I’m really excited to share this recipe for a homemade microwave brownie in a mug. I’ve used simple ingredients to create a real homemade brownie in a cup. Mug brownies are the best kind of brownies, because you don’t need to share!
How to Make a Brownie in a Mug
- This recipe is based off my popular recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookie in a Cup, and I have been working hard to develop this delicious, decadent, single-serving treat.
- These treats are easy to make, and a reader favorite. Perfect for a late night snack, or an after-school snack.
- Since this single serving brownie is made in the microwave, it’s great for kiddos just learning to cook or those who don’t have access to an oven.
- Just like my other cookie in a cup recipes, you can mix and microwave this right in a coffee mug. I used a ramekin for these pictures, but either will work wonderfully. Just make sure it is microwave safe.
- This brownie in a mug is absolutely amazing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!
- Just a note, make sure to follow the steps I have outlined in the recipe, and don’t substitute spreads for butter:0)
You may also like: Chocolate Chip Cookie in a Mug Bake Just Two Chocolate Chip Cookies
Brownie in a Mug
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
1 min
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 firmly packed tablespoon of light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 1 egg yolk
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 1 tablespoon of Hershey's unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 heaping tablespoons of semi sweet chocolate chunks
Instructions
-
Melt butter in microwave safe mug or ramekin.
-
Butter should be melted, not boiling.
-
Stir together butter, sugars, vanilla and salt.
-
Stir in egg yolk. Do not use egg white! Save for a different recipe or discard.
-
Add flour and cocoa powder and stir again until well combined.
-
Finally, add chocolate chunks.
-
Cook for about 45 seconds in microwave. Do not over cook. Microwave times may vary.
Nutrition Facts
Brownie in a Mug
Amount Per Serving (1 g)
Calories 0
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
5 Easy Dinner Ideas for Busy Weeknights
My five FAVORITE recipes for busy families!
- Quick to make
- Light on your budget
- Easy to clean-up
- and...most important...absolutely DELICIOUS
Justin
February 22, 2013 at 9:38 pmOooOoh I LOVE brownies. I will definitely try this when I need a quick brownie fix.
Claire
May 25, 2015 at 2:06 pmThis recipe is SO good! I tried it out earlier today with some milk… The perfect combination!
Leisa @ Day by Day
February 23, 2013 at 10:32 pmWow, this looks amazing! Trying it this weekend… thank you!
Brenda @ChattingOverChocolate.blogspot.com
February 24, 2013 at 11:26 amThis looks SoOo yummy! Love that the ingredients are ones I usually have on hand….although, that makes this a pretty dangerous recipe! 😉 Pinned! Thanks for sharing :*)
Brenda @ChattingOverChocolate.blogspot.com recently posted…Receiving and Bestowing the Honor of the Versatile Blogger Award!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust
February 25, 2013 at 12:11 pmThis looks amazing Melissa! I am SO in love with in a cup recipes!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted…Raspberry Snack Cake for Easter Brunch
Liz Fourez
February 26, 2013 at 6:01 amThis looks so good, Melissa! The perfect single serving dessert! Thanks for sharing : )
Liz
Liz Fourez recently posted…Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup
Holly Lefevre
February 26, 2013 at 10:43 pmI think you have me hooked on this cook it in a cup stuff! Thanks (no, really I mean it even if I have to really exercise now!)
Alicia
February 28, 2013 at 11:04 amThis looks sooo yummy! And I love the microwave desserts in a cup. My hubby always wants the real deal, baked in the oven, and I’m like, “Um… this takes all of two minutes and is easy to clean up. Get over it.”
Alicia recently posted…refried beans
Mary
March 1, 2013 at 11:37 amHoly cow Melissa! This was delicious! I made it last night and am in love. I’m sharing your recipe on my blog today, I linked back to you.
kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor
March 1, 2013 at 9:28 pmWoowee…these may be about to get me into to some trouble!! YUM!
anabela pereira
March 2, 2013 at 5:16 pmDelicious 🙂
Rosie @ Blueberry Kitchen
March 4, 2013 at 1:29 pmOoh, this looks great and dangerously easy!
Jess @ our two kitchens
March 13, 2013 at 10:04 pmOh YES. I love these cup recipes! I’ve made the chocolate chip and peanut butter one countless times. The peanut butter cookie was my valentines treat to my other half! Love these.
