Ever get that sudden, unstoppable craving for something sweet? I mean, the kind of itch you just can’t ignore—midnight or not? That’s exactly what happened to me last week, and let me tell you, this mug brownie in a mug recipe absolutely saved me. Nothing fancy, just minimal ingredients and zero planning required. Like, honestly, who wants to wait for a whole pan of brownies to bake? If you’re obsessed with quick treats (raise your hand, friend), you’ll probably love this just as much as my go-to easy white chocolate brownie pizza with M&Ms. Promise, the mug brownie hits the spot every time.
How to Make Brownie in a Mug
Alright, this part’s got to be my favorite—mostly because it takes, what, five minutes, maybe less if you run? Toss everything right in the mug so you don’t end up with a ton of dirty dishes. Start with some flour, cocoa powder, sugar (don’t skimp unless you’re anti-sweet, wow), and a pinch of salt. Stir it up with a fork, no need to get crazy here. Then dump in the milk, oil, and a splash of vanilla if you’re feeling extra. Mix again. That’s literally it.
Pop your mug into the microwave. One minute, give or take—keep those peepers peeled at 45 seconds so it doesn’t bubble over. If it looks set on top but a little gooey underneath, you scored. Eat it warm and straight out the mug. I’ll be real: you might burn your tongue, but it’s so worth it.
“This was a total game-changer for my midnight chocolate cravings. Took five minutes total, and the cleanup was just my spoon! I even got my kids hooked on making their own—dangerous, but delightful.”
— Jamie F.
Pro Tips for Making This Recipe
I’ve tweaked and tested this mug brownie a bazillion ways. And, trust me, you can too. First: don’t overcook! The microwave is like, not your grandma’s oven. Over-nuke it and you’ll be chewing brownie-flavored rubber. Use a standard size coffee mug—nothing too tiny or you’ll get a volcanic eruption of batter all over your microwave (not fun, big bummer). And, okay, I sometimes add a pinch of instant coffee powder. Intensifies the chocolate, turns it into a five-star restaurant treat (well, kinda). Sprinkle chocolate chips on top just before nuking for bonus gooey-ness. Messy, but worth it. Oh, and maybe, just maybe, a scoop of ice cream. But that’s just me being extra.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Let’s not make this harder than it needs to be. You’ll need: a large mug, all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder (unsweetened, not the chocolate milk kind), a pinch of salt, milk, vegetable oil (or even melted butter if you’re feeling wild), and a splash of vanilla extract. That’s it. No eggs, no fancy baking powder. About six things total.
Most of this is stuff you can dig out from the back of the cabinet. If your cocoa’s old, maybe buy a new container—fresh chocolate makes a world of difference, honestly. If you’re missing something tiny, improvise a little. These mug brownies are flexible like that.
How Our Readers Make This Recipe Their Own
I love hearing how other people get creative! Some folks are adding a swirl of peanut butter in the center—what a move. Others toss in leftover holiday candy or, this is wild, a scoop of Nutella. My neighbor’s kid just dumps rainbow sprinkles on top before heating, which…interesting, but it works. You don’t have to follow the recipe to the exact crumbs. Feel free to adapt it to whatever’s sitting in your pantry or, hey, whatever sweet snack emergency you’re currently dealing with. This recipe wants you to win.
Serving Suggestions
Let’s make it even better, shall we? Here are my favorite ways to enjoy this mug brownie:
- Drop a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream on top—melts perfectly into the warm brownie.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream or, if you’re barreling through winter, marshmallow fluff.
- Crumble up a chocolate bar or cookies and pile on top for extra crunch.
- Drizzle with caramel or a bit of peanut butter when it’s just out of the microwave. Decadent, dangerously easy.
More Delicious Brownie Recipes to Make!
If you’re anything like me, one mug brownie is never enough. I’m always hunting for new chocolate ideas. Try making a batch of classic brownies with a twist—think cookie dough, mint chips, or pretzel bits thrown in. Or go all out and whip up something eye-popping like a brownie trifle in mason jars.
By the way, if you’re down for more quick eats, you HAVE to see this cozy chickpea sweet potato grain bowl recipe. Sweet. Satisfying. Not chocolate, but I am obsessed.
Common Questions
Do I have to use a microwave?
Honestly, that’s the fastest way. If all you’ve got is an oven, just bake it at a super-high temp in the mug for a few minutes. But really, microwave is what makes this quick.
Can I make this vegan?
Totally! Use plant milk (oat or almond is awesome) and skip dairy, it turns out great. Even oil is fine instead of butter.
Why is my brownie dry?
Microwaved it too long, probably. Err on the gooey side—you can always heat it longer, but overcooked brownies are sad brownies.
Can I double the recipe?
Yup, split it into two mugs though, or you’ll get a sticky overflow situation. Trust me, I’ve been there, and cleaning microwaved batter is no fun.
Can I mix the batter in a separate bowl?
If you really want, sure. I never bother, but it could keep your mug sides ultra-clean for the Instagram crowd.
You Deserve a Brownie For This
Alright, if you’ve read this much, you clearly need a chocolate fix. Don’t let that mug brownie in a mug recipe be just another idea you scroll past. Grab your favorite mug and give it a whirl tonight—messy counters and all. You’ll thank me, I swear (unless you hate chocolate, in which case, how did you get here?). For even more ways to satisfy your sweet tooth, peep the fun at Brownie in a Mug – Celebrating Sweets or the classic Brownie in a Mug Recipe. Life’s too short to wait on brownies, right?
Brownie in a Mug
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mug, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Stir with a fork until well mixed.
- Add milk, oil, and vanilla extract (if using) to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Place the mug in the microwave and cook for about 1 minute, keeping an eye on it after 45 seconds to prevent overflow.
- Make sure the brownie looks set on top and gooey underneath before taking it out.
- Enjoy warm straight from the mug, but be cautious as it may be hot.