Mug Brownie Recipe (Easy, Gooey & Made with Egg)

Try making this easy Mug Brownie Recipe! It's a deliciously chocolate, gooey, and rich single-serve brownie that can be made in less than 2 minutes. The perfect sweet treat in a hurry.

Updated February 2026: I've added a wattage guide, a troubleshooting section, variations, and a DIY brownie mix jar gift idea based on your questions and feedback. The recipe was originally posted on February 14, 2020.

Some nights you just need a brownie. Not a whole batch. Not a long baking project. Just one warm, fudgy, chocolatey brownie in the next five minutes. I am very personally familiar with this feeling, and this microwave mug brownie is my answer.

I've tested this recipe more times than I'd like to admit. Adjusting the butter ratio, the cocoa level, and the flour amount, all chasing the same thing: a mug brownie that actually tastes like a brownie instead of a rubbery sponge. The key is getting the fat-to-flour ratio right and not overcooking it. Once I figured that out, this became one of the most-used recipes in my kitchen on a regular weeknight.

You need one mug, about 5 minutes, and standard pantry ingredients you almost certainly already have. This one is for all of us who need a single-serving chocolate moment on a Tuesday. Let's get started!

Ingredients You'll Need

1. All-Purpose Flour - Plain all-purpose flour is needed to form the base of the brownie and allow it to become thick and chewy. Be sure to use plain flour with no other added ingredients.
2. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder - The main ingredient in any good brownie recipe. Helps to make the brownie chewy and loaded with chocolate flavor. Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results.
3. Granulated Sugar - Use plain white granulated sugar or cane sugar to sweeten the microwave mug brownie. You may adjust the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute if you prefer.
4. Large Egg - A single large egg is all that is needed. This helps to bind the ingredients together and give the recipe a creamy richness.
5. Vegetable Oil - Vegetable oil, canola oil, or any neutral-flavored oil will work to keep the brownie moist. Coconut oil could be used as a substitute.

👉🏾 See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.

How to Make a Mug Brownie

Step 1: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

Stir in the egg and oil until combined. Make sure it's fully incorporated before adding the dry ingredients. Don't whisk or beat aggressively, you just want everything combined.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients

Add the cocoa powder, flour, and sugar. Stir until just combined. Don't overmix, but make sure there are no pockets of dry flour at the bottom of the mug. The batter will look thick and glossy.

Step 3: Microwave, And Watch the Timing

This is where knowing your microwave matters. See the wattage guide below. Microwave in 30-second increments, checking after each one. The brownie is done when the edges look set but the very center looks just barely done and slightly glossy. It will continue to cook and firm up from residual heat for 1-2 minutes after you take it out. If you wait for the center to look fully set in the microwave, it will be overbaked and rubbery when you eat it.

Step 4: Rest, Then Eat

Let the mug brownie rest for 1-2 minutes before eating. This isn't just for safety (it's very hot), it's also for texture. The brownie finishes cooking slightly during this rest time and reaches that ideal fudgy consistency. Top with a scoop of ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or eat it straight from the mug. No judgment.

Wattage Guide: Microwave Timing by Power

Microwave wattage varies widely, and it's the single biggest reason mug brownies fail. Here's a general guide:

• 700W microwave - microwave for 90-100 seconds total, checking at 60 seconds.
• 900W microwave - microwave for 70-80 seconds total, checking at 60 seconds.
• 1,100W microwave - microwave for 60-70 seconds total, checking at 50 seconds.
• 1,200W+ microwave - microwave for 50-60 seconds total, checking at 45 seconds.

When in doubt: start lower, check early, and add time in 10-second increments. A slightly underdone mug brownie that finishes cooking in the mug is far better than an overdone rubbery one.

Troubleshooting: Why Is My Mug Brownie Rubbery?

Rubbery texture is the most common mug brownie complaint, and it almost always comes down to overcooking. Here's how to diagnose and fix it:

• Overcooking - the most common cause. The center should still look slightly glossy and just barely done when you pull it from the microwave. If it looks fully set in the microwave, it's already overcooked. Try 10 fewer seconds next time.
• Too much flour - flour absorbs moisture and creates a more cake-like, dense texture. This recipe uses a very small amount of flour intentionally. Don't round up on the flour measurement.
• Too little butter - butter is what keeps a mug brownie fudgy. Make sure you're measuring accurately and not skimping.
• Mug is too small - a small mug causes the batter to cook unevenly. The sides and bottom cook faster than the center, leading to a rubbery exterior and raw center. Use a mug that's at least 12 ounces.

