Microwave Brownies From Scratch

These quick microwave brownies are rich, chocolatey, and come together in minutes using pantry staples. Kids can mix the batter by hand or with a hand mixer—no oven needed. Customize with optional nuts or chocolate chips, and enjoy warm, fudgy brownies any time a craving strikes.

9 servings

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 10

Ingredients

2 large (100 g) eggs
¾ cup (150 g) sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup (110 g) melted unsalted butter
¾ cup (90 g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (64 g) cocoa powder (not Dutched)
1 teaspoon instant espresso - optional

Topping (Optional)

¼ cup chopped semi-sweet chocolate or chocolate chips
¼ cup chopped nuts - toasted nuts (peanuts, pecans, walnuts, etc.)
pinch cinnamon

Instructions

Blend: 2 large eggs, 3/4 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract with a mixer (hand mixer works fine) for about 1 minute until light.
Add: 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter and keep beating.
Mix in dry ingredients: in 3/4 cup all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup cocoa powder (not Dutched) and 1 teaspoon instant espresso (if using) at low speed just until the flour disappears.
Optional: Combine 1/4 cup chopped semi-sweet chocolate or chocolate chips, 1/4 cup chopped nuts and a pinch cinnamon for topping in a small bowl. Either stir the topping into the batter now or sprinkle on top after the batter is put into the baking dish. I like to sprinkle it on top. Looks fancy.
Spread batter: Use an 8" square, round, or oval glass oven-safe dish. Arrange the batter with the spatula to be somewhat thicker around the edges and corners than in the middle.
Microwave on HIGH for 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully the first time because every microwave is a bit different. When done, the top looks dry and springs back when lightly touched. If the brownies become tough and chewy as they cool, they overcooked. Food cooked in a microwave continues to cook for a minute or two after removing it from the oven.

Notes

Storage: Double-wrap and freeze for up to six weeks.

Make-ahead: I don't. They are so quick to make I would rather serve them warm.