The Ultimate Single Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe: Your Perfect Individual Treat

When a craving for something sweet strikes, nothing beats a warm, freshly baked cookie. But what if you only want *one*? Enter the Single Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie! This isn’t just any small-batch cookie recipe; it’s the absolute best, designed to deliver a perfect individual indulgence. Imagine crisp, golden edges, a remarkably soft and gooey center, and generous pockets of rich chocolate melting in every single bite. It’s the ultimate treat for one or two, satisfying your sweet tooth without the commitment of a full batch.

What Defines a Single Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie?

A single serve chocolate chip cookie recipe is precisely what it sounds like: a recipe scaled down to yield just a few cookies – typically enough for one or two servings. It’s the ideal solution for those moments when you desire a quick, homemade dessert without the inevitable mountain of leftovers. Unlike traditional cookie recipes that often produce dozens, this focused approach ensures freshness and eliminates waste, making it perfect for solo indulgence, a cozy date night, or simply when you’re mindful of portion control.

What truly sets this particular recipe apart is its efficiency. There’s no lengthy chilling time required for the dough. This means from the moment your craving hits to the first warm, delicious bite, the process is incredibly quick, allowing you to enjoy these cookies almost instantly. It’s about immediate gratification without compromising on quality or flavor.

And for those times when only a double dose of chocolate will do, be sure to explore our delightful Single Serve Double Chocolate Cookie recipe!

Why This Single Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie is a Must-Try

We all have those moments when only a giant, warm, delicious chocolate chip cookie will hit the spot. But sometimes, an entire batch – or even a half-batch – is just too much. That’s precisely where this single-serving chocolate chip cookie recipe shines. It’s designed for those specific cravings, offering all the joy of freshly baked goods without the excess.

These cookies are more than just a convenient option; they are absolutely incredible in taste and texture. However, achieving these perfect results hinges on one crucial factor: exact measuring. Precision is key in small-batch baking, and your reward will be an unparalleled cookie experience. You’ll be delighted by deliciously sweet, rich, buttery, and wonderfully chewy cookies, each boasting beautifully soft interiors and delightfully crisp edges. Trust us, these individual cookies are truly the BEST you’ll ever make!

Having shared countless recipes over more than a decade, I can confidently say this single-serve chocolate chip cookie recipe is one I consistently return to. It’s a tried-and-true favorite, perfected through numerous iterations.

Key Lessons Learned for Crafting the Perfect Single Serve Cookie:

Through years of baking and refining, I’ve discovered a few critical insights that elevate this single serve chocolate chip cookie from good to absolutely phenomenal:

1. No Hour-Long Chilling Required: While I deeply appreciate the profound effects of chilling dough on a cookie’s flavor and texture in larger batches, the very essence of a single-serving, small-batch cookie is instant gratification. When that specific craving hits, waiting for an hour (or more!) simply isn’t an option. This recipe bypasses the need for extended chilling, allowing you to enjoy your warm cookies much faster, without sacrificing quality. It’s all about getting that perfect cookie into your hands ASAP!
2. The Magic of Melted Butter: My original recipe called for softened butter, but during recent revisions, I made a pivotal switch to melted butter. After much experimentation, I’ve mastered how to make it work beautifully! While using melted butter does require a bit more attention to ensure it cools completely before mixing, it offers significant advantages. It’s considerably easier to incorporate into the dough, leading to a smoother mixture, and perhaps most importantly, it contributes to an even better, chewier texture in the final cookie. The subtle nuances it brings to the crumb are truly exceptional.
3. Accurate Flour Measurement is Paramount: This cannot be stressed enough. Achieving the ideal texture for these delicate single-serve cookies depends heavily on precise flour measurement. Even a slight excess of flour can result in cookies that are dry and cake-y, lacking that desirable chewiness. Conversely, too little flour will cause the cookies to spread excessively, becoming thin and overly crisp. For the most consistent and best results, always spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge, or better yet, use a digital food scale for exact measurements.

