Single Serve Sugar Cookie
Single Serve Sugar Cookie – One Big Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookie
This Single Serve Sugar Cookie is thick, buttery, soft in the center, and lightly crisp around the edges! Made with simple pantry ingredients, this easy sugar cookie recipe makes one large, bakery-style cookie that’s perfect when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to bake an entire batch.
If you love homemade sugar cookies with soft, chewy centers and delicious buttery flavor, you’re going to love this easy single-serving dessert!
The best part is that you don’t need a mixer, you don’t have to chill the dough, and you can have a warm, freshly baked sugar cookie ready in about 20 minutes.
This giant sugar cookie has a beautiful golden edge, a soft, tender middle, and a delicious sugary top that gives every bite a little extra sweetness.
It’s wonderful served warm with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
And since the recipe makes just one big cookie, there’s no need to worry about having a whole batch of cookies sitting around!
Why You’ll Love This Single Serve Sugar Cookie
- Makes one giant cookie: Perfect for a sweet craving without making a full batch.
- Soft and chewy center: Thick and tender in the middle with lightly crisp edges.
- No chilling required: Mix the dough and bake immediately.
- No mixer needed: Everything comes together in one small bowl.
- Simple ingredients: Made with basic baking staples.
- Ready in about 20 minutes: A quick and easy homemade dessert.
- Easy to customize: Add sprinkles, frosting, or your favorite mix-ins.
Ingredients for One Large Sugar Cookie
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Bake Time: 11–14 minutes
Cooling Time: 5–10 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 20–25 minutes
Yield: 1 large bakery-style sugar cookie
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened but not melted
- 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar, plus a little extra for sprinkling
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon almond extract, optional
- 1/2 cup plus 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
How to Make a Single Serve Sugar Cookie
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
Set aside while you prepare the cookie dough.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a small mixing bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar.
Using a fork or small whisk, mix until the butter and sugar are smooth, creamy, and well combined.
This helps create a soft, tender cookie with delicious buttery flavor.
Step 3: Add the Egg Yolk and Vanilla
Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using.
Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
The egg yolk helps give this large sugar cookie a rich, chewy texture without making the dough too wet.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until a soft cookie dough forms.
The dough should be thick and easy to scoop.
If it feels a little sticky, let it rest for 2–3 minutes so the flour can absorb the moisture.
Avoid adding too much extra flour, because that can make the cookie dry.
Step 5: Shape the Cookie
Gather the dough into one large ball.
Place it in the center of the prepared baking sheet.
Gently flatten the dough into a thick round approximately 3 inches wide.
Keep the center slightly thicker than the edges for a soft, chewy middle.
Sprinkle a little granulated sugar over the top.
Step 6: Bake Until Lightly Golden
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 11–14 minutes, or until the edges are set and just beginning to turn lightly golden.
The center should still look slightly soft.
Don’t wait until the entire cookie is golden brown, because it will continue to firm up as it cools.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookie from the oven.
Allow it to cool on the baking sheet for 5–10 minutes.
This helps the center set while keeping the cookie soft and chewy.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Jennie’s Thoughts
I absolutely love homemade sugar cookies, especially when they’re buttery, soft in the middle, and have those delicious lightly crisp edges!
But sometimes I don’t want to make an entire batch of cookies.
Sometimes I just want one really good sugar cookie with my coffee.
And that’s exactly why I love this Single Serve Sugar Cookie recipe!
It’s made with just a few simple ingredients, and you can mix everything together in one small bowl.
You don’t need to drag out the mixer, chill the dough, or spend an hour baking.
I wanted this cookie to be thick and soft like a bakery-style sugar cookie, but with a little crispness around the edges.
And the secret is using softened butter, an egg yolk, and just the right amount of flour.
The egg yolk gives the cookie a wonderful rich texture, while the butter makes it tender and flavorful.
I also love adding a tiny bit of almond extract.
It gives the cookie that delicious bakery-style sugar cookie flavor without overpowering the vanilla.
And I always sprinkle a little extra sugar over the top before baking.
It creates a delicate sugary crust that’s so good!
One of the most important things is not to overbake this cookie.
You want the edges just lightly golden and the center still a little soft when you take it out of the oven.
As it cools, the middle sets into that wonderful chewy texture.
This is such a fun little dessert to make when you’re craving something homemade but don’t want a kitchen full of cookies!
Tips for the Best Single Serve Sugar Cookie
Use softened butter, not melted butter. Softened butter helps the cookie hold its shape and creates a tender texture.
