Look, sometimes on those busy mornings we just don’t have time to wait for the french press or even the drip brewing coffee maker. So, I’m going to let you in on the secret for how to make coffee in the microwave for a time-saving trick that still tastes great.
That’s because this method still uses real coffee grounds! Plus, it’s a great way to make coffee without a coffee maker.
If you’re interested in a warm drink with a little bit more of a holiday kick, then try out this microwave recipe for mulled wine!
How to Make Coffee in the Microwave Step By Step
- Create a bag of coffee by adding 4 Tbsp ground coffee to a coffee filter, cheese cloth, refillable tea bag, or similar
- Secure the bag using a rubber band, staples, paper clip, binder clip, or other method
- Fill a microwave safe mug with 12 ounces of water
- To the mug, add a wooden skewer or popsicle stick, as you’ll want to prevent superheating
- Cook on high for about 3 minutes in a 1000W microwave, adjusting time up or down if your wattage varies until the water is around 200F (195F – 205F is considered optimal coffee brewing temperature)
- Remove the mug from the microwave, remove the stick, and add in your ground coffee bag. Clip or tie it to the side of the mug if you don’t want to hold it
- Allow to steep for 4-5 minutes, until coffee reaches desired brew strength
- Remove and discard coffee bag
- Add milk and sugar if desired, and enjoy
How to Make Coffee With Milk in the Microwave
- Create and secure a bag of 4 Tbsp coffee ground in a coffee filter or similar
- Then, fill your 12 oz microwave safe mug with milk instead of water
- Set the microwave to 70% (medium high) power
- Microwave for 2-3 minutes in total or until you see visible steam, stopping every 15 seconds to stir (you don’t need the stick here because of this)
- Remove from microwave and add the coffee bag for steeping
- After 4-5 minutes, remove the coffee bag and enjoy
It’s also fine to use a mix of water and milk if you desire, but you’ll need to follow the 15 second rule regardless. This prevents the milk from scalding and becoming unpalatable in your drink.
This is a similar process to how long to microwave milk for hot chocolate.
I also wrote an article on how long it takes to microwave milk to 110 degrees in case you want to be more specific with your temperature.
Can You Microwave Coffee in a Paper Cup?
No, you cannot microwave coffee in a paper cup. These cups are actually not designed for the type of heat a microwave will apply, and the glue of the seams will melt. This results in a leaking cup.
Make sure to use a microwave safe mug instead. Learn more about what the microwave safe symbol is so you know what to look for!
Conclusion
Making coffee in the microwave is a quick and easy way to enjoy your favorite morning beverage. You’ll get the same great taste, but be able to make your coffee without a coffee maker.
You can even get things ready the night before by packing your coffee bag ahead of time. This is a huge helper that allows me to get my caffeine even on the busiest mornings!
I love enjoying my morning coffee with some of these crunchy orange and almond air fryer biscotti cookies! Or, you can make these deliciously soft air fryer tea cakes.
Alternatively, enjoy some coffee after dinner with one of these easy and delicious microwave dessert recipes!
Or if you like the idea of adding a little cold brew coffee to dessert, then try making my Air Fryer Chocolate Mocha Cupcakes!
Fresh Ground Coffee in the Microwave
Equipment
- Microwave
- 12 oz or larger microwave safe mug
- Wooden stick (skewer, popsicle stick, chopstick)
- Coffee filter, cheese cloth, or tea bag
- Clip or band
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp ground coffee
- 12 oz water
- Milk or sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Place 4 Tbsp ground coffee in your bag, filter, or cloth4 Tbsp ground coffee
- Secure using the clip, band, or similar
- Fill mug with 12 oz water12 oz water
- Place wooden stick into the water in the mug
- Set mug in microwave and cook on high for 3 minutes, or until water temperature reaches around 200°F
- Remove mug from microwave, remove stick, and add coffee bag into water. Secure the bag to the edge of the mug with a clip or band, if desired
- Steep for 4-5 minutes, until coffee is desired strength
- Discard bag, add cream and/or sugar if desired, and enjoy!Milk or sugar (optional)
Notes
- I like using a binder clip or a silicone band to hold the coffee bag in place in my mug
- This works with pre-ground coffee, or simply grind your whole beans ahead of time
- If you let your cheesecloth bag hang over the side of the mug, it will wick moisture and drop onto your counter
- For a smaller mug, just reduce the amount of ground coffee accordingly. 1 Tbsp ground coffee for every 3 ounces of water is appropriate
- Feel free to dip, dunk, and squeeze your coffee bag like a tea bag to help it along with brewing!
Nutrition
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
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