Can You Really Bake Cookies in a Microwave Oven?

Cookies fresh out of the oven—there’s nothing quite like the smell and taste of homemade chocolate chip cookies right after they’ve been baked. But what if you don’t have an oven or just need a small batch fast? Can you bake cookies in a microwave oven?

The short answer is yes, you can bake cookies in a microwave! While microwaved cookies may turn out a bit different than traditional oven-baked cookies, with some tweaks to the recipe and method, it is possible to bake edible chocolate chip microwave cookies.

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about baking cookies in a microwave, including:

• How microwave ovens work
• Tips for microwaving cookie dough successfully
• Troubleshooting common microwave cookie problems
• A recipe for chewy chocolate chip microwave cookies
• Comparisons to oven-baked cookies
• Other microwave dessert recipes
• Frequently asked questions

So if you’re craving warm chocolate chip cookies but don’t have access to an oven, read on to learn how to bake cookies in the microwave!

How Do Microwave Ovens Work?

To understand how to bake cookies in a microwave, it helps to first understand what sets microwave ovens apart from conventional ovens.

Microwave ovens use microwaves – a form of electromagnetic radiation – to heat and cook food. When the microwave is turned on, it produces microwaves that are absorbed by the water molecules in food. This agitates the molecules, creating friction and heat that cooks the food from the inside out.

Unlike regular ovens that rely on hot air and radiant heat, microwave ovens don’t actually rely on direct heat to cook. This speedy internal heating is what allows microwave ovens to cook foods so much faster than conventional ovens.

However, because microwaves only penetrate about 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) into most foods, the cooking tends to be uneven. Food cooked in the microwave often ends up hotter in some spots than others. The inside might be cooked while the outside is still cool.

This is important to keep in mind when microwaving cookie dough – the inside will heat and bake faster than the outside. Special considerations are needed to get the best results.

Is It Possible to Bake Cookies in a Microwave?

Now that we understand how microwave ovens work, next question – can you really bake cookies in one?

The answer is yes, but there are some caveats.

While microwave ovens excel at reheating already cooked foods, they aren’t really designed for tasks like baking which require precise, even heating. Microwaved cookies will have a different texture and appearance than oven-baked cookies.

However, it IS possible to bake edible chocolate chip microwave cookies with a bit of tweaking:

• Use a basic microwave-friendly cookie recipe without egg
• Reduce baking powder and increase liquids slightly
• Portion dough into very small mounds
• Cook in short bursts, rotating periodically
• Allow to cool completely before eating

Microwaved cookies will be soft, cake-like, and chewy rather than crisp on the outside. But with the right adjustments, you can absolutely bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies in the microwave when you’re craving something sweet.

Microwave Cookie Recipe and Instructions

Ready to give baking cookies in the microwave a try? Here is a simple recipe and instructions tailored for the microwave.

Microwave Chocolate Chip Cookies

Makes 6 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1⁄4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1⁄4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1⁄4 cup (50g) brown sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1⁄2 cup (62g) all-purpose flour
• 1⁄4 tsp baking powder
• 1⁄8 tsp salt
• 1⁄4 cup (40g) chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Microwave on high for 40 seconds, then stir thoroughly with a spoon.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir just until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
4. Portion the dough into 6 equal pieces and roll into balls. Place on a microwave-safe plate lined with parchment paper. Flatten each ball slightly into a disk.
5. Microwave the cookies one batch of 2 at a time for 50 seconds, rotating the plate halfway through. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing from the plate.

Let’s break down the recipe and process:

• Using melted butter is key for even distribution of fat, since the dough doesn’t spread much when baking
• Reduce baking powder to avoid over-rising. Microwaves leaven quickly.
• Portion into very small mounds – microwaves cook small quantities better
• Cook in short bursts, rotating periodically for even heating
• Let cookies cool completely before eating for the best texture

Follow these tips and the microwave chocolate chip cookie recipe, and you’ll be enjoying warm, chocolatey cookies in under 10 minutes anytime the craving strikes!

Tips for Microwaving Cookie Dough

Beyond the right recipe, there are some additional tips and tricks that can help you successfully bake cookies in a microwave oven:

Use Short Cook Times

Since microwaves produce rapid, intense internal heat, cooking times will be much shorter than baking cookies in an oven. Start with just 30-60 seconds and check frequently. It’s easy to overcook.

Cook Small Batches

Just 1 or 2 cookie dough balls at a time will microwave more evenly. Attempting to microwave a whole tray of cookie dough may result in uneven cooking.

Rotate Periodically

Because microwaves create “hot spots”, rotate the cookie dough every 20-30 seconds while cooking for even heating.

Allow Cookies to Cool

Let cookies sit out of the microwave for 5-10 minutes before eating. The internal heat will continue cooking them and cooling helps set the texture.

Check for Doneness

Since microwaved cookies won’t brown on the outside, check for doneness by pressing the top gently. They should spring back when done.

Adjust Flavors

Consider reducing sweeteners slightly and adding an extra pinch of salt to compensate for the missing caramelization and surface browning flavors.

