Disclaimer: I’ve never been a fan of mug cakes or mug cookies. I’ve tried my fair share of the ones who claim “Best Ever” or “So Good” and while I’m always eager and hopeful ahead of time, I’m always left feeling a little let down afterwards. Even though in my head, I know it’s a shortcut version to something sweet in a snap and shouldn’t truly be compared to the results an entire cake or full batch of cookies warrants, but my taste buds always get me psyched up like it is. And, further truth be told, most of the time I’m not very good at portion control at some things like cake or cookies. I stand in awe and amazement at someone who can take 1 or 2 cookies and be completely satisfied. I’m definitely more like Cookie Monster minus all those wasted cookie crumbs!

Lately, the family and I have been watching the carb intake and while it’s been going well, I’m also about to welcome Aunt Flo for a visit and she sometimes has a sneaky way of hijacking my hormones and adjusting my dial for something sweet and something chocolate from manageable to WANT. Yesterday, while I was scrolling along, I came across this recipe and knew I’d try it out because it just so happened I had a small jar of Nutella in the cabinet that had been untouched for months.

I’m here to tell you, this little mug cake was good and sated my want for something chocolatey & sweet. It was so filling that I didn’t even finish it all, which, trust me when I say, is unheard of. I mean, really, how do you not finish something like chocolate cake? But it happened. The directions said to heat it in the microwave for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 minutes. I opted for the 1 1/2 minutes and as I watched it rise, I thought it might come up and over, spilling down the sides of the mug, but it didn’t. After I removed it, the top had settled back down again. It’s safe to say this passed my “this is a good mug cake” test and I’ll happily make it again.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsps. all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 1/2 tbsp. sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp. Nutella
• 1 1/2 tbsp. heavy cream
• 1 1/2 tbsp. melted butter
• 3 tsp. chocolate chips

Preparation:

In a large mug, melt the butter and stir in the cream and Nutella. Fold in the egg and then add in the flour, unsweetened cocoa, and sugar. Blend until fully incorporated and smooth; stir in the chocolate chips. Microwave for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 minutes.