Cookies for One
Sugar Cookie for One
One soft, buttery sugar cookie with lightly crisp edges, a tender center, and a delicate sprinkle of sugar on top.
Servings
1 cookie
Prep
10 min
Cook
11–13 min
Total
21–23 min
Difficulty
Easy
Calories
≈ 500 kcal
Protein
≈ 5 g
Fat
≈ 23 g
Carbs
≈ 69 g
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.
Ingredients
What you'll need.
- Unsalted butter, melted28 g
- Granulated sugar30 g
- Milk10 g
- Vanilla extract½ tsp
- All-purpose flour45 g
- Baking powder⅛ tsp
- Fine saltPinch
- Granulated sugar, for topping1 tsp
How to Make It
One sugar cookie, step by step.
- 01
Mix the butter and sugar
Add the melted butter and granulated sugar to a small bowl. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- 02
Add the milk and vanilla
Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until the mixture is evenly combined.
- 03
Add the dry ingredients
Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir gently just until a soft cookie dough forms.
- 04
Chill the dough
Chill the dough for 5–10 minutes while the oven heats to 180°C (350°F).
- 05
Shape the cookie
Shape the dough into one thick round cookie and place it on a parchment-lined baking tray. Sprinkle the top lightly with sugar.
- 06
Bake
Bake for 11–13 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden while the center still looks soft.
- 07
Let it cool
Leave the cookie on the baking tray for about 5 minutes before serving. It will continue to set as it cools.
SVI SWEET Tip
Keep the center pale and soft.
A sugar cookie can become dry quickly if it is baked until completely golden. Remove it when only the edges have started to color and let the residual heat finish setting the center.
Substitutions
Make it work with what you have.
Vanilla
Vanilla extract gives the classic flavor, but almond extract can replace a small portion of it for a slightly different bakery-style taste.
Milk
Regular dairy milk or an unsweetened plant-based milk can be used in the same quantity.
Sugar topping
The extra sugar on top is optional. Leave it off for a softer finish or use coarse sugar for a little more texture.
Citrus variation
Add a small amount of finely grated lemon or orange zest for a fresh citrus variation.
Storage
Best enjoyed fresh.
Room temperature
The cookie is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating
Warm the cookie in the microwave for about 5–8 seconds if you want to soften it before serving.
Freezing the dough
Shape the unbaked dough into one cookie and freeze it in an airtight container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
FAQ
A few helpful answers.
Why did my sugar cookie spread too much?
Warm dough can spread more quickly in the oven. A short chill before baking helps the cookie keep a thicker shape.
Can I skip the sugar on top?
Yes. The topping is mainly for a little extra sweetness and texture and can be left off without changing the dough.
How do I keep the cookie soft?
Avoid overbaking it. Remove the cookie when the edges are just beginning to turn golden and the center still appears slightly soft.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes. Double all ingredients and divide the dough into two equal cookies before baking.
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