By Julia Vriend
Assistant Blogs Editor

Everyone loves homemade baking, but not all of us have the time or energy to whip out the mixer, wait for the oven to preheat or clean up those cake tins. QJBlogs is here to tell you how to turn your microwave into an easy-bake oven. Here are four single-portion desserts that you can make in five minutes — the perfect complement to a late night study session or post-dinner treat.

Sugar cookie in a cup

A nice alternative to Pillsbury cookies.

Ingredients
• 1 tbsp. of butter
• 2 tbsp. of granulated white sugar
• 1/4 tsp. of pure vanilla extract
• Small pinch of kosher salt
• 1 egg yolk
• 3 tbsp. of all-purpose flour
• Coloured sugar for sprinkling

Directions
Melt butter in an 8 oz mug in the microwave, then add sugar, vanilla and salt and stir together. Add the egg yolk and stir again. Add flour and stir a final time. Sprinkle cookie dough with colored sugar, and heat in microwave for about 45 seconds. Start checking for doneness at 40 seconds.
Adapted from: number-2-pencil.com

Peanut Butter cookie in a cup

Even better than eating peanut butter out of the jar.

Ingredients
• 1 tbsp. of butter
• 1 tbsp. of peanut butter
• 1 tbsp. of firmly packed dark brown sugar
• 1 tbsp. of granulated white sugar
• Splash of vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1 egg yolk
• 3 level tbsp. of all-purpose flour
• Crushed peanuts for topping (optional)

Directions
Melt peanut butter and butter together in microwave for about 30 seconds in an 8 oz mug. Add sugars, salt and vanilla and stir to combine. Add egg yolk and stir again. Add flour and give a final stir. Sprinkle peanuts on top and heat in microwave for around 45 seconds. Microwaves vary, so start checking for doneness at 35 seconds. Serve warm!
Adapted from: number-2-pencil.com

Two-Minute Brownies

For all of you chocolate lovers. These guilt-free portions will kill your cravings.

Ingredients
• 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp. water
• Few drops vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• 3 tbsp. granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour

Directions
• In a 12 oz coffee mug, mix water, oil, salt and vanilla.. Whisk well.
• Add cocoa powder, whisk well. Add sugar, whisk well. Add flour, whisk well.
• Microwave for 60-75 seconds: 60 seconds for a molten bottom
• Enjoy with a spoon and a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Adapted from: chow.com

Cake in a cup

Try this recipe out for yourself, or add some ice cream and chocolate syrup and share it with a friend!

Ingredients
• 4 tbsp. plain flour
• 4 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp. baking cocoa
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1 egg
• 3 tbsp. of milk
• 3 tbsp. of canola oil
• A splash of vanilla extract

Directions
Place dry ingredients in a standard coffee mug. Mix in an egg. Mix in the rest of the wet ingredients. Add a tiny splash of vanilla. Place in the microwave for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. Make sure you keep an eye on your dessert!
Adapted from: grouprecipes.com