My favorite brownie in a mug recipe is perfect for when you are craving something sweet and chocolatey, but don’t have the time or patience to bake. It’s super simple and so good!
I’m such a fan of this microwave brownie made in a mug. It’s so much better than I thought it would be. It’s super chocolatey, rich, and fudgy. I love it. As a bonus, it takes about 5 minutes.
For my favorite baked brownies, see my fudgy brownie recipe or these one bowl brownies.
Key Ingredients
- The Mug: Use a microwave-safe coffee mug that holds at least 1 cup of liquid. I recommend using a ceramic mug that’s taller rather than wide, as this helps the brownie rise beautifully (like in our photos).
- Coconut Oil or Butter: I love melted coconut oil, but melted butter works really well. You can even use a fruity olive oil.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is my go-to, but a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend should work in this recipe.
- Cocoa Powder: Use your favorite unsweetened cocoa (natural or Dutch). I like to sift it with the flour to avoid lumps and get a smoother batter.
- Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and creates that perfect fudgy texture.
- Liquid: I love using coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor, but water or milk (dairy or non-dairy) works too.
- Egg: Adding an egg provides some structure, but you can omit it for an extra fudgy, dense brownie. If you leave out the egg, you’ll need to increase the liquid (tips are in the recipe).
- Vanilla and Salt: Don’t skip these! They make the brownie taste better.
How to Make a Brownie in a Mug
Making my mug brownie recipe only takes 5 minutes. You can mix everything in the mug itself, but mixing the batter in a bowl is a little better for making sure the batter is well blended.
I take the extra step of sifting my flour and cocoa powder together (it’s optional but removes any lumps in the cocoa). Then, I mix them into the remaining ingredients before pouring the batter into my mug.
When adding the brownie batter to the mug, try not to let the batter drip down the sides. If you do drip, wipe it clean before microwaving.
I cook the brownie in the microwave (without peeking) for 1 minute and 30 seconds. We’ve found any longer dries it out. You may find you need to tweak timing a little since all microwaves and mugs are going to be a little different.
You can serve the brownie immediately and eat straight from the mug (just be careful; it is very hot at first). Or, turn it upside down and place it onto a plate. The mug brownie is best when it’s warm and is absolutely amazing when topped with a bit of salt and ice cream!
Easy Brownie in a Mug
- PREP
- COOK
- TOTAL
This brownie in a mug recipe makes one generous brownie. Adam and I often split one and enjoy it with a big scoop of ice cream. The egg gives the brownie more structure and lift, but leave it out if you prefer a fudgy, super moist brownie. Chocolate chips are optional but delicious.
Watch Us Make the Recipe
You Will Need
2 tablespoons (28g) coconut oil or butter, melted
1/4 cup (32g) all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (16g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
1 ½ tablespoons coffee or milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
Pinch fine sea salt
1 tablespoon chocolate chips, optional
Directions
1Whisk the melted coconut oil, brown sugar, coffee, egg, vanilla, and a small pinch of salt in a small bowl until blended.
2Sift in the flour and cocoa powder and whisk until combined. Stir in chocolate chips (optional).
3Carefully pour the batter into the mug. Clean any drips around the edges of the mug, then microwave for 1 minute and 30 seconds to 1 minute and 45 seconds.
4Serve with a sprinkle of salt on top, if you like. Top with your favorite brownie toppings (ice cream is always a good choice).
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- Eggless mug brownie: We enjoy the structure the egg provides, but if you’re looking for a fudgy, more molten brownie or don’t eat eggs, you can eliminate it from the recipe. Instead of an egg, increase the liquid to 4 tablespoons (coffee, water, or milk).
- A note about our microwave: It is a 1000-watt microwave. Consider reducing the cooking time or power setting if you have a more powerful microwave.
- The nutrition facts provided below are estimates.
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The best I’ve ever had! I left out the egg and went with the 4 tablespoons milk. I added a bit less sugar (my preference) and it was PERFECT. I added a dollop of ice cream and shared the brownie with my husband.
We are thrilled you loved it 🙂
I have tried microwave brownies for years. This is the best one. I added finely chopped pecans and it is yummy! My microwave is 1200W and I live at 5000 ft. I used a large FiestaWare mug and it is the perfect size.