Essential Ingredients for Your Single Serving Chocolate Chip Cookie

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in developing that perfect flavor and texture. Here are some detailed tips on each to ensure your cookies turn out exceptionally:

• Salted or Unsalted Butter: The choice between salted and unsalted butter offers a subtle but noticeable difference. If you opt for unsalted butter, remember to compensate by adding a heaping 1/8 teaspoon of salt to your dough. For an elevated flavor profile that truly makes the chocolate sing, a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the baked cookies is highly recommended. It’s a game-changer!
• Light Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: This combination is key to achieving both sweetness and that desirable chewy texture. Ensure your light brown sugar is fresh, soft, and completely free of any hard clumps. When measuring, pack it tightly into your measuring spoons and level off the top for accuracy. A helpful tip: 1/2 tablespoon is equivalent to 1 and 1/2 teaspoons. The granulated sugar contributes to crispness, while brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness.
• Vanilla Extract: While technically optional, a good quality vanilla extract significantly enhances the overall depth and complexity of the cookie’s flavor. It complements the chocolate beautifully, adding a warm, aromatic note that elevates the entire experience. Don’t skip it if you want the best possible taste!
• Egg Yolk: This is a secret weapon for richness and structure in a small-batch cookie. Using only the egg yolk, rather than a whole egg, provides extra fat and binding power, resulting in a richer, chewier, and more tender cookie. It’s vital to carefully separate the yolk, ensuring absolutely no egg white makes it into the dough. Also, be sure to gently pinch off and discard the stringy white part, known as the chalaza, as it can affect texture.
• Baking Soda: This leavening agent is responsible for the cookie’s rise and contributes to its characteristic spread and tender crumb. Always ensure your baking soda is fresh and active. If you notice any clumps, sift it through a fine mesh strainer before adding it to the mixture to ensure even distribution.
• Cornstarch: An optional but highly recommended addition, cornstarch works wonders in making these cookies incredibly soft and tender. It inhibits gluten development, resulting in a wonderfully delicate texture that melts in your mouth. If you want truly soft cookies, don’t skip this!
• All-Purpose Flour: As mentioned, accurate measurement of flour is absolutely paramount for the correct cookie texture. The best method is to spoon the flour lightly into your measuring cup, then level it off with the back of a knife. For truly professional results, use a food scale to weigh your flour – this eliminates any inconsistencies from packing or spooning.
• Chocolate Chips: This is where you can truly personalize your single serve cookie! While I adore milk chocolate, feel free to choose any type you prefer. Experimenting with a mix of different varieties, such as milk and semi-sweet, or even dark chocolate for a richer flavor, can add fantastic depth and excitement to every bite.

How to Craft Your Perfect Single Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie

Making these cookies is a straightforward and rewarding process. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you create your ultimate single-serving indulgence. For precise measurements, refer to the full recipe card below.

