Coffee Cup Brownie Recipe (1 Minute Microwave Brownie Recipe)

There are times in life when I need a quick and easy dessert to satisfy my late night sweet tooth and that is when I turn to this Coffee Cup Brownie recipe. A warm and fudgy chocolate treat that is made entirely in a single coffee mug in less than 5 minutes!

It is the ideal small batch dessert that you can eat as a single serving. Or top it with vanilla ice cream and share it with someone you love.

Although it is my go to dessert when the chocolate craving hits me, it is also my favorite recipe when unexpected guests arrive. I always have the ingredients on hand and I can make each dessert in a matter of minutes.

Not to mention that clean up is a breeze. All I have to do is wash out the coffee cups and put them in the dishwasher.

So the next time that you need a quick and easy dessert and don’t have time to make an entire tray of brownies, be sure to make this recipe! Just like my Coffee Mug Cake Recipe, I am sure you will make it over and over again.

What You Need To Make This Recipe

Granulated sugar – The sweetness of the coffee cup brownie comes from standard white sugar. However you could use half granulated sugar and half light brown sugar as well.

All purpose flour – I have used both all purpose flour and self-rising flour and both work well in this recipe.

Pinch salt – Seriously, please do not skip the salt! The salt enhances the sweet chocolate flavor making your brownie even more delicious.

Oil — I prefer to use oil so that that chocolate flavor doesn’t get masked by the strong flavor of the butter. In addition, the oil makes the texture of the brownie more tender and fudgy.

Unsweetened cocoa powder — I like using natural 100% cocoa powder. However, Dutch processed cocoa will work as well.

Chocolate chips — This is what makes the Coffee Cup Brownie so good! Of course you could skip the chocolate chips if you are in a pinch but you are in for a real treat when you add them to both the batter and as a topping. Because this is a small individual size recipe, I prefer to use mini chocolate chips over the standard chips, but either will work.

Milk – Use whatever milk you have in your refrigerator. I have even used chocolate milk before! YUM!!

Pure Vanilla extract – For best results use pure vanilla extra and not the imitation variety.

How To Make A Coffee Cup Brownie

• Start by adding the dry ingredients in your cup and use a whisk or fork to mix.
• Add the chocolate chips and stir.
• Pour the wet ingredients (oil, vanilla and milk) in the coffee cup and stir just until combined.
• Sprinkle a few chocolate chips on top of the batter.
• Put it in the microwave for 60 seconds. If it isn’t quite done (because all microwaves differ), continue to cook at 15 second increments, but don’t go past a total of 90 seconds.
• Carefully remove the brownie from the microwave and let it sit for 2 minutes before serving.
• Top it with your favorite garnishes: ice cream, whipped cream, powdered sugar, chocolate syrup, and/or berries and enjoy!

Helpful Recipe Tips When Making A Coffee Cup Brownie

• A short, wide cup is preferred over a tall, skinny cup. This will allow for the brownie to cook more evenly in the coffee cup.

• Make sure to measure your flour correctly. Although using a scale is the best way to measure flour, many home cooks don’t have a food scale in their home. Therefore, be sure to fluff your flour with a fork and then spoon it into your measuring spoon before leveling it off with a knife.

• Do not over mix when the wet ingredients get added. Mix just until incorporated so that your brownie doesn’t turn out tough and dense.

• Avoid overcooking your brownie. Check it at the 1 minute mark, then if you need to cook it longer do so in 15 second increments up to a total of 90 seconds of cooking time. The brownie will look a little underdone when it is ready to come out of the microwave. However, the center will continue to firm up as it rests.

• Let the brownie sit for 2 minutes before taking your first bite. This will give the center time to firm up and will prevent you from scalding your mouth.

• Gluten Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten free baking flour in place of the all-purpose flour.

Common Recipe Variations

The best part about this Coffee Cup Brownie recipe is that it is easy to customize. Once you have the basics of the recipe, get creative for even more delicious dessert options.

• Add peanut butter: Mix a spoonful of peanut butter into the batter before microwaving. Or add peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips.
• Jam: If you like the combination of chocolate and fruit, add a spoonful of strawberry or raspberry jam to the center of the batter. Do this by pouring half the batter in the coffee cup, add the jam and then pour the remaining batter over top.
• Add nuts: If you are one who likes to have nuts in your brownie by all means, mix them in this recipe.
• Chocolate candies: Instead of chocolate chips, add some small chocolate coated candies such as M&M’s.

Coffee Cup Brownie Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 1 ½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• Pinch salt
• 2 tablespoons chocolate chips, plus more for topping
• 1 ½ tablespoons vegetable oil, melted coconut oil or melted butter
• 3 tablespoons milk
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Serving Ingredients

• Vanilla ice cream
• Chocolate syrup
• Powdered sugar
• Raspberries

INSTRUCTIONS

Add the sugar, flour, cocoa powder and salt in a microwaveable coffee mug. Then use a small whisk and stir until there are no longer any clumps visible.

Stir in the chocolate chips.

Add the oil, milk and vanilla to the cup and stir with a spoon or small silicone spatula until just combined. Do not over mix or the brownie will be dense.  

Place a few chocolate chips on the top of the batter. Place the cup in the microwave and cook for 60 seconds on high power.

Check for doneness and continue to cook at 15 second increments until the brownie is done in the center. The cook time will vary a bit based on the microwave and the size of mug.

Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

Enjoy! Mary

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