A single-serving Cinnamon Roll in a Mug that is so simple to make, takes less than 1 minute to cook in the microwave, and is made with just a handful of pantry staples. Perfect for when those sweet cravings hit & you NEED a decadent dessert or sweet breakfast, like now!
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"For such a quick microwave dessert this is amazing! They were supposed to be for the kids but we ended up having to make more for the adults!"
- Christine ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ More reviews →
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Easy desserts don't get better than the OG Cinnamon Roll in a Mug! It's warm, sticky, doughy, perfectly sweet, and cinnamony with drippy sweet frosting. So good while also being ridiculously quick and easy to make.
A whole batch of cinnamon rolls is lovely, but let's be real, they do take a bit of time and effort. A single-serving Cinnamon Roll in a Mug cooked in the microwave is the answer when you're not willing or able to put in the time and effort but still want a delicious sweet treat.
When I published this microwave cinnamon roll recipe many years ago I did not expect it to go viral. It has crashed my website several times because of the sheer volume of visitors, and the video on Facebook and Pinterest has been viewed and shared many millions of times. With a response like that and hundreds of five star reviews you know it's a tried and true recipe!
Ingredients
Here's what you need at a glance along with some important ingredients notes:
- Flour - I did experiment with different flour types while testing this recipe and all purpose white flour (plain flour in the UK) works the best. You will not get great results if you use wholewheat or spelt flour. This recipe has not been tested gluten-free, but many people in the comments have said they have made it with GF 1 to 1 baking flour with good results.
- Sugar - This should be brown sugar or coconut sugar for the best cinnamon roll flavor.
- Powdered sugar - Wholesome Sweeteners is my go-to vegan brand and is easily available in most big grocery stores in North America. If it's not available where you are and you're not sure if the others are vegan just buy an organic one. Organic sugars aren't allowed to use bone char.
Ad as it's a mug dessert you'll also need a microwave-safe mug that's about 11 or 12 oz in volume.
How To Make A Cinnamon Roll In A Mug
This Cinnamon Roll in a Mug is really easy to make. Here's a quick visual summary (also be sure to watch my recipe video):
- Make the frosting by mixing powdered sugar with a drop of water or plant-based milk.
- Mix the 4 dough ingredients together in a bowl.
- Roll the cinnamon roll dough out into a long strip, sprinkle over the cinnamon and sugar then fold the edges inwards to hold it all in.
- Roll up, plop into a greased mug, add a little water (important!)and microwave.
That's it, you're done. You have a perfect single-serving dessert, snack, or breakfast in minutes!
You can either eat it your microwave cinnamon roll from the mug, or turn it out onto a plate and admire its cinnamon roll beauty for a second, before anointing it with a generous dribble of frosting. Then tuck in immediately. Don't keep it hanging around. This cinnamon roll needs to be eaten while hot and freshly cooked for the best texture.
Just look at this inside shot!!! <double drool> Perfect for satisfying that sweet craving!
Please Read Prior To Making
I am adding this section post-publication due to feedback received and to help you get the very best results while keeping expectations in check.
The vast majority of people have been very pleased with the recipe, but some have not, and in almost all cases it is because they have had very unreal expectations of the outcome, or they have nuked the life out of the cinnamon roll in the microwave or tried to eat it once it's cold. Quite a few people have also stuck things in the middle of it before cooking, like a Kit Kat Chunky then complained it burned. I cannot be held responsible for this.
I highly recommend reading the thousands of comments and reviews under the recipe if you want a rollercoaster ride of experiences! 🤣
Regarding the unreal expectations - If you are expecting a Cinnabon type baked, yeasty, fatty, caramelized, cream cheese frosting topped, sickly sweet cinnamon roll you will be disappointed. This recipe is not like that. It is a very simplified, limited ingredient, quick and easy version. It is also microwaved. It will stay pale and it will not caramelize. That is not possible in a microwave. As long as you realize this and aren't expecting a miracle, then we are good. For a simple, very quick, microwaved cinnamon roll it is great and it needs to be enjoyed as such.
Regarding the overcooking issues - Please realize that if you cook this cinnamon roll for too long it will become tough, just as anything does in the microwave if you overcook it. I am only able to tell you how long it takes in my microwave. They are all very different and you need to adjust the cooking time to suit your microwave as per my directions. I can not be held responsible for you cooking it for so long it ends up like a hockey puck. As I explain in the directions it is better to slightly undercook then blast it in 5 second increments to finish it off. Microwaves are very powerful things and this is a very small item to be cooking. Even 10 seconds too long makes a huge difference.
And lastly - Some other recurring issues..Do not forget the baking powder and DO NOT use baking soda instead. If you do not use baking powder it will not work. Also this cinnamon roll must be eaten immediately. If you let it cool first or try to reheat it again it will become very tough.
