This single serving, oil-free Cinnamon Roll in a Mug is like magic. It's so easy & perfect for when those sweet cravings hit & you NEED dessert, like now!
I'm not a big microwave fan. I have one but very rarely use it. I am however fascinated by super quick vegan desserts like vegan mug cakes. I have a sweet tooth and the thought of being able to go from zero to dessert in sixty seconds is extremely appealing! I had a taste of this with my Strawberry Mug Cake. Vegan mug cake recipes for the win!
Back in October, I started experimenting with a Cinnamon Roll in a Mug recipe, or Cinnamon Bun in a Mug as some might think of it. A whole batch is lovely, but sometimes that's not what you want. A single-serving Cinnamon Roll is just plenty.
It went well and I was about to publish it, until I came to edit my photographs. Someone (who shall remain nameless), looked at the photos and immediately fell about laughing. Apparently, my cinnamon roll looked a little rude !
Now dirty mind or not, once this was mentioned to me, try as I might, I could not un-see it. I really wanted to get the recipe out to you guys so posted the photos in a food bloggers Facebook group and asked their opinion. They all agreed with the afore mentioned dirty minded person.
So that was that. I couldn't use the photos and had to go out and buy a new mug, reshoot, then Christmas was nearly here, so the recipe has taken a back seat until now. Those of you who saw it on Instagram and wanted the recipe have had a long wait!
(If you want to see the photos that caused all the fuss I have included two of them at the very end of this post under the recipe....see if you can see it....).
My Cinnamon Roll in a Mug is warm, sticky, doughy and cinnamony. The perfect indulgent treat for those times when you absolutely need dessert right now. It is completely oil-free and although not what I would call healthy, it is certainly better for you than most commercially made cinnamon rolls.
If you love mug cakes, check out my Strawberry Sweet Roll Mug Cake and if mug cakes aren't for you but you like sweet rolls, then you might want to check out my Sticky Lemon Strawberry Sweet Rolls. They are divine and are cooked in more of a traditional way.
The roll itself is not overly sweet, although you could add sugar to the actual dough if you wanted to make it a little sweeter. With the addition of the frosting though, the sweetness is perfect.
How to make a cinnamon roll in a mug
(For detailed measurements and instructions, see the printable recipe card).
It is so easy to make. It literally takes a minute or two to form and about fifty seconds to cook.
Once it's cooked, turn it out onto a plate and admire it's 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. It is best eaten right away because once it cools it gets a bit tough.
Here's how it's done:
- Make the frosting by mixing powdered sugar with a drop of plant-based milk or water
- Mix the 4 dough ingredients together in a bowl then roll out into a long strip
- Sprinkle over the cinnamon and sugar then fold the edges inwards.
- Roll up and plop into a mug.
- Microwave, turn out and annoint with the sticky white frosting
That's it! It really is that simple, but before you start please read the next paragraph.
Please read prior to making this recipe!
I am adding this section after publication because of some of the feedback I have received. The vast majority of people have been very pleased with the results of this recipe, but some people have not, and in almost all cases it is because they have had very unreal expectations of the outcome, or they have nuked the hell out of it in the microwave. 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.
Regarding the unreal expectations:
If you are expecting a Cinnabon type baked, yeasty, fatty, caramelized, super sweet cinnamon roll you will be disappointed. This recipe is not like that. For a start it is oil and yeast free. Secondly, it is a very simplified, quick and easy version. It is also microwaved. It will stay pale and it will not caramelize. This is not possible in the microwave. As long as you realize this and aren't expecting a miracle, then we are good. For a microwaved, simple, quick version 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, 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 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 much makes a heck of a difference.
And lastly
Do not forget the baking powder and DO NOT use baking soda (bicarbonate of soda in the UK) instead. This seems to be another recurring issue. If you do not use baking powder it will not work.
This cinnamon roll must be eaten immediately. If you let it cool first or try to reheat it again it will become tough.
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.
I did experiment with different flour types while trialling this recipe and all purpose white flour works the best. Whole-wheat gives an ok result, and as much as I love spelt flour, I didn't really like it in this. I also tried gluten-free blend and the results were not good. On the back of this I would recommend you use all purpose flour and not to try subbing it as I want you to have the best result possible.
Just look at this inside shot!!! <double drool>
Hungry for more?
For more vegan mug cake recipes check out these great options:
One Minute Cinnamon Roll in a Mug
Author:
Ingredients
For the cinnamon roll
- 9 level tablespoons all purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- a pinch of salt
- Around 3-4½ tablespoons water
- A tiny dab of oil for greasing the mug coconut or mild olive oil/vegetable oil
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1½ tablespoons coconut sugar you can sub any fine sugar - don't use one with large chunky grains unless you don't mind the grainy texture when it's cooked
- ½ teaspoon water
For the frosting
- 3 tablespoons natural powdered sugar
- A drop of plant-based milk or water around ¾ teaspoon
INSTRUCTIONS
- Grease a normal sized drinking mug (just a standard medium sized one) with a tiny dab of oil. Be sure to reach into the bottom and the edges well.
- First make the frosting. In a small bowl mix the powdered sugar with either plant-based milk or water. Add the liquid a tiny bit at a time. It doesn't take much at all and the most you will need is ¾ teaspoon of water, perhaps a tiny drop more if you are using milk. Stir well until smooth then set aside.
- Add the flour, baking powder and salt to another small bowl and stir to combine.
- Gradually add the water (from the 3-4½ tablespoons, stirring until it starts to form a dough then use your hand to bring it together, kneading a few times until its a smooth, flexible ball of dough. If you do accidentally add a drop too much water and it's a bit sticky, add a little tiny bit more flour. If it's very dry and won't come together, add a drop more water. Only handle it as much as you need to.
