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!
Mrs. K. W says
Looks yummy. Definayely going to try it for tge grandbabies!
P.S. I showed my hubby the last 2 picks and he very quickly got this look on his face and looked at me and said "it climaxed to early"!! I 'bout died!!!
A Virtual Vegan says
Ha ha ha! I think I might have died laughing too. Be careful how you shape them when you make them with the grandbabies. I don't want to be accused of corrupting children! ????????
Priscila Santos says
I've tryed this recipe but although it tastes delicious my roll came out dry in some parts ans very hard to chew. Should I have put more water? Or did I cook it for too long?
A Virtual Vegan says
If it is hard to chew then yes, you overcooked it. Timings vary depending on your microwave and jut a few seconds too long can make all the difference. Did you adjust the cooking time to suit your microwaves wattage?
Priscila Santos says
Hi! I''ve tryed it again, this time I've cooked for exactly 1 minute and it turned out perfect. I loved it! Delicious!!! Thank you!
A Virtual Vegan says
That's great Priscila! I am glad adjusting the time made a difference. Thank you so much for coming back to let me know ????
Barb says
just made it. too dry, and not gooey inside like pic of yours. probably something I did wrong.
also, did not see anything wrong with pics at end of recipe....
blessings and thanks
Barb
A Virtual Vegan says
You could well have overcooked it if it is too dry. Timings vary depending on your microwave and jut a few seconds too long can make all the difference. The frosting helps to moistens it up too :)
Sharon Harr says
Ok - so I tried this with the flours and sugars we can use on our diet, Using 1T Flax, 4T Almond flour and 4 T Coconut flour, (no all purpose flour)
For the dough - I used 1 T of Almond milk and two T of water - of course Rolling it was a joke - did the best I could
I used Xylitol for the sugar (only needed 1/2 of sugar/cinnamon of what I made)
For the frosting I used stevia powder, and coconut flour (cause I didn't have the coconut sugar) and one drop of French Vanilla Stevia liquid - and let that set up (no powdered sugar)
I placed it in the cup using a thin spatula and putting the crumbs on top.
Put it in the microwave one whole minute
Poured it into a serving dish - (which it broke in half) - and put the frosting stevia powder mixture on top...
It's eatable. (This is for a diabetic)
Next time I will add a part of a green Granny Smith apple.
A Virtual Vegan says
I am glad you managed to adapt it to suit your needs :O)
Jacqueline says
I had to make this. Only had spelt flour and still turned out yummy delicious ???????? thank you! Will try all plain flour next time
A Virtual Vegan says
That's great Jacqueline. So glad you enjoyed it!
Amber says
Cant wait to try this! Soon as I buy a microwave for the new flat!
The last pictures are hilarious omg :'D shoulda have just used them! xD
A Virtual Vegan says
Thank you Amber! I hope you enjoy it when you eventually get to make it. And yes, the pics were unintentionally hilarious!! ;O)
Anna says
Can hardly wait to try this! Have you ever put vanilla in the dough or frosting? I think it would add a great flavor. Can I just stop at one is the challenge. lol
A Virtual Vegan says
Thanks Anna. You could totally put vanilla in the dough or frosting if you wanted to. The frosting only needs a really tiny amount of liquid so be careful about the amount of water you use if you add vanilla. Enjoy!
Anna-Maria Darton says
Can you make more than 1 at a time in the microwave??
A Virtual Vegan says
I would imagine so but I haven't tried it. The cook time might increase a little but start with the time suggested, check them, then give them very short little blasts until done if not.
Lori Bouer says
Could this be done in a non ceramic mug....like a "to go" paper coffee cup?
Can the dough be made in advance/filled/rolled/prepped in advance for grab/drop in cup/nuke/serve preparation for a large catering??
Desperate to find out! Thank you for your help! Catering an event in March with LOTS of vegan attendees, and would love to offer something lovely like this!!
A Virtual Vegan says
I have never tried it in a paper cup. I'm not sure how easily they would be to remove from the paper once cooked. I wonder if the dough might cling to it a bit. As I have never tried I really can't say for sure.
I have never tried making the dough in advance. My worry would be that the baking powder might lose it's ooommpph if you do.
