a whole batch. It’s the perfect solution for those one-cookie kind of days.
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