Please know that all of my recipes are tested rigorously before publishing and if the directions are followed exactly, and cooking time is adjusted to suit your microwave, you will get a good result. Thank you and I will now get off my soap box. 😁
Recipe FAQs
The recipe hasn't been tested with self-raising flour because I can't buy it here. The amount of baking powder self-raising flour contains is very different to the amount in the recipe, so for the best results I recommend using plain flour with no raising agents added and then adding the measured amount of baking powder as per the recipe. This take any guess work out of the equation for the best results.
No. This recipe is prepared and cooked far too quickly for the yeast to be effective. That's why it uses baking powder. If you want to use yeast you will be better off following a traditional cinnamon roll recipe. There is a recipe in my cookbook!
No. This recipe needs to be eaten immediately and does not reheat well.
I have not tested this recipe in an oven.
Recipe
Cinnamon Roll in a Mug
Author:WATCH HOW TO MAKE IT
Ingredients
For the icing
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar , icing sugar in the UK
- about ¾ teaspoon water or dairy free milk
For the cinnamon roll
- a tiny dab oil , for greasing the mug (such as sunflower, canola, olive, or coconut oil)
- 9 tablespoons (70 grams) all purpose flour (plain flour in the UK)
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 small pinch fine sea salt
- about 4 tablespoons water
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1½ tablespoons brown sugar , or coconut sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
- Make the icing. In a small bowl mix the powdered sugar with either plant-based milk or water. Add the liquid a really tiny bit at a time and mix really well after each addition. The most you will need is about ¾ teaspoon to get a thick, drippy consistency. Stir well until smooth then set aside.
- Grease a normal sized drinking mug (about 11 to 12 oz size) with a tiny dab of oil.
- Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to a small bowl and stir to combine.
- Stir in enough water to form a slightly tacky but not sticky dough (about 4 tablespoons but this will vary depending on the time of year and humidity), then use your hand to bring it together and knead a few times to bring it into a ball. Don't handle it any more than you need to. Overworking will make it tough.
- Dust a clean work surface with a little flour, then roll the dough out into a long strip about 4 inches wide and ⅛ inch (a few millimetres) thick.
- Sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon evenly over the dough then fold the edges on the longest sides inwards so they meet each other in the middle. This helps to seal the cinnamon and sugar in and stop it dropping out when you lift it after rolling. See my video below for a full tutorial.
- Roll it up tightly and gently place in the greased mug. Pour over ½ teaspoon of water then place in the microwave. Don't skip this. It's important to create steam.
- Microwave uncovered on full power for about 50 seconds. My microwave is 1200 watts. You will need to adjust the time up or down if the wattage of yours is different but it shouldn't need longer than 1 minute 10 seconds max. It is better to slightly undercook it then blast in 5 second increments to finish it off than risk overcooking. Remember that microwaved food continues cooking once it's removed from the microwave.
- When you open the door it should have puffed up a lot and nearly reached the top of the mug. It will still look pale and a little damp as it's microwaved not baked, so don't think it's underdone and cook longer than you need to or it will overcook. You can check doneness with a toothpick or skewer. Stick into the roll and it should come out clean.
- Either spoon the icing over the cinnamon roll in the mug or turn out onto a plate then ice. Before turning out run a knife around the outside of the mug to loosen it. Eat immediately while warm.
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Crystal says
I needed this laugh tonight. I was browsing through Pinterest came across this recipe and was intrigued. I can't wait to give it a try!
Emily says
Umm...this turned out SO AMAZING! Perfect texture, perfect taste. I did add a pinch of sea salt to the cinnamon sugar mixture and it really brought a “buttery” flavor.
I am in the transition of becoming vegan, and with recipes like this it give a me full hope that it can be achieved!
Thank you so much!
A Virtual Vegan says
I'm thrilled you enjoyed it so much Emily and thank you so much for stopping by to leave feedback!
Kendrah says
Just needed my sweet tooth fixed without leaving the house or having too much of it in the house.... WINNER WINNER!!! I was shocked it only took the 55 seconds to cook... But now I'm nervous I'll be making one on the hour every hour...
A Virtual Vegan says
Ha ha! This recipe is dangerous. Once you know how that's it! So glad you enjoyed it. If you ever have any strawberries in the house try my Strawberry Sweet Roll Mug Cake too. It's based on this recipe and I think it's even better! https://avirtualvegan.com/strawberry-sweet-roll-mug-cake/
Emily says
???? not only insanely easy, but oh so delicious too! Next time I am thinking of making some salted caramel to put on top, vegan of course. Sticky buns are my weakness!
A Virtual Vegan says
So glad you enjoyed it Emily. Salted caramel on it would be insane! If you are up for making more than one bun, then I can highly recommend this recipe. They are so good and although they aren't quick, not much work is involved! https://avirtualvegan.com/no-knead-cinnamon-pull-apart-bread/
Leslie says
I just wanted to let you know that I think this is a fabulous recipe-I spend more time than I (or anyone) should as a mom looking for quick & easy bedtime snack foods. This may not be "Cinnabon" quality but my kids are thrilled to get this versus packaged cookies or crackers & it is just as fast to make sooo...much thanks & props to you for doing all the work to figure this out & share it with the rest of us! I very much appreciate it! Please keep bringing more recipes for me & others to try & ignore anyone whose comments are downers! Thanks so much for the time you take!
