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!
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)
Sue Baquet says
I love cinnamon rolls! So glad to see a recipe in a mug. The reason I haven't made it isbelieve it or not, don't have a mug over 8 oz. I will be making this cinn roll soon!
It is not my habit to usually reply to recipes especially when I haven't sampled. But my curiosity was piqued when you wrote of your first photos! You ask if your reader(s) see it? Uh, yes, right away!! It's so cute that you didn't!
Hahaha! Thanks for the recipe and the laugh!
A healthy and hopeful 65-yr. old grandma,
S baquet
A Virtual Vegan says
Those photos make me chuckle every-time I see them now! I'm glad they made you laugh too. I do hope you enjoy it when you manage to get your hands on a suitable mug Sue. Make sure it's not a tapered shape mug otherwise you might end up with your own rude cinnamon roll!!! ;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!
A Virtual Vegan says
Oh wow. Who would have thought it would work in an air fryer!? That's awesome. Thank you for letting me know and I'm glad you enjoyed it!
A says
I saw this and just HAD to try it!! I found I'm out of flour but had barely enough bisquick and it tastes awesome!! I also used a little butter wrapped up in place of the extra tsp of water in the mug. Steamed in buttery juice!! Thank you!
Monica says
I tried this. I like having a single serving of any dessert the temptation for seconds is diminished.
I liked your recipe but changed it up slightly In spite of the low fat in your recipe.
I added one tablespoon sugar to the dry ingredients.
I used one tablespoon of low fat coconut milk and 2-1/2 tablespoons of water when mixing the dough.
I floured my board and kneeded it just a few times and then started to stretch the dough into a one inch wide strip about 10-12 inches long and brushed with melted butter and sprinkled cinnamon sugar mixture over the melted butter. I folded the strip in half length wise and brushed with melted butter and repeated the cinnamon sugar. Rolled it up and microwaved for 45 seconds.
The icing was made using coconut milk and 1/2 tsp vanilla & 3 tbl. Powdered sugar.
When finished it put Cinnabon to shame. Thanks!
Andy says
Hey there! Awesome recipe! I tried it and it totally worked! Thanks >< But I was wondering if I wanted to make it with yeast (I know I would have to omit the baking powder and also it would take longer to make), would the amount of flour change or would it be the same?
A Virtual Vegan says
So glad you enjoyed it Andy! I have never tried it with yeast. I think it would work but I'm not sure exactly how much yeast would be needed. Also as you mention, it would probably need less flour or a bigger pot to cook it in because bread and buns with yeast tend to more than double in size. It would take some experimenting. Also the optimum temperature of the microwave would need some experimenting with. It might be fun trying! I do have this recipe for Sticky Lemon Strawberry Sweet Rolls that are made in a more traditional way and baked in the oven. You might like it! You could switch out the strawberries for cinnamon, brown sugar and some vegan butter! https://avirtualvegan.com/sticky-lemon-strawberry-sweet-rolls/
Sarah Whitbourn says
it looks great Im gone do my best to make this dish
Nathalie says
I loved this recipe, so easy and yummy. Thanks a lot for sharing it.
Regards from Venezuela
A Virtual Vegan says
So glad you enjoyed it!
Alice Fries says
I made the recipe today but instead of the powdered sugar frosting I used blue for my own Eclispe Version!
It was super yummy!
Alice Fries
A Virtual Vegan says
So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for letting me know!
Raewyn says
Thanks for this delicious treat. I have just made it using self-raising GF flour. I also added the baking powder just to be sure. I followed your measurements exactly and baked it for 40 seconds. It came out perfectly. So quick and yummy. As GF flour can be a bit dry and tasteless, I spread some melted butter on the dough before adding the sugar and cinnamon. I will definitely being making this again.
A Virtual Vegan says
That's great. I am so glad it worked out for you!
Stevie says
So...this took me 20 mins to make lol. It's pretty good, but there were a few things I had to double. The milk for the sugar was more like 4 teaspoons, and the water was more like 8 tablespoons. It turned out quite doughy. I put it in for 45 seconds and the toothpick came out clean, but I wish it wasn't so doughy. Any suggestions to change that?
A Virtual Vegan says
The liquid amounts will always vary depending on what flour/powdered sugar you use and the time of year/humidity where you live. That's why I only give rough amounts. It's impossible to know exactly and mention to add more if necessary. I'm glad it worked out ok for you though. 45 seconds might have been not quite long enough unless you have a super powerful microwave. That might be why it was a little doughy. Perhaps add 5 - 10 seconds on if you try it again. The outside will always be a little damp as it steams in the mug so bear that in mind. The first time with this recipe is always a little trial and error because everyones microwaves are so different. Hopefully next time you will get it spot on!
Victoria Lynn Clouse, RN says
That person definitely has a warped, dirty mind...I usually see things pretty easily, but this was a real stretch of the imagination for me...I'm a visual learner so being able to "see" things is a breeze for me...I hope you had a good laugh!!! ;)
Sheri says
Have you ever tried it with an AP GF flour?
A Virtual Vegan says
No I haven't as it's not something I ever buy. I believe a few readers have though and said it came out ok.