1-First Step: Gather all your ingredients and equipment. You’ll need a small mixing bowl, a fork for mixing, and a microwave-safe plate or ramekin. Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, microwave it for just 5-8 seconds to soften without melting completely.

2-Second Step: In your small bowl, combine the softened butter with both sugars. Using your fork, mash and mix these ingredients until they’re well combined and slightly fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which helps create a lighter texture in the finished cookie. For those who prefer a denser cookie, simply mix until combined without overworking.

3-Third Step: Add the vanilla extract and pinch of salt to your butter-sugar mixture. Stir thoroughly to distribute these flavorings evenly. The vanilla adds depth to the cookie flavor, while the salt enhances both the vanilla and chocolate notes, creating a more complex taste profile.

4-Fourth Step: Sprinkle the flour and baking soda over the wet mixture. Fold these dry ingredients in gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop gluten and make your cookie tough rather than tender. The dough should look slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.

5-Fifth Step: Fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. For this easy single serve chocolate chip cookie, you can use semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference. Mini chips work particularly well as they distribute more evenly in the small dough portion.

6-Sixth Step: Form the dough into a ball and flatten it slightly on your microwave-safe plate. For a traditional round cookie, shape it into a disc about 2 inches in diameter and slightly thicker in the center than at the edges. This shaping technique helps the cookie bake evenly, preventing overcooked edges and undercooked centers.

7-Seventh Step: Place the plate in the microwave and cook on high for 30-45 seconds. The exact time depends on your microwave’s wattage and how done you prefer your cookie. Start with 30 seconds and check the cookie is done when it’s set on top but still slightly soft in the center. Remember, it will continue cooking slightly as it cools.

8-Final Step: Allow the cookie to cool on the plate for at least 1 minute. This resting period is crucial as it lets the cookie set and firm up. The residual heat finishes the cooking process while creating that perfect texture contrast crispy edges with a soft, chewy center. Enjoy warm for the ultimate experience, or let cool completely if you prefer a firmer texture.