This One-Minute Single-Serving Scotcheroo in a Mug is my go-to when I’m craving something sweet and quick, just for me! It is made in the microwave with simple ingredients like crispy rice cereal, peanut butter, butterscotch, and chocolate. All the classic Scotcheroo flavor, shaped like a cookie, with no oven required! It’s a no-bake dessert ready in minutes, perfect for late-night cravings or a kid-friendly snack. If you love quick treats like this, check out my 15-Minute Easy Desserts for more simple sweets. Want a full-size, salty-sweet version? Try my Pretzel Scotcheroos for another no-bake favorite.

Single-Serving Scotcheroo's on white plates and one has a bite taken out of it.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Sweet, Sticky Base: The granulated sugar and corn syrup mixture forms a sweet, sticky base that holds the ingredients together and gives Scotcheroos their classic chewy texture.
Peanut Butter: The creamy peanut butter adds rich flavor and helps hold the crispy rice cereal together. You could also use crunchy peanut butter for even more texture!
Crispy Rice Cereal: Look for crispy rice cereal, like Rice Krispies, for that light crunch that Scotcheroos are known for. You can also use Special K, which is a more traditional option. We found the Special K to be a bit harder to stir in this recipe, and they ended up breaking quite a bit.
Butterscotch Chips: The butterscotch chips bring that classic Scotcheroo sweetness, rich, buttery, and full of nostalgic flavor. Can’t find them? White chocolate chips or extra milk chocolate chips work in a pinch.
Chocolate Chips: I used milk chocolate chips for this scotcheroo in a mug. It gives a smooth, creamy finish that ties everything together. You can use semi-sweet or dark chocolate if you prefer something a little less sweet.

Adding chocolate to a Single-Serving Scotcheroo.

Can I Make This Without Corn Syrup?

Yes, you can! While corn syrup helps give the Scotcheroo that smooth, chewy texture, there are a few easy substitutions. Honey, brown rice syrup, or even maple syrup can work in a pinch. Just keep in mind that each one will slightly change the flavor and consistency of the scotcheroo.

Why You’ll Love This One-Minute Scotcheroo in a Mug

Ready in just one minute (well, maybe a couple of minutes, but close enough!): A super quick dessert fix when you’re short on time.
Single serving: No leftovers, no sharing required!
No oven needed: Just a microwave and a mug.
Classic Scotcheroo flavor: Peanut butter, butterscotch, chocolate, and crispy rice cereal in every bite.
Easy ingredients: All pantry staples you probably already have.
Customizable: Use crunchy peanut butter, try other chips, or add a pinch of salt.

Single-Serving Scotcheroo made in a mug on a white plate with a bite taken out of it.

Can I Make This Scotcheroo Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can make this single-serve Scotcheroo a few hours ahead or even the night before. Just let it sit and then cover it or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The texture will be firmer when chilled, so let it sit out for a few minutes before eating if you prefer it softer. But, since it’s so quick to make, it’s usually best enjoyed fresh.

Hand holding Single-Serving Scotcheroo with a big bite taken out of it.

How To Store A One-Minute Scotcheroo in a Mug

If you’re not eating it right away, you can store the Scotcheroo cookie in an airtight container or wrap it tightly and place it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying so the chocolate softens slightly. Since it’s a single serving, it’s best enjoyed fresh, but it holds up well for a little later!

Single-Serving Scotcheroo

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 2

Total Time 4

This One-Minute Scotcheroo (made in a mug) is my go-to when I’m craving something sweet and quick, just for me! All the classic Scotcheroo flavor, shaped like a cookie, no oven needed!

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Ingredients

▢ 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
▢ 1 ½ tablespoons light corn syrup
▢ 1 ½ tablespoons creamy peanut butter
▢ ½ cup crispy rice cereal*
▢ 2 tablespoons butterscotch chips
▢ 2 tablespoons milk chocolate chips

Instructions

In a 12-ounce microwave-safe mug, combine granulated sugar and light corn syrup. Stir together with a small spoon until well combined.
Microwave the mixture for 30 seconds, or until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
Add peanut butter and stir until smooth and fully incorporated.
Stir in the crispy rice cereal until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture onto a small plate. Using your hands or the back of a spoon, shape the mixture into a cookie-like round, pressing gently to hold its form.
Wipe out the mug. Then, add butterscotch chips and milk chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring well between each increment, until fully melted and smooth.
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cookie, spreading it gently to cover the surface.
Serve immediately. Or, refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to let the chocolate set.

Notes

*You can also use Special K, but it does end up breaking due to the stirring in the mug.

Did you make this recipe?

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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:

Autumn

This is SO quick and easy! I whipped this up in under five minutes, and it was the perfect sweet fix without making a big batch. Loved the gooey peanut butter and chocolate combo!