1. Prepare Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Melt and Cool the Butter: Place the butter in a microwave-safe ceramic or porcelain bowl. Microwave it just until it’s melted, being careful not to let it get hot or sizzle. The key here is to melt, not cook. Once melted, set the butter aside and allow it to cool completely to room temperature. This step is crucial for the correct dough consistency.
3. Combine Sugars with Butter: Once the melted butter has cooled, add both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar to the bowl. Vigorously stir the mixture with a fork until the sugars are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
4. Incorporate Egg Yolk & Vanilla: Next, add the single egg yolk and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Continue to whisk briskly with your fork until the mixture transforms into a beautifully emulsified, creamy, and pale consistency. This aeration is important for texture.
5. Add Dry Ingredients (Excluding Flour): Sprinkle in the baking soda, a pinch of salt (if using unsalted butter), and the cornstarch. Mix thoroughly with your fork until these dry ingredients are well distributed throughout the wet mixture.
6. Fold in Flour and Chocolate Chips: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the bowl. Begin stirring with your fork. As the dough thickens and becomes harder to mix with a fork, switch to a silicone spatula. Fold the flour and chocolate chips into the dough until it is uniformly combined, ensuring there are no dry streaks of flour remaining. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Shape the Cookie Dough Balls: Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop out the dough and gently level the top. Roll this portion into a large, cohesive ball. Repeat this process until you have three dough balls. If there’s any dough left over, consider it your chef’s treat! Place the dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet. For a slightly thicker cookie, you can freeze the dough balls for 5-10 minutes while the oven finishes heating.
8. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 10–12 minutes. The cookies are ready when their edges are set and lightly golden brown, but the centers still appear soft and slightly underbaked. This ensures a wonderfully gooey interior once cooled.
9. Cool and Shape: Immediately upon removing the cookies from the oven, if their edges seem uneven or spread out, use the back of a metal spatula or a large round cookie cutter to gently press them inwards, creating perfectly round cookies. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before transferring them. This cooling time allows them to set up properly and ensures that desirable chewy texture.

Expert Tips for Mastering Your Single Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

While the recipe itself is straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your single serve chocolate chip cookie from delicious to truly unforgettable. Pay close attention to these details for consistently perfect results:

• Measure Precisely for Perfection: In small-batch baking, accuracy is not just a suggestion – it’s crucial. For the most precise measurements, I highly recommend using a digital food scale to weigh your ingredients directly into your mixing bowl. This eliminates any variability that comes with volumetric measuring. If you are using measuring cups and spoons, always ensure you level off the tops precisely to get the exact amounts specified.
• Proper Butter Measurement: Butter is a foundational ingredient, and its quantity matters significantly. To avoid accidentally using too much, especially since the wrapping on butter sticks can sometimes be uneven, it’s best to cut your butter from the middle of the stick if possible. This helps ensure you’re getting precisely the three tablespoons needed for this recipe.
• Embrace Slight Underbaking: This is perhaps the most critical tip for achieving that coveted soft and gooey center. Remove your cookies from the oven just as the edges begin to turn golden brown and set, even if the center still looks a bit soft and doughy. Cookies continue to bake and set from residual heat even after they’ve been removed from the oven. This carryover cooking ensures that delightful chewy texture in the middle.
• Shape Immediately After Baking: The moment your cookies emerge from the oven, while they are still incredibly warm and pliable, is the perfect time to refine their shape. Use a metal spatula or the rim of a round cookie cutter (slightly larger than your cookie) to gently press any uneven edges inwards, creating perfectly round, bakery-style cookies. This is also the ideal moment to press a few extra chocolate chips onto the tops of the cookies. This not only enhances their visual appeal but also guarantees that every single bite is packed with chocolatey goodness!
• Cool the Melted Butter Completely: Resist the urge to rush this step! Allowing the melted butter to cool *completely* to room temperature before combining it with the sugars is absolutely essential. If the butter is too warm, it can “cook” the egg yolk and create a greasy dough that won’t hold its shape or texture properly. Patience here pays off immensely.
• Mix Wet Ingredients Thoroughly: When incorporating the egg yolk and vanilla into the butter and sugar mixture, whisk briskly and thoroughly until the mixture becomes light, creamy, and emulsified. Proper mixing at this stage ensures a smooth, well-integrated dough that bakes evenly and delivers the best texture.
• Flatten If Needed: Occasionally, despite all best efforts, cookies might bake up a little too puffy. If your cookies appear overly domed or don’t have the desired flatter profile right out of the oven, gently tap the baking sheet on the counter a few times. This simple trick can help them settle and flatten slightly, achieving that perfect classic cookie appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Single Serve Chocolate Chip Cookies

Helpful Tools for Your Cookie Baking Adventure

Having the right tools can make all the difference in ensuring your single serve chocolate chip cookies are a resounding success. Here are the essential items that will simplify your baking process:

• Microwave-Safe Ceramic or Porcelain Bowls: These are ideal for melting butter in the microwave because they conduct heat gently and also cool down relatively quickly. This helps you get that melted butter to room temperature efficiently, which is crucial for the recipe.
• Fork: A simple fork is surprisingly effective for this recipe! It’s perfect for briskly mixing the sugars with the melted butter, and then for whisking in the egg yolk and vanilla until the mixture achieves a smooth, creamy, and emulsified consistency.
• Silicone Spatula: Once the flour is added, the dough will become quite thick. A sturdy silicone spatula is indispensable for folding in the remaining ingredients, ensuring everything is well combined without overworking the dough. It’s also excellent for scraping every last bit of delicious dough from the bowl!
• Baking Tray and Liner (Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat): A reliable baking tray is obviously essential for cooking your cookies. Pairing it with a baking liner, such as parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, offers several benefits: it prevents sticking, promotes even browning on the bottom of the cookies for a better texture, and makes clean-up a breeze!
• Metal Spatula: This tool is your secret weapon for shaping perfect cookies! Immediately after baking, while the cookies are still warm and soft, use a thin metal spatula (like this one) to gently push and shape the edges of the cookies inwards, fixing any rough or uneven spreading to create beautifully round treats.

Pin
Print

4.95 from 69 votes

Single Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie

By Chelsea Lords

This Single Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie is the ultimate sweet fix—crisp edges, a soft, gooey center, and chocolate in every bite!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 3 cookies

Video

Equipment

• Sheet pan (15″ x 10″)
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter or salted butter, see note 1
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar firmly packed
• 1-1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
• 1 large egg yolk see note 2
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch optional
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour see note 3
• 6 tablespoons chocolate chips I love milk chocolate!
• Flaky sea salt for topping, optional

Instructions

• Use exact measurements and level off the tops of measuring cups/spoons for best results.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Add butter to a ceramic/porcelain bowl and microwave until just melted but not hot. Let butter and bowl fully cool to room temperature.
• To the cooled butter, add both brown and granulated sugars. Stir briskly with a fork until well combined. Add the egg yolk and vanilla. Continue to whisk with a fork until the mixture is emulsified and appears very creamy.
• Add baking soda, salt (if using unsalted butter), and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly with a fork. Add flour and chocolate chips. Continue stirring with a fork until it becomes difficult, then switch to a silicone spatula and fold until the dough is uniform without dry streaks.
• With the dough, fill up a 1/4 cup measuring cup and level off the top. Roll into a large ball. Repeat until you have 3 dough balls. (Anything left over is your treat!) Place the balls on a parchment or silicone-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 5–10 minutes while the oven heats.
• Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned and the tops are set but soft looking. Immediately after you pull the tray from the oven, use a metal spatula to press the edges of the cookies inward if needed.
• Optionally, press additional chocolate chips into the tops and sprinkle with sea salt. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before enjoying.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: If using unsalted butter, add a heaping 1/8 teaspoon of salt. Make sure to measure butter correctly—often the wrapping on butter isn’t attached evenly, so cut from the middle of the stick if possible to make sure you only have 3 tablespoons.
Note 2: When separating the yolk from whites, take your time to make sure no amount of white makes it in the dough. Also, get rid of the stringy part (chalaza); I gently pull it off with my fingers.
Note 3: Accurate flour measurement is crucial. Use a food scale to weigh out exactly 62 grams for best results. Too much flour leads to cakey cookies, while too little causes excessive spreading.
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight bag at room temperature. If you have unbaked dough, keep it in an airtight bag in the freezer and bake directly from freezer.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 398kcal | Carbohydrates: 49.7g | Protein: 5.2g | Fat: 21.2g | Cholesterol: 92mg | Sodium: 112.3mg | Fiber: 2.6g | Sugar: 31.2g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!