Mug Brownie Variations

This is where it gets really fun. Here are my favorite ways to change up the base recipe:

• Peanut Butter Mug Brownie - drop 1 tablespoon of peanut butter into the center of the batter before microwaving. It melts into a swirl of peanut butter through the brownie.
• Mint Chocolate Mug Brownie - add ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract to the batter and fold in a few mint chocolate chips. A great holiday single-serving treat.
• S'mores Mug Brownie - press 2-3 graham cracker pieces into the bottom of the mug before adding the batter, then top with mini marshmallows and a few chocolate chips before microwaving.
• Nutella Mug Brownie - replace 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 tablespoon of Nutella for a hazelnut-chocolate variation.
• Espresso Mug Brownie - add ¼ teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter for a coffee-chocolate mocha brownie.
• Salted Caramel Mug Brownie - drizzle 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce and a pinch of flaky sea salt over the finished brownie before serving.

Mug Brownie Mix in a Jar (A DIY Gift Idea)

This is one of the most thoughtful, easy-to-make gifts I know, and people absolutely love receiving it. Layer the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, and cocoa powder) in a small mason jar, write the instructions on a tag or a notecard, and you have a ready-to-make mug brownie kit.

It's perfect for teacher appreciation week, holiday stocking stuffers, a hostess gift, or a care package. The recipient just adds oil and an egg at home, that's it. Include a fun mug alongside the jar for an extra-special presentation.

To make the kit: layer the dry ingredients in order in a clean mason jar with a tight-fitting lid. Attach a tag with the instructions: 'Add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter and 1 egg. Mix well. Microwave 60-90 seconds. Enjoy!'

Expert Tips

Here are my best tips for the perfect mug brownie every time.

• Use a large mug that's at least 12 ounces. A small mug causes uneven cooking.
• Don't skip the rest time after microwaving. 1-2 minutes of resting is where the brownie finishes setting up to that fudgy texture.
• Pull it when the center looks barely done. It continues to cook from residual heat.
• Know your microwave wattage! Check inside the door or in the manual. Wattage is the single most important variable in mug brownie success.
• Measure the flour accurately. Too much flour = dry, cakey brownie. Spoon into the measuring spoon and level off.
• Add your mix-ins (chocolate chips, peanut butter, etc.) after mixing the base batter for the most even distribution.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Make-Ahead

The dry ingredients can be pre-mixed and stored in an airtight container (or a mason jar gift kit) for up to 3 months. When ready to make, just add the wet ingredients and microwave.

Storage

A mug brownie is meant to be eaten immediately when it's a fresh, hot, single-serving treat. It doesn't store or reheat particularly well, as the texture changes significantly once cooled. If you have leftovers (unlikely!), you can cover the mug with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then microwave for 10 seconds to rewarm. The texture won't be the same as fresh, but it will still taste good.

What to Serve with a Mug Brownie

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Warm brownie, cold ice cream, perfect contrast.
• A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for an elevated sundae vibe.
• Whipped cream and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a quick and beautiful presentation.
• A scoop of No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream for a fully homemade brownie sundae.
• Nothing! Just eat it straight from the mug with a spoon at 10pm when you need chocolate immediately. That's the whole point.

Want More Delicious Chocolate Recipes? Try These:

• Chocolate Delight Recipe
• Chocolate Sour Cream Pound Cake
• 9 Layer Chocolate Cake
• Chocolate Fondue Dessert Board
• Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

📖 Recipe

Mug Brownie Recipe

LaKita Anderson

Easy mug brownie recipe, rich, gooey chocolate in under 2 minutes. One mug, 5 ingredients, no oven needed. The perfect single-serve treat.

4.82 from 11 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Video

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 minutes mins

Total Time 7 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 1

Calories 306 kcal

Equipment

• 1 microwave
• 1 mug
• 1 spoon

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

 

• Begin the recipe by grabbing your favorite standard-size mug. Add 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 4 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder. Whisk (stir) to combine the dry ingredients together.
• Add 1 large egg and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Stir to combine all of the ingredients together, but try not to overmix.
  
• Place the mug brownie into the microwave and cook for about 1 minute. Keep in mind microwaves may vary and the cooking time may need to be adjusted. After 1 minute, check the mug and microwave for an additional 10 seconds at a time, until the brownie is slightly spongy but still gooey.
  
• Carefully remove the brownie from the microwave and allow it to sit for 1 to 2 minutes before serving. Serve warm and top with chopped walnuts and chocolate chips if you prefer. Enjoy!
  

Show Nutritional Information Hide Nutritional Information

Calories: 306kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 9gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 186mgSodium: 74mgPotassium: 230mgFiber: 4gSugar: 48gVitamin A: 270IUCalcium: 42mgIron: 3mg

The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

Keyword microwave mug brownie, mug brownie, mug brownie recipe

Tried This Recipe?Leave a comment below or tag @simplylakita on social!

Did You Make This Recipe?

If you give this mug brownie a try, I'd love to hear how it went! Leave a star rating and a comment below, especially if you tried any of the variations. Share a photo on Instagram and tag @SimplyLaKita. I love seeing your late-night chocolate moments. Save this to Pinterest for the next time your chocolate craving hits at 10pm. Questions? Ask me in the comments!