Make this easy mug brownie in minutes with pantry staples- just stir in a mug and microwave for a rich, chocolatey dessert that satisfies fast. With easy add-ins for extra fudgy texture, this brownie comes out gooey, warm and ready for your favorite toppings.
Tips for Making a Brownie in a Mug
The basics for microwave brownie in a mug: Mix in a 12-14 oz microwave-safe mug, microwave 20 seconds, stir, then 60-75 seconds more until the edges look set and the center is just glossy (it finishes cooking as it rests).
Use a 12-14 oz mug. Smaller mugs overflow and larger mugs cook unevenly.
Butter in tiny cubes: so it melts evenly while cooking or melt it first for a smoother batter.
Stir after the first 20 seconds to redistribute heat and melted butter.
Stop while the center is still a little glossy. It will finish setting as it rests 1-2 minutes.
For extra fudgy: add 1 teaspoon chocolate chips or ½ teaspoon oil (yes, oil helps texture) or top with chocolate syrup or fudge sauce.
For a deeper chocolate hit: a pinch of espresso powder.
Recipe Essentials
These simple mug brownie ingredients can probably all be found in your pantry the next time your sweet tooth is craving a single serving brownie. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.
- Flour – I used all purpose flour here. I haven’t tried using a gluten free flour like almond flour, but let me know in the comments if you do.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Sugar
- Coarse kosher salt
- Unsalted butter
- Milk
- Vanilla
Perfect Pairings
I like to top my mug brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pure deliciousness and sure to satisfy your brownie craving. You can also go simple with whipped cream or even chocolate whipped cream.
I always like a cup of coffee with my desserts, so a dalgona whipped coffee or white chocolate mocha is always a fun pairing.
How to Make A Mug Brownie (Step-by-Step)
In no time at all you will have a decadent single-serve brownie ready to enjoy.
- Combine dry ingredients. In a large coffee mug, stir together the flour, sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder and salt.
- Add wet ingredients. Then stir in the milk, butter and vanilla extract. Make sure the butter is in small cubes so it melts evenly.
- Stir to combine. Stir until all dry mixture is slightly damp. There will clumps of butter.
- Microwave in small interval, then stir. In the microwave, heat for 20 seconds on high. Remove and stir well. The butter should be melted.
- Microwave again. Heat for another 1 minute 15 seconds on high heat. Check and if center is still wet, heat for 15 second intervals until it is glossy- remove and allow to finish cooking while resting.
- Add toppings. Finish with your favorite toppings. I love a sprinkle of flaky salt or a sauce like caramel sauce, dulce de leche, white chocolate sauce or fudge Sauce. And if you are my kids, sprinkles all day.
5S Philosophy 👩🏻
- Salt – We use coarse kosher salt to help bring out the other flavors of this mug brownie. Keep in mind all salts measure differently. You can top with some flakey sea salt for a salty crunch on the top.
- Seasonings – Try adding a pinch of cinnamon to add some warmth to this brownie. You can also add almond extract.
- Sauces – Caramel sauce, Dulce de leche or Fudge Sauce would be delicious additions. You could also top with fresh fruit or whipped cream.
- Swaps – You can substitute oat or almond milk for the regular milk, or even flavored coffee creamer. Try adding things in like chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, butterscotch chips, or even chopped candy.
- Senses – Warm, gooey, and rich, this mug brownie fills the air with deep cocoa aroma. Each spoonful is soft, fudgy, and melts on your tongue with intense chocolatey bliss.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Although this mug brownie recipe is incredibly easy, I have some tips to help you avoid any mistakes.
- Too rubbery – This is probably caused from overcooking. Microwave in short intervals and check after each too ensure the center is just set and not overdone.
- Too dry – This can be caused from either too much flour or overcooking again. Be sure to measure ingredients carefully and follow the tip above.
- Raw in the center – Microwaves are notorious for heating unevenly. Be sure to stir after the first short cooking interval to disperse ingredients and heat evenly.
More Dessert Recipes
Desserts may just be my favorite meal of the day (wink!) and here are some of my favorite dessert recipes.
Mug Brownie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter , cut into small cubes
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large coffee mug, stir together the 1/3 cup flour, 1/3 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder and pinch of salt.
- Then stir in the 1/4 cup milk, 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract. Make sure the butter is in small cubes so it melts evenly.
- Stir until all dry mixture is slightly damp. There will clumps of butter.
- In the microwave, heat for 20 seconds on high. Remove and stir well. The butter should be melted.
- Heat for another 1 minute 15 seconds on high heat. Check and if center is still wet, heat for 15 second intervals until it is glossy and just slightly set. It will set while it cools for 1-2 minutes.
- Finish with your favorite toppings.
- If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments and ratings!
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Nutrition
My mouth is watering. I have to make this tonight!
It’s a perfect Saturday night treat!
Yum! I can’t wait to try this.
This is so great when you are wanting a little something sweet!
This was the perfect dessert for one. Will make again.
Thank you Jessica. I used freshly ground Linseeds
( in my coffee grinder ) cos I’m sticking with my paleo diet and losing weight. It was half plain flour and half linseed flour and since I dont have a microwave I cooked it in a bench top Casera cooker. I melted the butter and added more milk and it was fabulous. God bless. Pixie
Glad you loved it and thanks for those substitutions!
This is just what I need after a long hard day. Sochocolate, and I love it with the vanilla ice cream and caramel.
Was surprised how good this turned out right in the mug!
Glad to hear that!
Quick, easy and super fudgy goodness! Love that I can make this whenever I want.
Easy, delicious and perfect when you need a chocolate hit fast!
I wouldn’t be able to get enough of this! I have everything to make it now and will be making it in a few short hours. I can’t wait!