Microwave Chocolate Chip Donut

If the vanilla donut is a clean slate and the fruit donut is a morning treat, the Microwave Chocolate Chip Donut is the ultimate “anytime” indulgent. It’s for the moments when you want the golden, buttery crumb of a classic cake donut but need the molten, gooey satisfaction of melted chocolate. The beauty of this recipe is the temperature play. Because microwaves heat from the inside out, the chocolate chips reach a liquid, “lava-like” state just as the surrounding dough sets into a soft sponge. It is the fastest way to get a “warm from the bakery” experience without ever having to leave your house or wait for a delivery driver.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
This is a texture-lover’s dream. Unlike a standard muffin, which can sometimes be airy and dry, the inclusion of fat and sugar in this donut creates a “short” crumb, meaning it’s dense, moist, and snaps slightly when you bite into it. It’s also incredibly satisfying; the chocolate provides a rich weight that makes a single donut feel like a substantial dessert. It is also the ultimate low-mess bake. Since it’s a single-serving recipe, you aren’t left with a dozen donuts that will go stale by morning. You get exactly what you need, exactly when you need it, with nothing more than a mug and a spoon to wash.
Ingredients You’ll Need

The Donut Batter
- 4 tbsp All-Purpose Flour: The structural base.
- 2 tbsp Light Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is essential here, it makes the donut chewier and pairs better with chocolate than white sugar.
- ½ tsp Baking Powder: For that necessary lift.
- 3 tbsp Milk: To hydrate the dough.
- 1 tbsp Melted Butter: For a rich, bakery-style flavor.
- ½ tsp Vanilla Extract: To enhance the chocolate notes.
- 1-2 tbsp Mini Chocolate Chips: Mini chips are better than large ones because they distribute more evenly in a small donut.
- A pinch of Salt: To balance the sweetness.
The “Double Chocolate” Glaze (Optional)
- 3 tbsp Powdered Sugar
- 1 tsp Cocoa Powder
- 1-2 tsp Milk (until drizzling consistency is reached)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- The Mix: In a small bowl or large microwave-safe mug, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- The Liquids: Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir until the batter is smooth and free of large lumps.
- The Chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips.Pro Tip: Toss the chips in a tiny pinch of flour before adding them; this helps prevent them from all sinking to the very bottom of the donut.
- The Vessel:
- Standard: Grease a microwave-safe silicone donut mold.
- The Hack: Grease a mug. Place a greased shot glass in the center and pour the batter around it to create the donut ring.
- The Zap: Microwave on high for 50 to 65 seconds.
- The Test: The top should look set and slightly matte. If it still looks wet, add 5–10 seconds.
- The Rest: Let it sit for 1 minute. This allows the chocolate to “settle” and the cake structure to firm up so it doesn’t break when you remove it.
- The Finish: While warm, drizzle with the chocolate glaze or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Large Chocolate Chunks: In a small microwave donut, large chunks can create “holes” in the structure or sink to the bottom. Stick to mini chips for the best “chip-to-dough” ratio.
- Overcooking: Chocolate burns easily in the microwave. If you cook it too long, the chips will turn bitter and the dough will become rubbery.
- Skipping the Salt: Chocolate needs salt to taste its best. That tiny pinch makes a world of difference.
- Eating too Fast: The melted chocolate inside will be extremely hot (molten lava status). Give it that minute to rest so you don’t burn your mouth!
Alternatives & Substitutions

- The “Peanut Butter Cup” Twist: Swirl in a teaspoon of creamy peanut butter into the batter before cooking.
- White Chocolate & Raspberry: Swap the dark chips for white chocolate chips and add 2 crushed raspberries.
- The “Mocha” Donut: Replace 1 tbsp of the milk with 1 tbsp of strong brewed coffee.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond milk and melted coconut oil. Dark chocolate chips are often naturally dairy-free!
Final Thoughts
The Microwave Chocolate Chip Donut is a classic for a reason. It’s simple, effective, and hits that specific chocolate-heavy craving with surgical precision. It’s the ultimate reward for a long day, delivered in about 60 seconds.
