The Ultimate 6-Minute Peanut Butter Cookie in a Mug: Your Perfect Single-Serving Treat
Craving a warm, gooey, freshly baked cookie but don’t want the hassle of baking an entire batch? Look no further! This Peanut Butter Cookie in a Mug recipe is your ultimate solution for a quick, delicious, and satisfying single-serving treat. Ready in just 6 minutes from start to finish, it’s the fastest way to curb your sweet tooth and indulge in pure peanut butter bliss. Imagine a soft, chewy cookie, bursting with rich peanut butter flavor, baked to perfection right in your microwave. It’s warm, inviting, and just begs to be devoured with a spoon.
This delightful Peanut Butter Cookie dough in a Mug is perfect for any moment. Whether you’re unwinding after a long, stressful day, celebrating a small victory, or simply yearning for a comforting dessert, this recipe delivers instant gratification. There’s truly nothing better than pulling a warm, aromatic cookie from the microwave, its edges slightly firm and its center wonderfully soft and molten. If you’ve never experienced the magic of a peanut butter cookie baked in a cup, now is the perfect time to discover this simple yet extraordinary pleasure. Each spoonful offers a harmonious blend of sweetness and the beloved creamy taste of peanut butter, promising a truly unforgettable bite.
What Are Mug Cookies and Why Are They So Popular?
Mug cookies are a culinary phenomenon that has revolutionized quick desserts. At their core, these are simple, single-serving treats baked directly in a microwave-safe mug. They gained immense popularity due to their unparalleled convenience and the ability to satisfy cravings almost instantly. Unlike traditional baking, which often involves extensive prep, multiple dirty dishes, and a waiting game for the oven to preheat, microwave mug cookies streamline the entire process.
Here’s why they’re a game-changer:
- Unbelievable Speed: Forget waiting for 30 minutes or more. Most mug cookies are ready in under 5 minutes of cooking time, plus a few minutes for mixing. This means a warm, fresh dessert is just moments away when that sudden craving hits.
- Perfect Portion Control: This is arguably one of the biggest benefits. Instead of baking a whole tray of cookies and battling the temptation of leftovers, a mug cookie provides just enough for one person. No more overindulging, no more wasted cookies.
- Minimal Cleanup: With just one mug and one spoon to wash, cleanup is a breeze. Say goodbye to greasy baking sheets, mixing bowls, and spatulas. This makes it ideal for late-night snacks or when you’re simply too tired for a big cleanup.
- Instant Gratification: There’s something incredibly satisfying about enjoying a cookie straight from the vessel it was cooked in. The warmth, the aroma, and the fresh-from-the-oven (or microwave!) taste are incomparable.
- Customizable: While this recipe focuses on peanut butter, mug cookies are incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt them with different mix-ins and toppings, making each experience unique.
This ingenious method might just change the way you think about baking cookies forever!
Essential Peanut Butter Mug Cookie Ingredients
Crafting the perfect peanut butter mug cookie requires just a few basic ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that ideal soft, chewy, and rich texture. Precision is key, even in small amounts, so measure carefully for the best results!
- Butter (1 tablespoon): The foundation of flavor and richness. Melted butter ensures a smooth, even consistency in your cookie dough, contributing to that irresistible gooey texture once baked. Any unsalted butter will work beautifully.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): You have a choice here! Both brown sugar and white granulated sugar will work. Brown sugar adds a deeper, molasses-like flavor and contributes to a chewier, moister cookie. White sugar will give a slightly crisper edge and a more straightforward sweetness. Feel free to use whichever you prefer or a combination for a nuanced flavor.
- Vanilla Extract (¼ teaspoon): A tiny but mighty ingredient. Vanilla extract is essential for rounding out the flavors, adding warmth and depth that complements the peanut butter wonderfully. Don’t skip it!
- Salt (1 pinch): Just a pinch of salt is all you need to elevate the cookie’s taste profile. It balances the sweetness and remarkably enhances the natural nuttiness of the peanut butter, making every bite more flavorful.
- Egg Yolk (1 only): This is a secret weapon for an incredibly rich and tender mug cookie. Using only the egg yolk (instead of a whole egg) provides essential fat and binding properties without adding too much moisture, which can lead to a cake-like rather than cookie-like texture. It ensures your cookie is delightfully chewy and moist.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 ½ tablespoons): Provides the necessary structure for your cookie. Ensure you measure accurately, as too much flour can make the cookie dry and tough, while too little might result in a crumbly mess.