Elissa
March 13, 2013 at 10:24 pmI made this tonight and it’s perfect. Exactly what I wanted, and sooo chocolate-y. I replaced the butter with equal amounts coconut oil and it still worked great. Thank you for this recipe!!! I’m going to pin it for future safekeeping too 🙂
Elissa recently posted…Hannah & Brent | Wedding at Woodlands Resort & Conference Center
Jena
March 15, 2013 at 1:04 amThis is such an easy recipe. Yummy, too! I made one with half/half vanilla and almond extract and used butterscotch chips, just as good as the original.^_^ I would not change anything else in the recipe, it wont turn out right.
Meli
April 3, 2013 at 3:46 pmI just made this right now.
I put a tad less butter, and I didn’t have any chocolate chunks.. so I broke up a Milky Way in there.
Was really yummy. Definitely a once in a long while dessert because of all the butter in it, but was
super easy and fun to make. Thank you for the recipe! ♥
P.S
My name is Melissa too. 🙂
Shanel
April 13, 2013 at 4:06 amI made a vegan version of it by substituting the butter with vegan margarine and egg yolk for 1/2 flax egg (1/2 tbs ground flax meal with 2 tbs hot water). It was fantastic!!! Tender and full of chocolatey goodness. Not gummy at all..unlike recipes like these that calls for vinegar. No one could tell that it was vegan or that it was made in a microwave!
Heather
April 13, 2013 at 5:53 pmMmmm. Thanks for sharing!
Just curious…what happens if you use the whole egg, not just the yolk?
Melissa
April 14, 2013 at 6:02 amThe egg white adds much more lift and will make it more cake like. The egg white can also get rubbery when microwaved, so I try not to use it in my microwave recipes. Thanks for the comment:0)
Coco B
April 17, 2013 at 6:56 pmI made it and it was a little too sugary for me, (25.2 grams) but it was sooooo yummy unlike other mug cakes/ cookies/ brownies! Next time I would use about 1 tbsp & 1 tsp sugar. But other than that it was super delicious!!!!
Shelby S
April 21, 2013 at 11:50 amHi! I just wanted to say that this recipe is AWESOME! I had tried another popular one that’s all over the internet but it honestly wasnt that good! thank you for sharing this!! 🙂
Jess!
April 21, 2013 at 6:09 pmThis was my first foray into single serving baking and it turned out awesome! I actually did one small substitution though just because I am a chocolate hazelnut fanatic. Our store has lately been selling a chocolate hazelnut spread ala nutella but it’s thicker, less oily and is more akin to the filling of Ferrero Rochers (sssooo yum!). I only used 1 heaping tablespoon of semi sweet chips and added 2 teaspoons of the hazelnut spread. IT was AH-mazing! My boyfriend is also quite grateful as he can now request “a” brownie whenever he wants!
Sharmeen
April 25, 2013 at 9:45 amI am so gonna make this when I get home tonight. Been thinking of brownies all day but don’t want a shop bought one. This is just the ticket.
Teryl
April 26, 2013 at 4:02 pmIt’s Friday evening and I wanted a treat so I gave this a try.
It was divine!
So rich & chocolatey in just a couple of minutes.
I’ve pinned this and plan on adding it to my favorites.
BTW, I’ve tried your chocolate chip cookie in a cup and the peanut butter cookie in a cup and this one is by far my favorite!
micheleingrampalmer
April 29, 2013 at 8:43 pmGreat idea kids love the cookies in a cup yum!
Xtina
May 12, 2013 at 8:28 pmThis is sooooo good!
Emily
May 15, 2013 at 5:07 pmAMAZING!!!
The BEST mug cakes i have tried!
Michelle
May 21, 2013 at 7:05 pmBest microwave cake I have ever had. I have tried a few! Thanks!
Sophie
May 25, 2013 at 1:07 pmMy friend and I tried to make these– we have since nicknamed them ‘The Brownie’s From Hell.” Obviously we did something wrong…
Melissa
May 28, 2013 at 9:54 amI’m sorry they didn’t turn out for you. Are you using real butter, not a spread?
Sophie
May 28, 2013 at 1:57 pmNope… But it’s possible that our microwave is a tad wonkey.