Follow these microwave cookie tips and tricks, use a dough designed for the microwave, and you can absolutely achieve homemade chocolate chip cookies fast using a microwave oven.

Chocolate Chip Microwave Cookies

Here are some specific tips for microwaving everyone’s favorite cookie – chocolate chip!

Chocolate chip cookies are especially well suited to microwaving because the chips help absorb and distribute microwave heat evenly. For best results, here are few adjustments to make:

• Use mini chocolate chips which will heat and melt faster
• Slightly increase the amount of chocolate chips
• Add a couple extra chips on top before microwaving
• Reduce the sugar slightly to allow the chocolate flavor to shine
• Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each
• Press into a cookie shape and allow to cool completely before eating

With these tweaks, microwave chocolate chip cookies will be soft, gooey, and loaded with melty chocolate goodness. Stirring between short intervals helps prevent overcooking and allows the heat to distribute for more even baking.

Give this easy microwave chocolate chip cookie recipe a try the next time a cookie craving strikes!

Common Microwaved Cookie Problems

Switching from a traditional oven to a microwave oven for baking does take some getting used to. Here are some of the most common problems and fixes for microwaved cookies:

Uneven Cooking

• Rotate cookie dough frequently while microwaving
• Cook smaller batches for more even heating

Overcooking

• Use 30-45 second intervals and check often
• Adjust power levels and cook at lower temp

Underbaking

• Cook a little longer, around 60 seconds total
• Ensure cookie dough mounds are flattened

Dry, Crispy Texture

• Allow cookies to cool completely before eating
• Store in airtight container to retain moisture
• Adjust recipe to increase moisture

Hard or Tough

• Make sure to use softened, melted butter
• Add an extra tablespoon of milk or water

With a little trial and error, you’ll get the baking times and recipe adjustments just right for baking delicious, edible chocolate chip cookies in the microwave!

Microwave vs Oven Baked Cookies

Microwaving produces cookies with a different result than traditional oven baking. How do they compare?

Microwave Cookies:

• Take 5-10 minutes total
• Very soft, cake-like texture
• Maillard browning doesn’t occur
• Interiors bake faster than exteriors
• Chocolate chips may melt more

Oven Baked Cookies:

• Take 10-15 minutes total
• Crisp at edges, chewy in center
• Caramelized, browned exterior
• Distinct rise due to oven spring
• Better overall evenness in cooking

While oven-baked cookies have superior texture and flavor overall, microwaved cookies can certainly hit the spot, especially when you need them fast. With a few tweaks and reasonable expectations, microwave baking can absolutely turn out tasty chocolate chip cookies for an instant homemade treat.

Other Microwave Dessert Recipes

Once you get the hang of microwaving cookies, there are lots of other fast and easy microwave dessert recipes you can whip up with minimal fuss:

• Microwave mug cakes – chocolate cake and brownies in a mug
• Microwaved fudge – shortcut fudge that doesn’t require a candy thermometer
• Microwaved fruit crumbles – use fresh fruit and topping
• Microwaved bread pudding – from leftover bread and simple ingredients
• Microwaved poached pears – simmered quickly in spiced juice
• Microwaved apple pie – fill a ramekin with spiced apple slices and topping

The options are nearly endless for making speedy microwave desserts with minimal equipment, time, and effort. Get creative and you can whiz up single-serving sweet treats in mere minutes.

While they may not have the same flavor or texture as baked goods, microwave desserts can definitely conquer a craving in a hurry!

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about baking cookies in the microwave? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Can I microwave cookie dough from slice-and-bake dough?

Yes, you can microwave pre-made slice-and-bake cookie dough. Reduce cook times to 20-30 seconds per cookie.

What microwave wattage works best?

Microwaves with wattages from 700-1100W work well. Adjust cook times based on your appliance wattage.

Can I use an egg in the cookie recipe?

It’s best to leave raw eggs out since microwaving doesn’t get hot enough to cook them safely.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

Check for slight dryness on top and press gently to ensure cookies spring back and are not wet inside.

Why are my cookies tough/rubbery?

This can happen if dough is overmixed or overbaked. Try shorter cook times and allow cookies to cool before eating.

Should I microwave 1 big cookie or smaller ones?

Smaller mounds will heat and cook more evenly. Aim for 1-2 inch cookie dough portions.

Still have questions? Let us know in the comments!

Conclusion

While microwaved cookies may seem unconventional, you can absolutely whip up homemade chocolate chip cookies quickly using a microwave oven. With a modified recipe and some adjustments to the method, it is possible to bake edible, tasty cookies in just minutes in the microwave.

Give this simple chocolate chip microwave cookie recipe a try the next time a cookie craving strikes. Just be sure to use short cook times, bake in very small batches, and allow cookies to cool completely for the best results.

While microwaved cookies have a different texture and appearance than oven-baked, they can still provide a delicious homemade treat in a fraction of the time. Move over conventional oven – microwaved cookies are just a few minutes away!

Let us know if you try baking cookies in the microwave and how your results turn out. And if you have any other questions that weren’t answered here, drop them in the comments below!