- Dust your work surface with a little flour, then roll your dough out into a long strip about 4 inches wide and a couple of millimetres thick
- Sprinkle the coconut sugar and cinnamon evenly over the dough then fold the edges inwards to seal it in and stop it all falling out when you lift it into the mug.(see my video above).
- You will be left with a long narrow strip which you can roll up.
- Roll it up and gently lift it and place it in the greased mug.
- Pour over ½ teaspoon water then place in the microwave.
- Microwave uncovered on full power for around 45 - 50 seconds. My microwave is 1200 watts. You may need to adjust the time a bit up or down. All microwaves are different so be careful not to overcook it. If you overcook it it will become tough so be sure to check how powerful your microwave is first and adjust accordingly. The very maximum time it will need is about 1 min 10 seconds and that is only if you have a really low powered microwave. Remember that it will continue to cook a little bit after you remove so a tiny bit under done is better than overdone as then it will go tough. If it needs longer cook in 5 second increments to avoid over cooking it.
- It should have swollen up nicely when you check it and if you insert a toothpick or skewer into the dough it should come out clean. It is normal for the top and sides to be a little soft & damp & look a bit doughy when you first take it out because it has basically steamed in the mug.
- Turn out onto a plate and spoon over the frosting. Eat immediately.
NUTRITION
Nutritional information is provided for convenience & as a courtesy. The data is a computer generated estimate so should be used as a guide only.
Here are the first pictures I took!
Donna A says
I was very disappointed in this recipe. It looked ugly and tasted even uglier..... Would not make it again...... Sorry but it was just plain ugly!
Bridget says
I just have to say, even with the most finicky microwave (we rarely use it so haven't bothered replacing it in years) this turned out perfect. Thank you!
I will also note that at the 45-60 second mark the cinnamon roll does not look "done" at first glance and would recommend you touching it before adding more time.
Becky says
Hi, Who would have ever imagined a cinnamon roll mug cake done in a microwave. Genius. Photos look great by the way. No porno shots in my microwave, lol. ???? Well done...
A Virtual Vegan says
Ha ha, thanks Becky!
Speral says
Mine didn’t work it looks like a cockroach ate a piece of sugar and cinnamon, pooped it out and I put it in the microwave plus some frosting. No offense that’s just how mine turned out.
jacob says
I followed the exact recipe and it did not even turn out close to a cinnamon bun, I followed it step by step, unit by unit and it was disgusting. As I put it in the microwave the ball of dough did not want to expand or move at all, I will never make this ever again
kbmac says
This was incredible!!! I made myself one and then had to go back and make 3 more for my family. I added some vanilla extract to the dough just because I thought it would be yummy but I don't think there was much of a difference. Thank you so much for this!
A Virtual Vegan says
I'm so pleased you enjoyed it! Watch out though, because now you know how it's dangerous! ;O)
Viv says
Can.this be made using all purpose gluten free flour?
A Virtual Vegan says
I have never tried it because I don't tend to use gluten-free flour. I think in the comments a few people have said they did with success though.
Jenelle says
I plan on trying this as I LOVE cinnamon rolls. I just wanted to comment on the last pictures. Looking at the last one first, I didn’t see anything shocking right off. Sadly, after seeing the first of the two photos, I then could only envision X rated thoughts on both photos. I am so ashamed!
A Virtual Vegan says
Ha ha, I'm sorry Jenelle. Just don't make yours in a mug with a tapered shape like I did the first time or you might end up with the same problem!
Lisa says
Quick, simple and delicious. And sooooo filling! My ideal type of cooking. I made it exactly to the recipe and I have never had a dough come together so perfectly, ever, without having to keep messing with the water/flour ratios. I also appreciate your detailed instructions, perfect for a novice like me.
A Virtual Vegan says
That's great Lisa. I'm so pleased you enjoyed it!
Edna says
Can you use coconut or almond flour.
A Virtual Vegan says
No it won't work with either of those.
Luna says
Most of the microwave desserts I've tried haven't come out that great, so I didn't have very high hopes for this one, but it turned out absolutely amazing! So delicious, will definitely be making again. In fact, I'm currently having to exercise a lot of self-control not to make another one right now.
A Virtual Vegan says
Thank you Luna. I'm so pleased you enjoyed it. I know exactly what you mean about self control. It's a bit dangerous having the knowledge that you can make it so easily!
Alena says
Can this recipe be put in the oven? Will it turn out more Cinnabonny?
A Virtual Vegan says
I'm sure you could cook it in the oven although I have never tried. Be sure to use an oven proof container though and not a mug. It's never going to be like a Cinnabon I'm afraid, because it's completely fat free and yeast free.
Catherine says
Tried this as I felt like a small treat. Very tasty and easy to make.
Christy says
I made half recipe. It's less likely to get tough. Of course cook half as long, too. I added a little extra water and then sprinkled the cinnamon on top and swirled it in.
Nina says
I'll never bother with another cinnamon roll recipe again! This is the best!!!
A Virtual Vegan says
Thank you Nina, I'm so pleased you are enjoying it. If you like strawberries give this one a try too. I think it's even better! https://avirtualvegan.com/strawberry-sweet-roll-mug-cake/
Lauren says
BEST EVER RECIPE FOR A TREAT IN A MUG !!! Oh my gosh thank you so much for sharing this seriously is the most delicious cinnamon bun :)
A Virtual Vegan says
Thank you for your fab feedback Lauren! I'm so pleased you enjoyed it!