- Creamy Peanut Butter (1 teaspoon): The star of the show! Creamy peanut butter lends its signature smooth texture and rich, nutty flavor to the cookie. You can opt for a natural creamy peanut butter or a more processed one, depending on your preference. For an extra textural contrast, a small amount of crunchy peanut butter could be used, but creamy is recommended for the smoothest dough.
- Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (if desired): For the ultimate indulgence! Chopped mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, sprinkled on top before microwaving, melt into decadent pockets of chocolate and peanut butter, taking your mug cookie to an entirely new level of deliciousness. You can also use regular chocolate chips or other candy pieces.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Your Peanut Butter Mug Cookie
Making this single-serving delight is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for a perfect peanut butter mug cookie every time!
Step 1: Prep Your Mug
First, select a standard microwave-safe coffee mug, ideally 10 or 12 ounces in size. Spray the inside of your mug generously with non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the cookie from sticking and ensures easy cleanup later. Next, place the tablespoon of butter into the prepared mug. Microwave it for about 20-30 seconds, or until it’s completely melted and liquid. Be careful not to let it brown or burn.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Once the butter is melted, add your sugar, vanilla extract, creamy peanut butter, and a pinch of salt to the mug. Using a fork or a small spoon, stir these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and form a smooth mixture. Next, add the single egg yolk. Mix again until the egg yolk is fully incorporated, ensuring no streaks of yolk remain. This creates the rich, flavorful base for your cookie.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Mix
Finally, add the all-purpose flour to the mixture in the mug. Stir carefully until the flour is just combined with the wet ingredients. It’s important not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and lead to a tougher, less tender cookie. Mix just until no dry streaks of flour are visible.
Step 4: Cook and Enjoy!
If you choose to, now is the time to top your cookie dough with some mini Reese’s peanut butter cups or chocolate chips. Sprinkle them generously over the surface. Place the mug in the microwave and cook for 60 seconds. Microwave wattages vary, so keep an eye on it. The cookie should look puffed up and set around the edges, though the very center might appear slightly moist. Once done, carefully remove the hot mug from the microwave. Allow it to cool for a minute or two before digging in. Serve warm and immediately enjoy your perfectly baked, gooey peanut butter cookie in a mug!
Peanut Butter Cookie in a Mug
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar white or brown sugar will work, brown sugar for chewier results
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 egg yolk for richness and chewiness
- 2 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon creamy peanut butter
- Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or chocolate chips, if desired, for topping
Instructions
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Spray a microwave-safe coffee mug (10-12 oz recommended) with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Place 1 tablespoon of butter in the mug and microwave for approximately 20-30 seconds, or until completely melted.
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To the melted butter, add the sugar, vanilla extract, creamy peanut butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir vigorously with a spoon or fork until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
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Carefully add the egg yolk to the mug mixture. Mix thoroughly until the egg yolk is fully incorporated and the batter is uniform.
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Add the all-purpose flour. Stir gently until the flour is just combined and no dry pockets remain. Avoid overmixing.
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If desired, sprinkle mini peanut butter cups or chocolate chips on top of the dough. Place the mug in the microwave and cook for 60 seconds (cooking time may vary slightly depending on your microwave’s wattage).
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Carefully remove the hot mug from the microwave. Allow the cookie to cool for 1-2 minutes before serving warm directly from the mug. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions About Microwave Mug Cookies
How do I know when my mug cookie is done cooking?
Determining doneness for a mug cookie is slightly different from traditional oven-baked cookies. When your peanut butter mug cookie has finished microwaving, the edges should appear firm and lightly puffed, resembling a mini cake or a fully baked cookie edge. The very top center of the cookie, however, might still look a little wet or slightly undercooked – this is perfectly normal and desired for that coveted gooey center! It will continue to set slightly as it cools for a minute or two. If it looks completely dry and hard around the edges, it might be overcooked. For absolute reassurance, especially since it contains an egg yolk, you can insert an instant-read thermometer into the center; it should register 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) for safe consumption.
What size coffee mug do I need for this recipe?
For the best results with this recipe, we highly recommend using a standard 10 or 12-ounce size coffee mug. This size provides enough space for the cookie to rise without overflowing, ensuring an evenly cooked and aesthetically pleasing result. Crucially, always ensure your mug is clearly labeled “microwave safe.” Using a smaller cup, such as a cappuccino cup or a teacup, can be quite tricky. Their varied sizes and shapes mean you might need to experiment with cooking times, and there’s a higher risk of the cookie puffing up and spilling over the top, creating an unwelcome mess in your microwave. Stick to a larger, standard mug for a foolproof experience.
