There’s something absolutely magical about a warm, fudgy brownie that’s ready in minutes—and I’m here to share my foolproof mug brownie recipe that tastes like it came straight from a bakery! This individual-sized treat is perfect for those moments when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to commit to baking an entire batch. I’ve perfected this recipe over countless late-night dessert emergencies, and I promise you, once you make it, you’ll be making it again and again.
The beauty of a mug brownie lies in its simplicity and speed. In just about five minutes, you can have a warm, decadent chocolate dessert that satisfies even the most intense chocolate cravings. Unlike traditional brownies that require mixing bowls, measuring cups, and a preheated oven, this recipe comes together right in the mug you’ll eat from. It’s the ultimate no-fuss dessert that feels indulgent without any of the stress.
What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can add vanilla extract for extra flavor depth, swap in almond butter for nuttiness, or even sprinkle sea salt on top for a sophisticated touch. I’ve included tips for making it extra fudgy, cake-like, or even gluten-free, depending on your preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro looking for a quick fix, this mug brownie will become your new favorite dessert.
The secret to the best mug brownie is using quality chocolate and not overbaking it. Since microwave cooking times vary, I recommend starting with the minimum time and adding seconds as needed. You want that center to still have a tiny jiggle to it—that’s where all the fudgy goodness lives. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or simply with a spoon straight from the mug. Trust me, this is the kind of recipe that will have everyone asking for the secret!
For more indulgent desserts, check out our Best Heavy Cream Alfredo Sauce Recipe for inspiration on using quality ingredients, or explore our Delicious Heavy Cream Pasta Recipe for more comfort food ideas. If you’re looking to elevate your cooking skills, our Easy Chicken Alfredo Recipe shows how simple ingredients can create restaurant-quality meals. For those wanting to explore flavor combinations, check out our Best Pickled Red Onion Recipe and our Best Shishito Peppers Recipe for side dish inspiration.
For more detailed brownie techniques, I recommend checking out Serious Eats’ brownie guide and Bon Appétit’s fudgy brownie recipe for additional inspiration. You might also enjoy The New York Times’ classic brownie recipe for traditional baking methods, or explore Serious Eats’ mug cake variations for more microwave dessert ideas. Don’t miss Bon Appétit’s chocolate mousse recipe for another quick chocolate fix!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
- 3 tablespoons water or whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional but recommended)
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)
- Sea salt for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Grab a microwave-safe mug (8-12 ounces works best) and add the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt directly into the mug.
- Use a fork or small whisk to stir the dry ingredients together until well combined and there are no lumps of cocoa powder remaining.
- Pour the vegetable oil or melted butter into the mug with the dry mixture and stir thoroughly to incorporate.
- Add the water or milk and vanilla extract to the mug and stir until you have a smooth, thick batter with no dry pockets.
- Fold in the chocolate chips gently with a fork if using them—they’ll add extra fudgy pockets throughout the brownie.
- Smooth the top of the batter with the back of your spoon to ensure even cooking.
- Microwave the mug on high power for 1 minute and 15 seconds to start, checking carefully at that point.
- If the brownie still looks wet in the center, microwave for an additional 10-15 seconds at a time until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Remove the mug from the microwave carefully as it will be very hot—use an oven mitt or let it sit for 30 seconds before handling.
- Let the brownie cool for about 1-2 minutes so the exterior sets slightly and becomes easier to eat.
- Top with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of sea salt if desired, and serve immediately while still warm for the best fudgy texture.
Pro Tips
Fudgy vs. Cake-Like Texture: For an extra fudgy brownie, slightly underbake it so the center is almost gooey. For a more cake-like texture, bake a bit longer until it’s mostly set throughout, though still warm.
Mug Size Matters: Use a mug that’s at least 8 ounces—if it’s too small, the batter may overflow. A coffee mug or tea mug works perfectly for this purpose.
Flour Alternatives: You can substitute all-purpose flour with oat flour, almond flour, or a gluten-free flour blend in equal amounts. Note that different flours may require slight time adjustments.
Chocolate Add-Ins: Beyond chocolate chips, try adding mini marshmallows, brownie chunks, or swirling in a spoonful of peanut butter before microwaving for flavor variations.
Butter vs. Oil: While vegetable oil creates a slightly fudgier brownie, melted butter adds richness. Either works beautifully—choose based on your preference.
Water vs. Milk: Using whole milk creates a slightly richer brownie, while water keeps it lighter. For chocolate milk enthusiasts, chocolate milk is an unexpected winner here.
Vanilla Extract: Don’t skip this—even a small amount adds depth to the chocolate flavor and makes it taste more bakery-quality.
Serving Suggestions: This brownie is best served immediately while still warm. Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce all pair wonderfully with it.
Storage: If somehow you have leftovers, cover the mug and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.
Making Multiple Servings: You can prepare multiple mugs and microwave them one at a time, or microwave two mugs together for about 1 minute 45 seconds to 2 minutes, though they may cook unevenly.
Sweetener Substitutions: You can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper molasses note, or use half coconut sugar for a slight caramel undertone.
Special Dietary Needs: This recipe is easily adaptable for vegan diets by using plant-based oil and non-dairy milk, and for gluten-free diets by swapping the flour.
Recipe Doubling: To make this for two people, double all ingredients in a larger microwave-safe bowl instead of a mug, and increase cooking time to 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
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