This brownie in a mug is made without eggs, but is still ultra gooey and fudgy. Perfect for when a brownie craving strikes, but you don’t want to make an entire pan of them! 

Overhead view of a microwave mug brownie in a glass mug. The mug sits on a white dessert plate, and a dish of mini chocolate chips rests on the side.

Small batch desserts are the best. Whether you have a small family, live alone, or simply don’t need an entire pan of treats to snack on, small batch baking comes in handy time and again. 

This mug brownie recipe is the ultimate small batch dessert. It’s completely eggless, but still super fudgy and dense just like my favorite homemade brownies. Even better, this gooey brownie in a mug uses basic ingredients and takes just one minute to cook. Yes, really!  

I mixed some mini chocolate chips into my brownie batter for more chocolate flavor, but you could easily use something else like peanut butter chips or chopped walnuts instead.

Overhead view of the ingredients needed to make a brownie in a mug. The ingredients are in individual dishes.

Ingredients for This Recipe 

The ingredients list below is similar to my classic brownie recipe, but the ratios are completely different. Here’s an overview of the ingredients list so you know exactly how to make a brownie in a mug.

  • Unsalted Butter: Needs to be melted and then given a few minutes to cool before adding the remaining ingredients. 
  • Sugar: I used a mix of granulated and brown sugar in this recipe. You can use all granulated sugar if you prefer, but I find that the tablespoon of brown sugar adds a little moisture to the brownie and makes it fudgy.
  • Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract is the best for baking. 
  • All-purpose flour: Needs to be spooned and leveled when being measured out, otherwise you might wind up with a cakey microwave brownie.
  • Cocoa powder: Make sure to sift the cocoa powder, otherwise you could end up with some lumps in your brownie.
  • Salt: A tiny pinch of salt is needed to balance out the sugar in the batter. 
  • Chocolate chips: Totally optional, but highly recommended. Mini chocolate chips work best since the brownie is so small. 
Melted butter and sugar in a mixing bowl with a whisk. A small dish of cocoa powder and vanilla extract sit on the side.
Overhead view of a mixing bowl with melted butter and sugar inside. A small dish of cocoa powder is on the side.

How to Make a Brownie in a Mug

Making a microwave mug brownie is arguably the easiest dessert recipe to master. First, you need to grease your mug with non-stick cooking spray. Don’t skip this step, otherwise the brownie will stick to the mug. 

Then, combine the melted butter and sugars in a mixing bowl. Stir in the vanilla extract and a little water next. 

Mix in the dry ingredients, taking care to mix the batter just until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips last, if using. 

Overhead view of a mixing bowl filled with brownie batter. A rubber spatula is also in the bowl.

Once the batter comes together, carefully turn it into the greased mug. I like to sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top at this stage, but they’re optional. 

Then, it’s finally time to cook the brownie. My mug brownies always take 60 seconds to cook through, but yours may take as long as 75 seconds. You’ll know the microwave mug brownie is done when the top is just set. 

Once cooked, let the brownie cool for a couple minutes before digging into it. This gives the brownie time to set — and it gives you enough time to pull out the ice cream and scoop some on top! 

A gooey brownie in a mug, with a spoon sticking out. The mug is on a white dessert plate. Mini chocolate chips are scattered around, and they're also in a dish on the side.

Can I Double This Recipe? 

Yes, you can easily double this recipe. However, you’ll need to divide the batter between two mugs and the mugs need to be cooked separately in the microwave. 

Toppings to Try 

If you’re making a microwave dessert recipe, I bet you’re in a hurry to eat it. I can’t blame you! But if you’re patient or have foresight, here are some toppings you may want to prepare for your brownie: 

Close up, overhead view of a spoon digging into a microwave mug brownie.

Baking Tips 

  • I recommend mixing together the brownie batter in a larger bowl and then transferring it to a mug. This will ensure that all the ingredients are fully incorporated before being baked. 
  • Make sure your microwave is at full power before making this recipe. If the power settings have been adjusted, the brownie won’t cook in the time specified in the recipe card below. 
  • I recommend eating the brownie immediately. Leftovers can be kept on the counter for a few days, but this treat is best when it’s fresh. 

More Small Batch Dessert Recipes! 

Overhead view of a microwave mug brownie in a glass mug. The mug sits on a white dessert plate, and a dish of mini chocolate chips rests on the side.

Brownie In A Mug

5 from 1 rating
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 11 minutes
This brownie in a mug is made without eggs, but is still ultra gooey and fudgy. Perfect for when a brownie craving strikes!
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Ingredients

Servings: 1 brownie
  • 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter , melted and slightly cooled
  • 3 tablespoons (38 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (12 grams) brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) water , room temperature
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup (32 grams) all-purpose flour , spooned & leveled
  • 2 tablespoons (10 grams) natural unsweetened cocoa powder , sifted
  • Tiny pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon (15 grams) mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Grease a mug with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a medium-sized mixing bowl and whisk until well combined. Whisk in the water and pure vanilla extract.
  • Add the flour, sifted cocoa powder, and salt and whisk until fully combined and no lumps remain. Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared mug and smooth out the top. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top if desired.
  • Microwave for 60 to 75 seconds or until the top is just set (I microwave mine for right at 60 seconds).
  • Carefully remove from the microwave and set aside to cool for a few minutes. Top with ice cream or your favorite toppings right before serving.

Notes

Storage Instructions: This recipe is best served soon after it's cooked, but can be covered tightly and stored at room temperature for 1 to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave if desired.
Freezing Instructions: Remove the brownie from the mug, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw to room temperature and reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.
Brown Sugar: This adds a little more moisture to the brownie to help make it fudgy. If you don't have any on hand, you can replace it with granulated sugar.
Chocolate Chips: Feel free to replace the chocolate chips with another mix-in like peanut butter chips or chopped nuts.
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert
Author: Danielle Rye
Did you make this recipe?Mention @livewellbakeoften on Instagram or tag #livewellbakeoften.