Is it safe to eat raw egg yolk in a microwaved cookie?
Yes, it is completely safe to consume the egg yolk in this microwaved cookie, provided it reaches the proper internal temperature. The recommended safe internal temperature for eggs is 160 degrees F (71 degrees C). With the typical cooking time of 60 seconds in a microwave, this cookie in a mug usually reaches an internal temperature of around 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) or higher. This ensures that any potential bacteria are eliminated, making your peanut butter mug cookie perfectly safe and enjoyable to eat. So, you can indulge without any worries!
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! If you prefer a bit of textural contrast in your cookie, crunchy peanut butter is a fantastic alternative. It will introduce delightful little peanut pieces throughout your warm cookie. Just be aware that some crunchy peanut butters can be a bit thicker or drier than creamy varieties, so if your dough seems a little too stiff, you might add a tiny splash of milk (about ¼ teaspoon) to achieve the right consistency. It’s a great way to customize your single-serving treat!
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins to my peanut butter mug cookie?
Yes, and we highly encourage it! This peanut butter mug cookie is wonderfully versatile. Chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white), mini M&Ms, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon can all be mixed into the dough before microwaving. For an extra special touch, you can even press a few additional mix-ins on top of the dough before cooking. The possibilities are endless for customizing your perfect warm dessert!
How should I store leftovers? Can I make it ahead of time?
While this peanut butter mug cookie is undeniably best enjoyed warm and fresh immediately after cooking, if you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare for a single-serving treat!), you can cover the mug tightly with plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to a day, or in the refrigerator for up to two days. To rewarm, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds until soft and gooey again. We don’t recommend making the dough ahead of time and storing it uncooked, as the texture can change. The beauty of this recipe is how quickly it comes together when you’re ready for it!
Discover More Delicious Peanut Butter Cookie Recipes!
If you’ve fallen in love with the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter in your mug cookie, you’ll be thrilled to know there’s a whole world of peanut butter cookies to explore! Whether you prefer classic, chewy, or something with a unique twist, we have a collection that will surely delight any peanut butter enthusiast. Expand your baking repertoire with these fantastic recipes:
- CHEWY PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES – For those who love a perfectly soft and pliable cookie.
- HONEY ROASTED PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES – A sweet and savory delight with an extra depth of flavor.
- BIG REESE’S PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES – Super-sized cookies packed with everyone’s favorite candy.
- PEANUT BUTTER KETO COOKIES – A guilt-free option for those following a low-carb lifestyle.
- REESE’S PEANUT BUTTER CORNFLAKE COOKIES – A fun, crunchy, and irresistible no-bake treat.
- CAKE MIX PEANUT BUTTER BLOSSOMS – Incredibly easy and soft cookies, perfect for beginners.
- PEANUT BUTTER SANDWICH COOKIES – Two soft cookies embracing a creamy peanut butter filling.
- PEANUT BUTTER COOKIE BITES – Tiny, pop-able delights that are perfect for sharing (or not!).
- REESE’S CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES – The classic duo in a decadent cookie form.
- CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CAKE MIX COOKIES – Another simple cake mix creation for quick and tasty results.
- REESE’S PEANUT BUTTER PUDDING COOKIES – Extra soft and moist thanks to a secret ingredient.
- MARSHMALLOW PEANUT BUTTER NO BAKE COOKIES – Quick, easy, and requires no oven, just like our mug cookie!
Baking, whether it’s a quick mug cookie or a full batch, is often a joyful family activity. Sometimes, though, it’s the unexpected moments and observations that bring the most delight. For instance, some photos just make you laugh! We have no idea why our beloved dog, Ruckus, wanted to lick the bottom of my teenage son’s foot, but more power to him! Dogs are truly hilarious companions, full of quirky behaviors that keep life interesting. And let’s not forget teenagers – they can be pretty amusing too, in their own unique ways!
In conclusion, you are truly just 6 minutes away from enjoying a hot, incredibly gooey, and undeniably delicious treat. This peanut butter mug cookie recipe is the quintessential single-serving dessert, perfect for any time of the day or night. It requires no sharing, offers maximum flavor with minimal effort, and provides that comforting homemade goodness without the fuss. Go ahead, treat yourself to this effortless indulgence!