RebekahSue
May 25, 2013 at 8:46 pmCan I use egg substitutes instead of egg whites? I don’t think it will work but I’m dying for a brownie right now and I don’t have regular eggs :-/ I guess I could just try it….lol. Just wondering?
Melissa
May 28, 2013 at 9:53 amI would try it! It might be more cake-like, but still yummy!
Adrienne
June 6, 2013 at 3:01 pmsoooo good!!!!!! i added chopped pecans and caramel bits to mine for a turtle brownie. and i had chocolate chips on hand instead of chunks. i just used around a tablespoon of chips since i added the caramel bits. love this quick n easy recipe!!
mzerikarara
June 12, 2013 at 6:08 amI made it the first time and thought a few tweaks needed to be made. I added just 1 tbsp sugar, and 1 tbsp butter and 1 tspn coconut oil instead of 2 tbsp. I might use self raising flour instead of plain flour next time (hopefully 3rd time lucky) (which I did the first time, turned out great).. The boyfriend liked it last time but thought texture and sweetness was a bit off. Said it was perfect this time and guest finished it this time around too! =)
rach
June 13, 2013 at 6:14 amThis is a fantastic recipe! I got a really smooth spongy cake, which was soo much better than one from another recipe. And it only takes 45s! Awesome.
Amanda Christensen
June 16, 2013 at 7:05 pmDidn’t have chocolate chips, so I used butterscotch ones instead… DELICIOUS! Excellent microwave recipe!
amanu
June 30, 2013 at 1:55 pmwhat flour do i use?
Melissa
July 12, 2013 at 9:07 amAll-purpose flour:0)
Huien
July 2, 2013 at 5:47 amI made this tonight! And it’s absolutely delicious! My only concern is I’m not very sure whether my brownie is cooked haha it turns out a bit crumbly but still delicious! I microwaved it for abt a minute 🙂
Holly
July 9, 2013 at 9:00 amReplaced the butter w oil, and added a tablespoon of greek yohgurt. Honestly the yummiest thing ever!!! Needs to be eaten still gooey but hot =)
LoverOfPastry
July 28, 2013 at 1:44 amI tried a mug-cake recipe yesterday and was disappointed by the spongy texture, but this… it was wonderful! I used chocolate chips instead and threw in some walnuts, but it was really nice. Thank you!
Lyuba@willcookforsmiles
July 31, 2013 at 1:13 pmThis looks amazing! I love how you make single serving desserts, just for those special craving 🙂
I hope you don’t mind if I use this in a food fight feature?! (photo only and lined back, of course!)
Melissa
August 1, 2013 at 8:06 pmOf course! Thank you so much Lyuba!!
Megan
August 7, 2013 at 10:30 pmGreat recipe! It’s the first Mug Brownie recipe I’ve found which is actually a brownie, and not cake. I cut the sugar back by half (I just prefer less sweet desserts) and the results were delicious.
Zalia
August 9, 2013 at 6:40 amI just wanna say, I’ve made this recipe about a million times, and it turns out perfectly each one!!! The ONLY thing that I recommend is putting the cocoa powder in before the flour, which makes it a whole lot easier to mix in and disperse evenly (:
gyabi
August 26, 2013 at 8:01 pmif i bake this in a jar with a narrow top, will the brownie still be fine? as in the edges wont be hard and crusty and what not. same with the chocolate chip cookie recipe?
Desiree
September 7, 2013 at 3:47 amHi! I was just wondering, how do you keep the brownie from tasting burnt? And how do you know when it’s time to take it out of the microwave so it won’t be overcooked?
P.S. Your single serving recipes are great for dormers like me! Thank you for sharing them. (:
Melissa
September 8, 2013 at 6:10 pmHi Desiree!
Try it at the 40 second mark, if it’s not done, you can cook it just a few more seconds at a time.
