If you’ve ever craved a gooey, freshly-baked treat but didn’t want to commit to an entire batch of cookies, Cookie in a Mug is your new best friend. This brilliant little dessert captures all the comfort of a classic chocolate chip cookie, but in a portion-perfect, single-serve mug and ready in just about five minutes. Perfect for midnight cravings, solo movie nights, or sweet surprises for kids, it’s the coziest shortcut to homemade indulgence you’ll ever try.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of humble kitchen staples can create something so magical. Each ingredient in this Cookie in a Mug plays an important role in delivering that signature golden, chewy, soft-in-the-middle bite—so don’t skip a thing!

Unsalted Butter (1 tbsp, melted): Essential for that rich, classic cookie flavor and a wonderful, soft crumb.
Granulated Sugar (1 tbsp): Adds sweetness and helps the cookie get those golden edges we all love.
Brown Sugar (1 tbsp, packed): Brings moistness and a hint of caramel depth to every bite.
Vanilla Extract (0.25 tsp): Rounds out the flavor, making your Cookie in a Mug deeply aromatic.
Milk (1 tbsp): Provides extra moisture, ensuring the cookie is soft and never dry.
All-Purpose Flour (3 tbsp, sifted): Forms the structure, sifting keeps things light and smooth.
Baking Powder (0.25 tsp): Lends a little lift, so the cookie stays tender instead of dense.
Chocolate Chips (1 tbsp): The melty, gooey highlight—absolutely necessary in every decadent bite.

How to Make Cookie in a Mug

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Start by grabbing your favorite microwave-safe mug. Add the unsalted butter and microwave it for about 15 seconds, just until melted. This quick melt is the base for all the rich flavor to come and ensures that your sugars and other wet ingredients blend perfectly.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

To your mug of melted butter, add both the granulated sugar and brown sugar, followed by the vanilla extract and milk. Stir everything together with a fork, making sure it’s all nicely combined. This step is all about building up that gooey, cookie batter magic.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Next, sift in the all-purpose flour and sprinkle the baking powder right on top. Give it another good mix until just combined. Try not to over-stir—this is the secret to keeping your Cookie in a Mug tender and soft.

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Here comes the best part! Gently fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they’re distributed throughout the batter. These little pockets of melty chocolate will make every bite feel extra special.

Step 5: Microwave to Perfection

Pop your mug into the microwave and cook on high for 45 to 60 seconds. Keep an eye on it—the cookie should look set but still be a little soft in the center. Remember, it’ll continue to firm up as it cools, so don’t overcook!

Step 6: Cool Slightly and Enjoy

Let your Cookie in a Mug rest for about a minute before digging in. This quick pause allows the flavors to settle and ensures you won’t burn your tongue on molten chocolate. Grab a spoon and savor that warm, gooey cookie goodness!

How to Serve Cookie in a Mug

Garnishes

A single scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is my absolute favorite way to finish off Cookie in a Mug. You could also sprinkle a dash of sea salt, a drizzle of caramel, or a few extra chocolate chips for even more indulgence.

Side Dishes

Pair this mug cookie with a tall glass of cold milk, your preferred plant-based milk, or even a decadent hot chocolate. If you’re going for an afternoon treat, a hot cup of coffee or tea also makes a classic companion.

Creative Ways to Present

Make things festive by using colorful mugs or serving each mug with a tiny spoon. If you’re entertaining, try setting up a Cookie in a Mug bar with different toppings like crushed candy bars, sprinkles, or mini marshmallows so everyone can customize their own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow don’t finish your Cookie in a Mug (I admire your willpower!), just cover the mug with plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to 24 hours. It will stay soft, but the texture is always best when enjoyed fresh.

Freezing

While baking in a mug is all about instant gratification, you can prep a few mugs with the dry mix in advance, then simply add your wet ingredients and microwave when the craving hits. The finished cookie isn’t ideal for freezing, but prepping ahead saves a step!

Reheating

If you need to reheat your Cookie in a Mug, simply microwave it in 10- to 15-second bursts until just warmed through. Be cautious—overheating can quickly dry it out, so just use the microwave enough to get that gooey center back.

FAQs

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Yes, if you’re out of butter, you can substitute with an equal amount of neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil. The flavor won’t be quite as rich, but your Cookie in a Mug will still come out moist and delicious.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

Swap in a plant-based margarine and use your favorite vegan milk. Just make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free and you’ll still have that warm, chewy Cookie in a Mug without missing a beat.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, white chocolate chips, or even dried fruit can be folded in with or instead of chocolate chips to give your Cookie in a Mug its own signature twist.

What size mug works best?

Use a standard 10- to 12-ounce mug. This gives your Cookie in a Mug enough room to rise without overflowing, helping it cook evenly from edge to center.

My cookie is dry or rubbery—what went wrong?

This usually means it was cooked a little too long. All microwaves are different, so start with the shortest cook time and add a few seconds as needed. Always slightly underbake for that perfect soft center!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making a Cookie in a Mug, you’re about to unlock a whole new level of dessert happiness—all in the time it takes to make a cup of tea. Give it a whirl and treat yourself to a sweet, warm cookie moment anytime the craving strikes!

Cookie in a Mug Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 30 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 6 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in a warm, gooey cookie made in just minutes with this quick and easy Cookie in a Mug recipe. Perfect for a solo sweet treat!

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients:

1 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp brown sugar (packed)
0.25 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp milk

Dry Ingredients:

3 tbsp all-purpose flour (sifted)
0.25 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp chocolate chips

Instructions

Melt Butter – In a microwave-safe mug, melt the butter for about 15 seconds.
Mix Wet Ingredients – Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to the mug. Stir well.
Add Dry Ingredients – Stir in the flour and baking powder until just combined.
Fold in Chocolate Chips – Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
Microwave – Microwave on high for 45-60 seconds until set but soft in the center.
Cool and Enjoy – Allow to cool for a minute before serving. Enjoy warm!

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 minute
Category: Dessert
Method: Microwaving
Cuisine: American