Fluorescent carbon nanoparticles were produced by using a chemistry-based bottom-up approach. Microwaves were used to synthesise carbon nanoparticles within a time scale of 5-10 minutes. A diverse amount of carbohydrates were used to prepare CNPs which were heated in the microwave for a few minutes. This is an inexpensive one step production method which did not require any expensive equipment additionally no surface passivation was needed.