Peruvian
September 28, 2013 at 1:19 pmthis was absolutely amazing!! I used 2.5 tablespoons of brown sugar because I didn’t have white sugar. Maybe that’s why it took a bit longer to cook? Its a keeper! Thank you
Amber
November 20, 2013 at 2:07 amI just made this and it is SPOT ON. Tastes amazing and super, super easy. Thank you! Perfect for the upcoming cold winter months. 🙂
Cristina
December 19, 2013 at 10:23 amThis recipe is truly Mmmmmmmm-azing!! I have made other brownie in a cup recipes and they left a lot to be desired. This is absolutely perfect just as it is! I did use margarine instead of butter and chocolate chips instead of chunks being as that’s all I had on hand. The only problem is I can’t get enough and they’re too convenient. Thanks for the recipe!! The kids love them, too!!
tia
January 1, 2014 at 1:14 pmadd a drop of orange extract, AMAZING
Leigha @ Minougirl
January 5, 2014 at 5:16 pmJust made this with a few tweaks… very yummy! Thanks for creating this! Pinned 🙂
ashley
January 12, 2014 at 8:38 amI loved this recipe so much I decided to feature it on my blog! Feel free to come visit. I am just starting out, but can’t wait to add more posts! http://sugarandspicemakeslifenice.blogspot.com/2014/01/25-sweet-treats-that-wont-break-bank.html
Kayla
January 17, 2014 at 8:04 amThe second time I made this I added a half teaspoon of baking soda and it got SO fluffy and amazing! This is an great tweak if you want something fluffy and chocolate flavored! Be sure you make it in a BIG mug because it expands A LOT!
Hortense
February 14, 2014 at 10:47 amThis was amazing! It tastes exactly like a regular brownie and is so moist and delicious. We put walnuts on top. A great treat for Valentine’s Day!
Marti
February 18, 2014 at 12:40 pmI am totally hooked on these. I too made a couple of changes. I’m not crazy about chunks in brownies, so I substituted a tablespoon of chocolate syrup. Yum! and I also found that the whites can be used on the next brownie with no real change in taste. Thanks for the recipe. I don’t know why my friend told me to back away from the microwave. I’ve only gained three pounds because of these. 😉
Chocoholic
March 5, 2014 at 8:07 pmThinking about putting Nutella in this…can I sub it for cocoa powder or should I add in addition to? How much?
Melissa
March 23, 2014 at 4:07 pmI haven’t tried it with Nutella, let us know if you do! Thanks!
Gayatri
May 20, 2014 at 1:03 amI cannot wait to make this!! Looks so good 🙂
Rachel
May 23, 2014 at 9:20 amThis is the best brownie in a mug recipe I have come across! Most are way to oily and rich but this one was surprisingly light. I actually halved this recipe and added a really creamy chocolate icing into two small mugs and everyone just raves around it! Thanks for sharing.
Lynda
May 28, 2014 at 5:19 amI am lactose intolerant, what do you suggest as a substitute for the butter?
Thanks!
Caroline Callahan
August 14, 2014 at 5:29 pmHey Lynda! I have a dairy allergy and had a bit of a frown when I saw the warning to not use any substitute spreads. I was craving some Brownie in a Mug, though, so I went on and risked it. I used “Earth Balance” Original ‘buttery’ spread, which is what I use for everything requiring butter, and it made a fantastic brownie. Don’t be afraid to take the risk! I hope this helps.
-Caroline
Tee
June 6, 2014 at 11:50 amI made this today, following the recipe exactly yet the final product was very grainy in texture. Other than the texture, the flavor was nice. Entirely too sweet for me, but otherwise it was the type of chocolate flavor I would expect from a brownie. I may try it again, dropping the sugar down and see how it goes.
Anonymous
August 11, 2014 at 6:39 pmGreat brownie! Also used spread instead of butter and mine turned out fine
beyoncespanda
August 16, 2014 at 9:17 pmi skipped the chocolate chips and added icecream. this is delicious
Anonymous
December 31, 2014 at 2:49 pmThis is the best brownie in a mug I have tried thus far. It needed a little extra time, but still amazing.
adam
January 9, 2015 at 6:59 pmIve tried a lot of microwave cake recipes and this is the best one, I did add a 3rd more cocoa and sugar (with drizzle of water to make up for the extra cocoa) though since Im used to microwave cakes coming out bland and eggy
Haleigh
February 5, 2015 at 7:23 pmjust made this but instead of vanilla I used strawberry and it was delicious!
Courtney
June 1, 2015 at 6:25 pmI have now tried this recipe twice in a tiny mug that I have and it has been a success both times! Will definitely be recommending this recipe to all my chocoholic friends
sadie
July 8, 2015 at 10:53 pmby far the best recipe I’ve tried and I’ve tried a lot of them though I did put an extra scoop of brown sugar and a splash extra of vanilla.. but the best brownie in a mug recipe ever!!!
