If you are craving a warm, fudgy brownie but don’t want to make a whole pan, this microwave Brownie in a Mug is the answer! It’s rich and chocolatey and comes together in just a few minutes with simple pantry staples. I make it whenever I need a quick single-serve dessert and something sweet in a hurry. It’s a definite must-add to my list of 15-minute Easy Dessert Recipes! No oven, no fuss, and barely any cleanup! And for the perfect finishing touch? I like to top it with a scoop of my no-churn vanilla ice cream, so creamy and delicious on its own! And, if you do want to bake a full batch, I have the best pan of brownies you’ll ever taste!

Brownie In A Mug on a white platter on a white table with spoons.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Cocoa Powder: You can use either regular unsweetened or Dutch-processed cocoa powder in this recipe. I used regular, but Dutch-processed will work, too. If using Dutch-processed cocoa, the brownie will be a little deeper and richer. Mix the cocoa powder with the other dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, and kosher salt.
Milk: Milk (I used whole milk) adds moisture to keep the brownie soft and tender. Use what you have on hand, like 2%, 1%, or skim milk.
Oil: Vegetable oil keeps the brownie moist and tender by adding fat, which helps prevent it from drying out during microwaving. You can substitute it with other neutral oils like canola or light olive oil.
Chocolate Chips: I love adding chocolate chips because they create little gooey pockets of chocolate in every bite, making the brownie extra rich and delicious. You can use semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips, whatever you have on hand. And, I also like to have a few extra for sprinkling over the top of the brownie. If you don’t have chips, chopped chocolate works just as well.

Looking down on Brownie In A Mug showing the texture and melted chocolate.

Can You Double or Triple This Microwave Brownie in a Mug Recipe?

Yes, you definitely can! When I want more than one brownie at a time, I just double or triple the ingredients and use a bigger microwave-safe bowl or mug. The cooking time will need to be a bit longer; start with about 1 ½ to 2 minutes, then heat in 15-second bursts until it’s set but still moist. Just keep a close eye on it to avoid overcooking. It’s a great way to share or save some for later!

Brownies In A Mug on a white table with spoons and one mug has ice cream scooped on top.

How To Serve Brownie In A Mug

When it comes to serving your brownie in a mug, a few simple toppings can take this quick dessert from good to unforgettable. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

Warm and fresh, right from the mug (I would never turn that down!)
A generous scoop of your favorite ice cream–vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, mint chocolate chip, or rocky road!
A drizzle of chocolate syrup or caramel sauce
A light dusting of confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar) or cocoa powder
Fresh berries or a spoonful of whipped cream

Brownie In A Mug on a white table from overhead showing a portion has been removed and the tender texture inside.

Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?

Absolutely! I love tossing in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch, but you can also add chocolate chunks, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of shredded coconut. Just fold them into the batter before microwaving. It’s an easy way to customize your brownie and make it your own.

Can I Make The Brownie in a Mug or The Mix Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can mix the dry ingredients ahead and store them in an airtight container for easy prep. The brownie itself is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to a day and reheated in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving.

Brownie In A Mug

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 1

Total Time 6

If you are craving a warm, fudgy brownie but don't want to make a whole pan, this microwave Brownie in a Mug is the answer! It’s rich and chocolatey and comes together in just a few minutes with simple pantry staples. I make it whenever I need a quick single-serve dessert and something sweet in a hurry. No oven, no fuss, and barely any cleanup!

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Ingredients

▢ 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
▢ 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
▢ 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
▢ 1 heaping pinch kosher salt
▢ 3 tablespoons milk
▢ 2 ½ tablespoons vegetable oil
▢ ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
▢ 2 tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus more for topping (optional)
▢ vanilla ice cream, for serving

Instructions

To a 10 or 12-ounce microwave-safe mug, add cocoa powder, flour, sugar, and salt. Use a fork to stir until the dry ingredients are fully mixed.
Pour in the milk, oil, and vanilla, then stir gently until most of the dry ingredients are just combined. Do not overmix.
Add the chocolate chips and stir until evenly combined. Top with extra chocolate chips (if using).
Microwave on high for 1 minute. The brownie should puff up and look mostly set, with a few glossy spots on top. (If the center still looks too wet or undercooked, microwave in 10-second bursts until the top is just set but still soft.)
Let the brownie in a mug cool for a few minutes before serving.
Top with a scoop of ice cream and enjoy warm.

Did you make this recipe?

Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.

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