Jump to Recipe

Craving something sweet? Our Sugar Cookie Recipe for One is the perfect single-serving, quick and easy dessert—enjoy a soft, chewy sugar cookie with minimal cleanup!

Closeup on two large Sugar Cookies laying on a white cutting board next to a glass of milk.

Ever crave a homemade sugar cookie but can’t muster the energy for the long process of making a whole batch of cookies? That’s where we come in! Introducing our Sugar Cookie Recipe for One. These cookies deliver everything you love about a classic sugar cookie … soft, chewy centers, lightly crisp edges, and a delicious burst of vanilla flavor, all without the hassle of a big mess or hours in the kitchen. We took our yummy soft sugar cookie recipe back to the Two Sisters Test Kitchen and adjusted it so it makes a handful of cookies instead of dozens of cookies. It’s beginner-friendly, uses just one bowl, requires only a handful of pantry staples, and will need minimal cleanup and in the end you’ll still have a delicious sugar cookie hot out of the oven. Whether you’re looking for a cozy evening indulgence or a quick sweet fix, we are here to remind you that you absolutely deserve homemade sugar cookie today.

How to Make the Cookie Dough

Collage image showing the steps for creaming the butter with the sugars, eggs and vanilla.

Step 1: Add “very” soft butter to a small mixing bowl (a large cereal bowl will be big enough.) If the butter isn’t already soft, microwave it for 10-second intervals until it is soft and pliable but not melted. The texture should resemble butter left out overnight. Soft butter makes it easy to mix with sugar by hand, so you don’t have to use a mixer!
Step 2: Add the granulated sugar and mix with a spoon until it is fully combined with the butter.
Steps 3-4: Add the egg yolk and the vanilla extract and continue mixing with a spoon until the dough is light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add the baking soda, stir until combined.
Steps 5-6: Add the flour and stir only until the flour is mixed with the rest of the cookie dough.

Baking Instructions

Closeup on a small glass bowl filled with sugar cookie dough and a spoon.

Step 7: Separate the dough into two portions and roll them into balls. Roll the sugar cookie dough balls in granulated or sparkling sugar and then place them on a cookie sheet. Bake in an oven preheated to 350 degrees for 12-13 minutes.  The cookies will start to brown around the edges when they are done. Start checking on the cookies at the 10 minute mark.

Variation Ideas

Collage image showing other variations of the Sugar Cookie Recipe for One

Sprinkle Sugar Cookies: Follow the directions as detailed below but add 1 tablespoon of Sprinkles into the dough after you mix in the flour. And then roll the cookie dough balls in sprinkles instead of the sugar.
Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add the zest of 1 lemon to the softened butter and then follow the directions as detailed below. Do not roll the cookie dough balls in sugar before you bake them.

Two Sugar Cookies laying on a white table next to a glass a milk where someone is dipping a sugar cookie into the milk.

Other Sugar Cookie Recipes You Will Love

Close up on two Sugar Cookies laying on a white cutting board next to a glass of milk.Print
No Ratings

Sugar Cookie Recipe for One

Yield 2 large cookies
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes

Craving something sweet? Our Sugar Cookie Recipe for One is the perfect single-serving, quick and easy dessert—enjoy a soft, chewy sugar cookie with minimal cleanup!

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup Very Soft Butter (We use Sweet Cream, Salted Butter)
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 Egg Yolk
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1/2 cup PLUS 1 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/8 cup Sparkling Sugar or Granulated Sugar

Instructions

    1. Add “very” soft butter to a small mixing bowl (a large cereal bowl will be big enough.) If the butter isn’t already soft, microwave it for 10-second intervals until it is soft and pliable but not melted. The texture should resemble butter left out overnight. Soft butter makes it easy to mix with sugar by hand, so you don’t have to use a mixer!
    2. Add the granulated sugar and mix with a spoon until it is fully combined with the butter.
    3. Add the egg yolk and the vanilla extract and continue mixing with a spoon until the dough is light and fluffy.
    4. Add the baking soda, stir until combined.
    5. Add the flour and stir only until the flour is mixed with the rest of the cookie dough.
    6. Separate the dough into two portions and roll them into balls. Roll the sugar cookie dough balls in granulated or sparkling sugar and then place them on a cookie sheet. Bake in an oven preheated to 350 degrees for 12-13 minutes.  The cookies will start to brown around the edges when they are done. Start checking on the cookies at the 10 minute mark.
    7. Cool and enjoy!

Notes

Variation Ideas

Sprinkle Sugar Cookies: Follow the directions as detailed above but add 1 tablespoon of Sprinkles into the dough after you mix in the flour. And then roll the cookie dough balls in sprinkles instead of the sugar.
Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add the zest of 1 lemon to the softened butter and then follow the directions as detailed above. Do not roll the cookie dough balls in sugar before you bake them.

Did you Make this Recipe? Leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag @twosisterscrafting on Instagram so we can see it!

© Two Sisters Crafting
Cuisine: American / Category: Cookies