Anisha
July 14, 2015 at 5:58 pmGreat recipe!! I was skeptical but tried it anyway and this is a winner! Thanks!
HappyMan
July 18, 2015 at 9:49 amthis was an amazing recipe:)
Gayle
August 2, 2015 at 8:22 amI have just made it exactly as the recipe says, and it was delicious 🙂 I have tried other mug cake recipes and they were very hit-and-miss (mostly miss), but this was perfect. Chocolatey, fudgy and ready in under 5 minutes! I sifted the flour and cocoa powder together to get the lumps out first. Mine took maybe an extra 5 seconds to cook though, it probably varies slightly depending on microwave power. It did take a while to cool down enough to eat, but it was worth the wait! I’m going to try this again, and experiment with fudge pieces, Nutella, and caramel.
Katie
August 12, 2015 at 10:58 pmI doubled it and used a BIG mug to share with my husband and decided to try it *WITHOUT* the cocoa powder (GASP!) for a blonde brownie. But seriously folks… seriously.
Bee
September 13, 2015 at 6:08 pmJust did this! It was great! Thank u so much! so easy and taste awesome!
Sara Coelho
January 15, 2016 at 3:30 amGREAT RECIPE!!!Loved it ….Thanks sooo much!:)
Sara Coelho
January 15, 2016 at 3:33 amGREAT RECIPE!!!Loved it ….it tastes sooo good and i also put some nutella on itThanks sooo much!:)
Lux
January 17, 2016 at 5:01 pmLOVE IT, ate it with some frozen yogurt and topped with marshmallows too and wow!!
Nikkip
March 2, 2016 at 2:49 pmThat was so easy. Thank you, I needed a chocolate fix. 🍫
Kelli M
March 24, 2016 at 8:43 pmThis recipe and the chocolate chip cookie in a mug recipe are HANDS DOWN the best recipes I have found for a single serving dessert. I have tried so many different recipes and these two are by far my new favorites! The texture is the closest to an actual brownie and cookie than all the others I have tried. They all tasted good, but I just wanted it to feel close to the real thing without having to make a whole batch of cookies or a whole pan of brownies! Plus this way I can control my portions and not eat half a pan of brownies. You are my brownie/cookie angel! THANK YOU!! 🙂
Steph
March 29, 2016 at 11:16 pmMiddle of the night, need something sweet, made this and it tastes wonderfully delicious! I had to cook it a little longer in my microwave but I was also very generous with the amount of ingredients I used. Did not use chocolate chips on top, didn’t need them, thank you!! Steph
Lor
May 1, 2016 at 10:24 pmThanks so much for this fun and yummy recipe! I doubled it, made it in a bowl, microwave for approx 2 min. Worked beautifully. Fresh warm brownie for 2 in under 10 minutes! Genius!
Aritri Chandra
May 24, 2016 at 11:02 pmI really loved it… Its damn easy and yummy.
Ashlyn
August 23, 2016 at 3:30 pmYUMMMMM! So good! I have tried so many mug brownie recipes and this is my favorite by far! As Claire says, it’s amazing with milk. Delicious! I highly recommend it!
Rylie
January 12, 2017 at 12:19 pmOMG SO GOOD you have to try this people so so good at the end of the day
Ollie
May 26, 2017 at 1:43 pmYummy and very easy. Five stars =)
Sera
April 6, 2018 at 1:49 amI’m gluten-free so I replaced the regular flour with GF flour and it worked a treat! You don’t know how many times I’ve made a mug cake and it turning to custard (even the recipes that are FOR gluten-free mug cakes)! I am definitely bookmarking this and sending it to all my GF friends!
Melissa
April 6, 2018 at 3:26 pmThat’s great, Sera! Thank you!
Eva
May 28, 2018 at 9:08 amThis tastes SO GOOD with vanilla ice cream 😍😍😍
Valerie
September 26, 2018 at 8:23 amThis is the best mug cake/brownie/anything recipe I’ve tried. It’s the only one I go back to. If you’re reading this, looking for a mug brownie that’s better than the crappy one you’ve tried – try this one
Melissa
April 24, 2019 at 11:10 amOMG this is sooooo good!!! I’ve made a lot of mug recipes & this was the best!! thank you!