Use an egg yolk. The yolk adds richness and chewiness without making the dough too wet.
Measure the flour carefully. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off. Too much flour can make the cookie dry.
Don’t overmix the dough. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
Keep the cookie thick. Flatten it gently rather than pressing it completely flat.
Sprinkle sugar on top. A little granulated sugar creates a delicate, lightly crisp finish.
Don’t overbake. Remove the cookie when the edges are set and the center still looks slightly soft.
Let it cool on the pan. The cookie continues to set as it cools, giving you a soft, chewy center.
Delicious Single Serve Sugar Cookie Variations
Single Serve Funfetti Sugar Cookie
Add 1 Tablespoon of rainbow sprinkles to the cookie dough for a colorful birthday cake-inspired sugar cookie.
Single Serve Frosted Sugar Cookie
Allow the cookie to cool completely, then spread with a little vanilla buttercream frosting and top with colorful sprinkles.
Single Serve Lemon Sugar Cookie
Add 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy variation.
Single Serve Cinnamon Sugar Cookie
Mix 1 teaspoon granulated sugar with a pinch of cinnamon and sprinkle over the cookie before baking.
Single Serve White Chocolate Sugar Cookie
Fold 1 Tablespoon of white chocolate chips into the dough for a sweet, creamy variation.
Single Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie
Add red and green sprinkles to the dough for an easy festive Christmas cookie.
How to Make a Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookie
The key to making a soft and chewy sugar cookie is getting the balance of butter, sugar, flour, and baking time just right.
Using an egg yolk instead of a whole egg adds richness without too much extra liquid.
Softened butter creates a tender cookie, while the sugar helps the edges become lightly crisp.
And most importantly, don’t overbake!
The center should still look slightly soft when the cookie comes out of the oven.
As it cools on the baking sheet, it will continue to set without becoming dry.
Can You Make This Sugar Cookie Without an Egg?
Yes, although the texture will be a little different.
For an egg-free version, replace the egg yolk with 1 Tablespoon of milk.
The cookie may be slightly less rich and chewy, but it will still have a delicious buttery flavor.
Add the milk gradually, using only enough to bring the dough together.
How to Store a Single Serve Sugar Cookie
This cookie is best enjoyed fresh, while the center is still soft and chewy.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 days.
You can warm the cookie in the microwave for approximately 5–8 seconds to soften it slightly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Just One Sugar Cookie?
Absolutely! This recipe is designed to make one large, bakery-style sugar cookie without needing to prepare an entire batch of dough.
Do I Need to Chill the Dough?
No! This cookie dough can be baked immediately after mixing.
Why Do You Use an Egg Yolk Instead of a Whole Egg?
An egg yolk adds richness and helps create a soft, chewy cookie without adding too much liquid to the dough.
Can I Use Salted Butter?
Yes! If using salted butter, omit the additional salt in the recipe.
Can I Add Frosting?
Absolutely! Vanilla buttercream, almond frosting, or a simple powdered sugar glaze would all be delicious.
How Do I Know When the Cookie Is Done?
The edges should be set and lightly golden, while the center still looks slightly soft.
Why Did My Sugar Cookie Turn Out Dry?
The most common reasons are adding too much flour or baking the cookie too long.
Measure the flour carefully and remove the cookie from the oven before the center looks completely firm.
Can I Make Two Smaller Cookies Instead?
Yes! Divide the dough into two smaller portions and bake for approximately 8–11 minutes, watching closely for lightly golden edges.
More Small Batch Cookie Recipes You’ll Love
If you love this Single Serve Sugar Cookie, be sure to try more easy homemade cookie recipes like:
- Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Small Batch Brookie Cookies
- Small Batch Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Single Serve Peanut Butter Cookie
- Single Serve Snickerdoodle
- Small Batch Brownies
- Single Serve Double Chocolate Cookie
- Small Batch Funfetti Cookies
Final Thoughts
This Single Serve Sugar Cookie is the perfect dessert when you’re craving a homemade cookie but don’t want to make an entire batch.
With its buttery vanilla flavor, lightly crisp golden edges, soft chewy center, and delicate sugary topping, this giant bakery-style sugar cookie is absolutely delicious.
And because it’s made with simple ingredients in one bowl, with no chilling required, it’s a wonderful quick dessert for any day of the week.
Whether you enjoy it warm with coffee, topped with frosting, or served with a scoop of ice cream, this easy single-serving sugar cookie is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Save this delicious Single Serve Sugar Cookie recipe for later!
