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!
Holly says
Not sure what the problem was for the people who left those negative comments - this turned out delicious for me, and I'm definitely not the worlds best baker :) I used some regular butter, of course, to mix the cinnamon and sugar that I spread on the dough before rolling it up, and it came out amazing!
A Virtual Vegan says
So glad you enjoyed it Holly!
Marsia says
Everything went well but it tasted a little blaugh to me. I'm used to butter. So I put a plant. based butter flavor called Earth Balance on top and let it melt after coming out of the microwave. And wa-la great cinnamon roll! Tks for the recipe.
Michelle says
This turned out ok but I had to really adjust the time on my microwave so not quite sure if I got it right. I have an 800watt microwave I started with 50 seconds, then ten more, but still doughy , then 20 more . I didn't want to overlook it. It was slightly watery at the bottom still.
I wonder why you use 9 tablespoons instead of half a cup of flour plus a tablespoon? That's 9 tablespoons.
Otherwise it satisfied my cinnamon bun craving and not having to buy one full of who knows what!
A Virtual Vegan says
Because I only have a 1200 watt microwave it's so hard for me to give exact times for microwaves with other wattages. That's why, unfortunately, the first time making this is a little bit of trial and error if it varies significantly like yours does.
Because the roll steams in the mug it will be damp when you turn it out. That is normal. It wont ever be dry like an oven baked one because of the steaming. That dampness evaporates pretty quickly though as like all microwaved food, it continues to cook once removed from the microwave oven. Even if the outside is a little damp at first it will be cooked on the inside.
As for using tablespoons to measure the flour, that is for a couple of reasons. First of all I am English and have a lot of readers in England. We don't use cups there at all. We tend to weigh everything. I usually give the measurements in grams and cups in my recipes, but because this is such a small amount of flour I thought it easier to measure it with the tablespoons rather than use grams and cups. Tablespoons are pretty universal and easier for everyone to understand. Another reason is that cups vary in size so much and with this recipe it's important that the measurements are exact. There are U.S legal cups, U.S customary cups, Canadian cups, Metric cups and they all hold different amounts. That leaves a lot of room for error. With tablespoons they are all the same except for Australia where they are only 10mls and not 15mls. As a recipe creator it's so hard to please everyone but by using tablespoons it caters for as many people as possible in one hit.
Hope that helps!
Kelly says
I have all the ingredients BUT baking powder (why WHY must i suffer longer) though i will try to look for some during grocery shopping!
A Virtual Vegan says
Oh no! The frustration...I hope you manage to get some soon!
Taryn says
I just tried making this and it is really as easy as it looks. This is so much better than making a whole batch for just one person. Thanks for sharing! This rocks.
Linda says
Great idea!
I guess if someone wanted a bi of browning and is not in a hurry, they could put dough in an oven proof mug at 350. Keep up the great work!
A Virtual Vegan says
Thank you. A few readers do make it in the oven and say it works really well!
Michelle says
This turned out very well. I substituted Splenda Brown Sugar on the inside. I also used prepared cream cheese frosting (I'm not vegan). I will definitely make this again. It hit the spot.
A Virtual Vegan says
That's awesome Michelle. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Watch out for a new summery spin on this recipe coming in the next day or two. I think it's even better!
Linda says
Hello.
I added regular sugar and brown sugar instead of coconut and also cinnamon. I also used ready made cream cheese frosting and melted a few tablespoons in microwave to pour over bun. It was good,not great. For a fast snack when you don't have anything sweet in your house to eat.
Diane Ver says
I tried your recipe and three of us ate it! It was really yummy! Thank you and keep up the good work! As far as all the people who keep leaving negative feedback they want a Cinnabon - they can go to the mall then lol!
A Virtual Vegan says
I'm really glad you all enjoyed it Diane and thank you so much for stopping by to let me know! It means a lot! :)
Valerie says
This is such a good recipe! I've been searching for a mug cake recipe that doesn't use eggs and this one is so delicious! Thank you xx
A Virtual Vegan says
I am thrilled you like it so much and thank you so much for stopping by to let me know! Watch out for a new recipe based on this one coming very soon. It has a real summery twist and I think it's even better!
Valerie says
Ohh I can't wait!!!
Mallory bulmer says
When it's all cooked drizzle with peanut butter and applesauce, A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!!!!
Thanks for a in treat. My daughters think I'm super cool now ????????
A Virtual Vegan says
Oh that does sounds amazing! I'm so glad you both enjoyed it and that you are now a super cool Mom! ???? Keep a look out because I have just perfected and photographed a new summery spin on this recipe. It will be coming soon!
Konstantina says
This recipe is amazing thank you so much for sharing! It's super easy and very close to a real cinammon roll.
A Virtual Vegan says
I'm so glad you like it! Watch out for a brand new recipe based on this one coming soon. I think it's even better!
Harlee says
Just tried this and it was so freakin good!! I happened to have all the ingredients already and it was so easy to make. I will definitely be making it again soon!!
A Virtual Vegan says
That's awesome! So glad you enjoyed it!
Harlee says
Do you know what the saturated fat is?
A Virtual Vegan says
I only calculate the total fat content in my recipes. I don't break it down into the different types of fat. But this recipe only has 1g of fat in it total and it is completely oil-free (except for the tiny dab you need to grease the mug) so it wont have any saturated fat.
Vanessa says
I LOVE YOU! I can't believe how good it was for something so simple to make. You made me and my hubby so happy! Thank you :)
A Virtual Vegan says
Aaaww thank you! I am so glad you both enjoyed it. Watch out for a new variation I'm currently testing! ????
Sharon p. says
Thanks for the great looking recipe!!! I was wondering if I could try a bit of margarine on the dough before the cinnamon and sugar sprinkle? What do you think? Have you ever tried it??
A Virtual Vegan says
Thank you! I have never tried it but a few readers do with success.