Get ready, guys. I’m about to let you in on a secret: my most frequently made recipe.

Did I get your attention? As a baking blogger (is that what I am?), I get to bake a lot. But, unfortunately, I don’t get to bake the same thing more than once very often. I also bake for other people most of the time (in an effort not to eat a full cake/pan of brownies/batch of cookies every weekend). So what do I do when I don’t have time to make a big dessert but am desperately craving something rich and chocolatey? Mug brownies!

I know what you’re thinking: Meg, this is a huge cop out on a blog post. That’s not baking! It took you literally 2 minutes!

I’d argue that of all of the recipes on this blog, most of you reading this are way more likely to try this one on your own than anything else. You (should) have all of the ingredients already. And it takes literally 2 minutes. And it’s dessert for one!

I stand by my decision to share this as this week’s post. Some weeks are croissant weeks. Some weeks are mug brownie weeks.

So how does this magic work? First step, find an appropriate (microwaveable) mug.Living down in New Jersey, there was a bakery down the street called The Little Daisy that I absolutely loved. When I left, I had to get one of their mugs. I mean, they had a built in little spoon, how could I not? (If you’re not yet a convert to eating ice cream exclusively out of mugs, a mug with a built in spoon will get you there.)

Anyways, first use a fork to whisk together the flour, sugar, and cocoa powder. Make sure to really stir into the bottom and corners of the mug – flour tends to just hang out there and not get incorporated. Then, use your fork-whisk to stir in the oil and water, again making sure to thoroughly mix into all of dry ingredients hiding in the bottom. Last step: add salt and chocolate chips to taste. You don’t have to add either of these, but I was feeling decadent. Mix them in. Now, put in the microwave on high for one minute. Let it sit in the microwave another 30 seconds to a minute to set.And that’s it! You’ve got a brownie! Nice and molten in the middle. Crispier at the top. In other words, perfect.Go watch some Netflix, pour some wine, and dig in.

Enjoy!

Mug Brownie

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons flour
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons water
• pinch of salt
• handful of chocolate chips

Directions:

1. In a microwaveable mug, whisk together flour, sugar, and cocoa powder using a fork.
2. Whisk in oil and water until combined.
3. Stir in salt and chocolate chips, to taste.
4. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Allow to sit in microwave additional 30 seconds to 1 minute to set.