Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients, and you’re moments away from chocolate heaven. The key is using good quality components where possible, especially the cocoa powder, as it’s the star of the show.
- All-Purpose Flour (4 Tablespoons): The structural backbone of your brownie, providing the necessary body.
- Granulated Sugar (4 Tablespoons): For sweetness; you can adjust slightly to your preference, but this amount provides a classic brownie sweetness.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (2 Tablespoons): The heart of the chocolate flavor. Use a good quality one for the best results; Dutch-process will give a darker, richer flavor.
- A Pinch of Salt (1/8 Teaspoon): Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the chocolate flavor. Don’t skip it!
- Milk (3 Tablespoons): Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients. Whole milk, 2%, or even almond/soy milk can work.
- Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter (3 Tablespoons): Provides fat, which is crucial for a fudgy texture and rich flavor. Melted butter adds a richer taste, while oil keeps it super moist.
- Vanilla Extract (1/4 Teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors, especially the chocolate. A small amount makes a big difference.
- Chocolate Chips (2 Tablespoons, optional but highly recommended): For those glorious pockets of molten chocolate. Milk, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate chips all work wonderfully.
Instructions
Follow these simple instructions carefully for the best results. The key is to mix well but avoid overmixing once the flour is added.
- Choose Your Mug: Select a standard-sized microwave-safe mug (around 10-12 ounces). A wider mug is generally better than a tall, narrow one as it allows for more even cooking. Ensure it’s clean and dry.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In your chosen mug, add the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. Use a fork or a small whisk to mix these dry ingredients thoroughly. Make sure there are no lumps of cocoa powder remaining. This step is crucial for an evenly flavored and textured brownie.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract directly into the mug with the dry ingredients.
- Mix Until Just Combined: Using your fork or small whisk, mix all the ingredients together until they are just combined and you have a smooth, thick batter. Scrape the bottom and sides of the mug to ensure all the flour is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to a tougher brownie.
- Stir in Chocolate Chips (Optional): If you’re using chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter now. You can also reserve a few to sprinkle on top before microwaving.
- Microwave with Care: Place the mug in the center of your microwave. Microwave on high power. The cooking time will vary depending on your microwave’s wattage:
- For a 1000-1200W microwave: Start with 60-75 seconds.
- For a 700-900W microwave: Start with 75-90 seconds.
The brownie is done when the edges look set and the top is mostly dry, but the very center might still look a little moist. It will continue to cook slightly as it cools.
- Check for Doneness: You’re looking for a brownie that’s cooked through but still fudgy. If it seems too wet after the initial cooking time, microwave in additional 10-second intervals, checking after each, until it reaches your desired consistency. Be very careful not to overcook, as this will result in a dry, rubbery brownie.
- Cool Slightly and Enjoy: Carefully remove the mug from the microwave (it will be hot!). Let the brownie cool for a minute or two before diving in. This allows the center to set up a bit more and prevents you from burning your mouth. Enjoy it straight from the mug!
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 550