This mug cookie is a perfect single serving of a classic carnival cookie, done gluten-free!

Yield: 1 mug
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 1 1/2 to 2 min

Gluten Free Carnival Cookie in a Mug

Sometimes, you just need a sugar hit. You know those days where the comfort of something sugary solves all problems? That's the kind of day I was having when I came up with this. I was inspired by some cookies from my childhood: Otis Spunkmeyer's Carnival cookies, in fact. And this version ticks all the boxes of those Otis Spunkmeyer ones, except, instead of waiting for the oven to warm and then baking until done, you just pop this in the microwave! And instead of juggling a dozen leftover cookies and feeling guilty for eating them, as soon as you're finished with the first one, you're finished with all of them.


That's what I love about single serve desserts: there's no need to feel guilty and no need to try to psyche myself into not finishing the pan. It's a win win win. I've made loads of cookies in mugs in the past, and I've seen sugar cookies in mugs that call for extra sugar or sprinkles scattered across the top, and I'm sure they taste yummy, but this cookie? This cookie tastes delicious. I dare you to try it. One bite and you'll love it. Plus, because it's made in a coffee mug, you don't have to worry about the kids begging for some of what you have. They'll just think you've gone mad, eating your coffee with a fork. But you know what, I can deal with that if it means I get this cookie all to myself.

The best thing about it, though, is that it's gluten free! See, here's the issue in my house: I'm the only one who's gluten free. My boys still pack down the gluten and eat sugary, gluten-filled cookies that make my mouth water. Even though I know I can't possibly have a nibble. This little gem is my way of combating that. Next time they reach for their delicious gluten-filled cookies (or coerce me into whipping up a batch of gluten cookies for them) I'll pop this in the microwave for me. While they're waiting 12 minutes for theirs to bake, I could be on my 6th cookie! Who's got the last laugh now, eh? :)

Ingredients:

For the gluten free carnival mug cookie
1 tablespoon butter
1 medium egg yolk
1 1/2 tablespoons almond flour
1 1/2 tablespoons sweet rice flour
3 tablespoons sugar
pinch salt
handful M&Ms or other candy-coated chocolates

Gluten Free Carnival Cookie in a Mug

1. Put the butter in the mug and melt for 25 to 30 seconds. Don't let boil.
2. Add the sugar and salt and stir well.
3. Add the egg yolk and stir.
4. Stir in the flours until all thoroughly combined.
5. Top the cookie dough with half of the candy coated chocolates.
6. Microwave until done. In my UK kitchen with my not-very-powerful microwave, this cookie took about a minute and a half to cook on 800 watt. If you've got a really powerful microwave, you'll be looking at mere seconds.
7. Sprinkle the remaining candies over the cookie.
8. Let cool and serve.