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!
Brenda says
After I FINALLY got to the recipe it looks great and easy. I have done other mug cakes and they turned out great. But can't wait to try the cinn roll. Would rather not have to go through so much just to get to recipe. By the time you get through all the adds and talk you almost don't want to click here again. Looks so delicious
A Virtual Vegan says
Glad you like the recipe. Most of my readers come here for the story before the recipe. That's part of what a blog is. With this recipe though, a lot of what comes before the recipe is actually necessary to read before you make it to ensure good results. And I am afraid the ads are a necessary evil. You would probably be very surprised at how expensive it is to keep this website running. They help cover some of the costs. I wouldn't be able to afford to pay for it all out of my own pocket. ????
Stacey Smith says
Yummy! Hey the photos don't look x-rated to me.????
A Virtual Vegan says
We obviously have dirty minds around here! ????
Mara says
OMG just made this and wow was that sinful !!! Beyond amazing!
A Virtual Vegan says
Thank you Mara. I am so glad you enjoyed it! ????
Sionann says
Yum! I can't wait to try this ❤ And what a funny accident that the first go was XXX ????????????
A Virtual Vegan says
Ha ha! Yes it was. I hope you enjoy it! ????
Jasmine says
I made these cinnamon rolls, individually for my hubby and I, and they were huge... I didn't use a mug instead I used a small microwaveable bowl. But I'm not complaining it was delicious. I did add some butter, brown sugar, and vanilla.
A Virtual Vegan says
I'm so glad you both enjoyed them Jasmine. Huge cinnamon rolls are always a good thing! ????
Doreen says
Made this with a combo of almond flour and all purpose flour delicious
A Virtual Vegan says
Oh yum, I bet the almond flour makes it taste buttery. Great idea. So glad you enjoyed it!
Whitney says
So this came out PERFECTLY. I even made another last night. I don't have any powdered sugar, so I just melted a little butter over the sides when it came out, which is wonderful as well. I'm not vegan so I did use milk instead of water in the dough, but the measurements for everything were just right for me. I've already shared this page with others :)
A Virtual Vegan says
So glad you enjoyed it Whitney ????
Folo Mataafa says
Eating this right now and its perfect!
A Virtual Vegan says
Awesome! So glad you like it. ????
Yvette says
Hey, I just made this recipe and it worked out great. The measurements are very accurate. I did add 1 tsp of sugar to the dough. I also cooked it in the oven @ 350 degrees for 20 min. I did not need this to be quick, I just wanted a 1 portion treat. I actually split the dough in two and placed in a lightly greased muffin pan. Getting the ingredients together took only 5 min. So total of 25 min if placing in the oven. But I would check the cinnamon roll in 15 min to make sure it doesn't over cook, in my oven 20 mins seemed to work perfect. Thanks for the recipe. Best
A Virtual Vegan says
Hi Yvette. I'm so glad it worked out for you in the oven. I haven't yet tried it so it's useful to know in case anyone asks. Thanks so much for letting me know!
Yvette says
No problem, just FYI I did split the dough in half so maybe that cuts the time a little. Also I added a few drops maybe 1/2 teaspoon of EB with the cinn mix ????. So my dough did not dry out. I would recommend to perhaps spray the top a little with oil or coconut oil, but if going for oil free maybe water, but I'm not sure? Also I did not add the extra water since it was not going into the microwave, I thought it wasn't necessary. The cinnamon roll was perfect actually and it cooled down and it was still perfect. A little crunch on the edge but moist inside. I think am going to try this next time in my instant pot and see what happens. Nice recipe, thanks! ✌️
A Virtual Vegan says
Thanks Yvette. The Instant Pot idea sounds interesting. I so need to get one of those!
Denise says
You didn't mention anything about using self-rising flour. Won't that work too.
The critics are right about your first pictures.
Darken your coloring here. I really had a hard time knowing if I correct
A Virtual Vegan says
We don't have self-raising flour here. Just all-purpose or bread flour. Because of this I am unable to test the recipe with it which is why I don't mention it. The gluten content of our all-purpose flour is a lot higher than that of self-raising so it might not work as well if you were to use it. Bread flour might work better but again I can't guarantee results because I haven't tried it. If you did use self-raising flour, the leavening would need to be adjusted too. I can't advise on whether it would need to be reduced or omitted completely as I am unable to try it myself.
Darkening the colouring of the text isn't an easy thing for me to do. I would have to hire someone to do it for me. I can read it ok and have only ever had one other person say they had a problem reading it. I'm sorry you find it difficult but it's not something I can pay for just for a couple of people. Perhaps you could increase the size of the text on your screen?
kimmythevegan says
OMG the pictures at the end!!!! I will be completely honest with you - had you not mentioned the naughty minds, I highly doubt I would have noticed myself. Silly clean mind I have. But now that you point it out, it's pretty freakin' hi-larious ;) So thanks for sharing!
"As long as you realize this and aren’t expecting a miracle, then we are good."
Wowzers. I would never expect any sort of mug + microwave combo to be a miracle... and wouldn't get upset if I messed it up. But... that's just me.
So I will tell you that I am definitely trying this, but will have to try it gluten-free which will undoubtedly screw it up - but I'll play around with it. I'll see if my new 1:1 gf flour is up to snuff or not ;)
A Virtual Vegan says
Right?! I can't help but snigger every-time I see this recipe now! I am glad you aren't expecting a miracle. Some people have been disappointed when it doesn't miraculously turn into a Cinnabon whilst in the microwave. They don't seem to get that that just isn't going to happen! ???? But it is great, just different. I tried oat flour and Bob's Red Mill gluten-free and it didn't work too well. If you come up with a winning gluten-free combination though let me know. I hope you get a good result!
Melissa says
This was amazing! This is my new go-to quick treat, when I need a quick sweet fix!! Thank you for sharing this!
A Virtual Vegan says
Thank you Melissa. I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Jacob K Thomas says
Just made this, since I'm living in Germany, I used a lighter flour (type 405) and it turned out great. Taste great and I made sure not to overcook it. Great recipe, will totally make this again!
A Virtual Vegan says
That's great Jacob. So glad you enjoyed it and thank you for stopping by to let me know! ????
Liezl says
Hi, this looks awesome. Do you think the dough will freeze well... and bake well after being frozen?
A Virtual Vegan says
It's not something I have ever tried so I wouldn't like to say. You can however freeze cake batter and it rises after, so perhaps it would work? If you try it let me know!
Ola Otto says
This was absolutely wonderful. Thanks so much for sharing.
A Virtual Vegan says
Thank you Ola. I am so glad you enjoyed it!