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!
Alyssa says
Do you know if this recipe could work with disposable cups/mugs? I would love to make this with the kids at camp, but would definitely not be able to use real mugs. Also, would cooking spray work to coat the mug instead of oil? Thank you, looks yummy!
A Virtual Vegan says
Cooking spray would work fine to coat the mug instead of oil. As for disposable cups, I am not sure. I personally don't like the idea of microwaving in a plastic cup even if they are microwave safe, because of the potential leaching of nasties in the plastic into the food. After a quick google I can see that you can get microwaveable paper cups. My only worry with those is how easy it would be to get the roll out once they were cooked. I wonder if it would stick to the textured surface of the paper? I suppose you could just tear the cup off though. Bear in mind also that the recipe is designed to fit in a standard sized drinking mug. Paper cups tend to be a bit smaller so you might need to scale down the recipe a bit to fit. It would sure be a fun thing for the kids at camp to do though. I hope you manage to work it out!
June says
Oooo my, another easy peasy recipe to make us fat...ha ha! I make cinnamon buns for every Christmas morning . That's it, cause if I made them any other time...yuppers, all 12 would distapear.. But seriously, thanks for a quick, easy recipe for that quick fix without feeling guilty about eating some massive store bought unhealthy alternative.. Kudos Think I'll try this weekend..
A Virtual Vegan says
Thank you June. You can't beat a big homemade yeasty, sticky, oven-baked cinnamon rol,l but this very simplified alternative works as perfect portion control! Enjoy :O)
TF says
Hilarious!! Can't wait to try it. How boring to get the PG version.
A Virtual Vegan says
Ha ha! It makes me giggle every time I think about it!
Zaina says
I didnt get what you mean by 9 level tablespoons all purpose flour. What is 9 level, thank you for the irresistible recipe ????????????????????????.
A Virtual Vegan says
You are welcome Zaina. Scoop up some flour in a tablespoon and level the top with the back of a knife so it is completely flat. That is a level tablespoon. You need 9 measured like that. Hope that helps :O)
Sarah says
I'm afraid this is so quick and easy that it's dangerous! I did not need to see this recipe :)
A Virtual Vegan says
Ha ha! I know the feeling. I must have made about 30 of these while recipe testing and ate every single one ;O)
Jenn says
I made this and I loved it!! It turned out perfectly - the perfect doughy texture with a melty cinnamon sugar center - and that delicious icing drizzled over the top. So yum!!
A Virtual Vegan says
Yay! I am so glad you enjoyed it Jenn and thank you for stopping by to let me know :O)
Emily says
I made this just now, and it's more labour-intensive than most "mug cake" recipes, but it actually turned out pretty good, for what it was. 45-50 seconds wasn't enough time in the microwave, though; I did 45 seconds at first, and kept adding time (like, 5, 10, 15, or 20 seconds at a time) until it looked like it was cooked enough; flipping the cinnamon roll over at the end. I also used a wide mug, which I think was a mistake, so I'll use a thinner one if I ever make this again.......and I probably will; just once in a while, because of the sugar and simple carb content.
A Virtual Vegan says
I personally wouldn't call it labour intensive at all. Yes it has a few more steps than most mug cakes because it's not just a simple sponge and you have to make the roll, but it only takes a couple of minutes and it's really easy.
As I stated in the directions, all microwaves vary slightly and you need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. I can only go by how long it takes in my microwave and 45-50 seconds is always just right for me.
I'm so glad it worked out well for you though and thanks so much for stopping by to leave feedback :O)
Mo says
Have you ever made this using almond flour and stevia? Just looking at a lower carb option.
A Virtual Vegan says
No I haven't. I don't ever use stevia and the gluten in the flour is pretty crucial for getting the bready cinnamon bun texture. You could probably do it with almond flour but other things would need to be added to, like xanthan gum, guar guar gum, or some kind of starch. It wouldn't be as easy as just doing a straight swap. You might like these recipes from The Big Man's World http://thebigmansworld.com/2016/12/07/healthy-no-bake-cinnamon-roll-cookies/ or http://thebigmansworld.com/2016/09/17/healthy-1-minute-low-carb-cinnamon-roll-mug-cake/
Meg says
Are the flour water measurements off? Not even close to making dough for me.
A Virtual Vegan says
Definitely not. I tested this recipe, it must have been about 20 times. I've also been sent lots of photos from readers today who have made it. You did use 9 perfectly level tablespoons of flour? Different flours do have different absorbencies, and humidity makes a difference too, so just follow the directions exactly, adding as much water as you need to create a dough. Just enough that it comes together but isn't sticky. Do that and it will be fine :O)
Bob says
You definitely need more than 1/2 teaspoon of water fyi
A Virtual Vegan says
I think you have misread the recipe. You need 3 - 4½ tablespoons of water to make the dough. The ½ teaspoon is just to pour over it before you microwave it.
Misty says
I also needed ALOT more water to make a dough... and measured perfectly level tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Wish I'd even used a tad bit more as my dough just didn't turn out.
A Virtual Vegan says
Sorry to hear that Misty. I do say in the recipe AROUND 3-4.5 tablespoons water because the amount needed will always vary depending on the flour used and the humidity of where you live, how warm your house is etc. It is impossible to give an exact amount. You just need to keep adding it until it forms a flexible, soft dough.
Beth says
I'm not a fan of microwaves either, I do not have one. I would think you could bake this in the oven though with an oven safe mug?
A Virtual Vegan says
I am sure you could but I haven't tried it myself so am not sure what temperature or cooking time would be best.
Alisa Fleming says
This would definitely take me more than 1 minute to make, but so, so worth it! That looks absolutely amazing.
Michelle Blackwood says
Now I understand the whole excitement about mug cakes! Having dessert so fast is amazing!. Your cinnamon roll looks awesome and the ones below look x-rated - yikes!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says
Hmmm...I love anything with cinnamon! Looks delicious!
Leah M | love me, feed me says
Yessss!! I've been so excited for this recipe and the ingredient list makes me even more excited!! Will definitely be whipping this deliciousness this weekend <3 also love that you included the x rated photos ;) so funny!
A Virtual Vegan says
It's take a while to get it here thanks to the willy incident ;O) Thank you for being patient and I hope you enjoy it!
Becky Striepe says
omg this looks so amazing, Mel!
A Virtual Vegan says
Thank you Becky!