I will be honest and say that I don't think it is the best recipe for a catering event. They really do need to be eaten immediately as they go a bit tough if left to cool. Unless people were getting them and eating them super quick this would be a problem.
I do have a recipe that would work brilliantly at a catering event though. My Baked Banana Puddings with Boozy Rum Caramel. I still don't know about the paper cups for it though. Note that the caramel is still awesome if you omit the rum and use water instead so don't worry about the alcohol. https://avirtualvegan.com/banana-pudding-sticky-rum-caramel/ They aren't quite as easy to make but they are absolutely to die for delicious and can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for a few days. They also freeze brilliantly. The caramel also keeps well for up to a week in the fridge. The puddings themselves can be reheated in an oven or the microwave would work too. You can warm them through for frozen too with brilliant results.
Another super easy recipe which would work in paper cups is this one https://avirtualvegan.com/healthy-vegan-chocolate-pudding/.
Randy says
At 94 carbs, why is this in the low carb section?
A Virtual Vegan says
I'm not with you? I don't have a low carb section on my website?
Mary Rimko says
I see nothing x-rated about your roll or mug. This is definitely a winner. I think I'll look for an x-rated mug! LOL
A Virtual Vegan says
Thank you Mary! You are obviously sweet and innocent...not like the people I live with & work with ???? An x-rated mug would be fantastic to cook it in...send me a pic if you find one!!!
Cary says
Dirty minds, all of them. I see nothing! :)
I'll be trying this soon. Thx!
A Virtual Vegan says
Ha ha! I know ????. Enjoy!
GiGi Eats says
OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!!! Screw coffe and/or tea - MUGS are for CAKES and CINNAMON ROLLS!!!!
A Virtual Vegan says
Ha ha! ???? You actually made me nearly choke on my coffee then!..... Proof it's a health and safety hazard....They really should just be used for cakes and cinnamon rolls ????
June says
Yes Mel
Firstly should have read your Bio...your a transplanted Canadian. I'm in Ontario. Have family in Coquitlam.
Your right, you can't beat a yeast baked cinnamon bun, all ooey and gooey. I did make your cinnamon bun for breaky this morning. I have to admit, being a baker for over 45 years, I was impressed. Thought it would be more like a biscuit, but was very dough like. I did tweak the recipe. I added a couple of tablespoons of fine sugar to the dough mixture. I also rubbed about a teaspoon of butter to the rolled out dough before adding the cinnamon and sugar. I also used my own buttercream for the icing. Since I'm a hobby cake decorator, I usually always have on hand. Was very tasty, and 2 thumbs up. ???????? And also agreed, nice treat and good for portion control!!
A Virtual Vegan says
Thank you June! I am glad you enjoyed it. Your tweaks sound good. I can only imagine how nice it is with buttercream slathered on top! I have been trying my best to not cook with much added oil, but now you have made me want to make buttercream ???? I have been meaning to publish a recipe for it here at some point. I need to get on it! What a start to the day you had with that for breakfast. Sure beats my oatmeal!
Thanks so much for stopping by to leave feedback, I really appreciate it!
Krista says
Have you ever tried using orange juice instead of water in both the roll and the frosting? I made the cinnamon roll (didn't have any oj) and other than needing to figure out the dough part it came out great! I put in too much liquid and then too much flour. Complete user error. And no frosting- I'm not a frosting kind of girl. :)
A Virtual Vegan says
I have never tried orange juice in the roll or frosting but I am sure it would work and be delicious. Sounds like you were a little heavy handed with the water and then the flour! The trick is to add the water very, very gradually so you get just enough to bring it together which I'm sure you realize now ????
You might find a tablespoon of sugar added to the dough good if you aren't including the frosting, unless you don't have a particularly sweet tooth.
Thanks so much for stopping by to leave feedback Krista. I'm glad it worked out for you and if you try the OJ version let me know how it is!
Krista says
I bought OJ just to try this today! I was much more careful adding the liquid and the dough came out wonderfully! The OJ added a slight citrus flavor which was nice but for a more orangey flavor I think I would add orange zest. Thank you for sharing this recipe! I love it!!!!!
A Virtual Vegan says
Thats awesome Krista! The zest would be lovely and would look pretty flecked through the dough too. I need to try it next time! I am so glad you are enjoying the recipe ????