A Virtual Vegan says
Thank you so much Leslie. I'm pleased you are all enjoying the recipe!
Mercede says
This was perfect! I needed a quick cinnamon roll fix, and this recipe did the trick. However, I did change up the frosting with dairy free cream cheese. Just add in powdered sugar to the cream cheese and the frosting is Heaven! Thanks for the recipe, it was super yummy.
A Virtual Vegan says
So glad you enjoyed it!
Sally says
Have made this several times-Love the single serving! Today I used white whole wheat flour, then for something different I skipped frosting , sliced the roll and put a nice slice in the toaster. Just like having a slice of cinnamon toast! Ate the whole caboodle so feeling really indulgent! I also like to put raisins and nuts into it and think I’ll try a garlic version as someone ełse suggested. Thanks for all your work on developing this recipe!,,!
A Virtual Vegan says
You're welcome and thank you for stopping by to leave feedback! I love the idea of making cinnamon toast with it!
Lisa says
This was great! I did use a little vegan butter after rolling it out then sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. I do not like overly sweet treats and this is perfect! Thank you :)
A Virtual Vegan says
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it!
lily says
Very good for a microwave cake!
Herbert Bear says
Don't ask me why but I thought this was going to be some sort of cinnamon roll flavored smoothie XD PS: I found that the top of my roll got tough where as part of the bottom was still doughy any tips to help with this?
A Virtual Vegan says
Ha ha! If you were expecting a smoothie I can imagine your surprise ;O) It should be a little doughy. Because it's cooked in the microwave and basically steamed it will stay a little damp.unlike one cooked in the oven. It could be your particular mug that made it cook unevenly. If it's deeper or thicker then it could affect it. You could try a different one, see if it makes a difference.
If the top was tough then it sounds like you might have overcooked it a little. I would try cooking it for less. When done the top should be slightly damp and soft. Remember that it will continue cooking a little when you remove it from the microwave. By the time you turn it out onto a plate and frost it, the top (now bottom) will have firmed up a little. The first time you make this recipe is always a little trial and error because everyone's microwave is different and everyone uses a different kind of mug. Once you tweak it slightly to suit you should get it spot on!
Melanie says
Hi Mel,
I just made your one minute cinnamon roll in a mug and oh my goodness it was delicious! I followed the ingredient list but not so much the steps because I wanted to test out to see if a child ages 10-14 years old would be able to create it. It turned out amazing and it was soooo yummy! Thank you for sharing such a simple but delicious recipe!
Melanie from Wisconsin
A Virtual Vegan says
You're welcome Melanie. It's a great recipe for children to make and I'm so glad you enjoyed it. You should take a look at my Strawberry Sweet Roll in a Mug too. It's the same recipe adapted a bit and I think it's even better! https://avirtualvegan.com/strawberry-sweet-roll-mug-cake/
Maggie says
This was surprisingly good for a vegan cinimon roll. At first it is a little weird but you get use to it specially with the frosting on it. And omg the middle is so good. I did have a little trouble getting the bottom to cook though with out the top getting super rubbery. That’s ok though because raw dough is the best and it doesn’t have egg in it!
A Virtual Vegan says
I've never had a problem with getting the bottom cooked before the top, but I suspect that the mug used makes a big difference. They all come in different thicknesses and depths which could affect it. I'm glad you enjoyed it regardless though!
Jaydak says
This was so effing good! Thank u!
A Virtual Vegan says
Awesome! So glad you enjoyed it!!!
youhavechad says
I tried this tonight. It was surprisingly great. I read your disclaimer above so no surprises. Will do this again (and again). It’s great when you need something sweet and cinnamonly. Thanks!
A Virtual Vegan says
So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for letting me know. Watch out for a new cinnamon-y mug cake coming hopefully later today, maybe tomorrow! ;O)
Kristen says
I tried this recipe this morning with a gluten free flour 1 to 1 substitute. Much to my dismay, it did not work. It didn’t plump up at all. I think it could work for someone who wanted to play with the liquid ratios. Mine rolled up nicely and I used a piece of wax paper to roll out the dough and assist in rolling the dough up.
A Virtual Vegan says
Sorry it didn't work out for you. I mention in the post that it doesn't work so well with gluten-free flour. It was only designed to work with standard all purpose. You could probably make it work by tweaking the recipe a bit. I think the addition of some xanthan gum or guar gum might help.
Emilie says
I overcooked it a little and it didn't look as delicious as in the photos, but it tasted much better than it looked!!!!
A Virtual Vegan says
I'm glad it tasted better than it looked! The first time with this recipe is always a little bit of a learning curve. You will find your next one is much better!
Pamela says
So, some of the microwave issues can be solved by making this in an air fryer! I jus t tried it and while it takes. longer than a minute ( About 10 at 350F) it's still a great quick breakfast for one!