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!
Marlene says
This was amazing! I am not vegan so I used half butter half water for my dough to have some buttery flavour. I know that my microwave is weak so I started with 55 second and finished with 2 more spurts of 10 seconds. Perfect!! Thank you for sharing.
A Virtual Vegan says
So glad you enjoyed it!
Sue says
Haven't made this yet but your "addituonal" pre directions are hilarious. You should also write commedy, thanks for the recipe and the laugh. : )
A Virtual Vegan says
Ha ha, thank you! I hope you enjoy it when you get to try it!
Crystal @ MommyisaWino.com says
I needed this laugh tonight. I was browsing through Pinterest came across this recipe and was intrigued. When I read the story I had to scroll to see the pictures. LOL! Once you see it you can't unsee it. Regardless I can't wait to give this recipe a try.
A Virtual Vegan says
So glad it made you laugh. I can't make it without chuckling to myself! Hope you enjoy it and don't make it in a tapered type mug or you might have a willy experience too :OP
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
hi i was wondering if you can do something about the baking powder is there anything that can replace it?
A Virtual Vegan says
Baking soda might work instead but I haven't tried it. To work at it's best though, baking soda needs something acidic. This means you would need to add a touch of vinegar or lemon juice to react with it and cause the rise. There is a chance you would be able to taste it in the finished cinnamon roll.
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/
Jenn says
I can't seem to print it :-(
A Virtual Vegan says
I've just tested it using Chrome and Safari browsers and it allows me to print from both the print button at the top of the page and the print button down in the recipe card. Perhaps it was just a glitch when you tried? If you are still having an issue it might be worth trying another browser too. Hope that helps!
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!!!