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!
Shannon says
Good recipe however the instructions were hard to follow and could have been worded better. They ended up quite tasty at the end though!
Katelyn says
I’ve always wanted to try one of these recipes where you cook something in a mug. The whole concept is quite fascinating. Today was my first attempt, and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. It took me a while to actually make the dough because apparently I added too much water, and it was extremely sticky. So I just followed the instructions and added more flour which improved its texture. When it came out of the microwave it looked delicious, and to my surprise it was!
I would say to all who try this recipe that it comes out a different texture than a classic cinnamon roll. It’s more doughy/chewy and less like bread, but nonetheless it tastes like a cinnamon roll! So if you’re looking for a quick way to make a cinnamon roll that generally tastes the same, I would recommend this recipe! :)
Kayla says
The recipe was way to sticky that I couldn't roll it and it stuck to my hands a lot but it was fairly good. I'm going to stick with store bought cinnamon rolls.
A Virtual Vegan says
Hi Kayla, it sounds like maybe you added a bit too much water. The amount is just a guide and should be added gradually. You only need to add as much as is necessary to get the dough to come together. If you get it just right it won't be sticky and rolling should be easy. Hope that helps!
Jade says
This is a horrible recipe. It doesn’t tell you that it takes 15 minutes instead of a one minute MUG cake that’s not made in a MUG. Don’t try. 0 out of 10 recommend.
Emily says
Replying to Jade:
You did read all of the instructions right? Also, most recipes indicate the time it takes to bake. 5 minute burritos for example doesnt include time for preparation and could take 30 overall. And yes you do make this in a mug. Before being harsh, I reccomend reading ALL of the instructions and use a regular baker's common knowledge. I hope you have a nice day and maybe try again :).
Kayla says
Did you read the recipe right
Judy says
Where is your video to this Cinnamon Roll in a Mug at? I seems to not be able to find it! I would like to watch on how you made it!
A Virtual Vegan says
It's in the post under the heading "Watch How to Make It". Maybe you missed it? If you use an ad blocker though you won't be able to see it. Videos in the posts are a bonus for those who don't because without the ads and people viewing them I wouldn't be able to do what I do.
They are all on my Youtube channel too though ;O)
Atheelah says
I've just tried this recipe. And it tasted way better than I expected considering it was made in a microwave. Thank you for sharing this <3
Marissa says
Amazing! I've made this three times! I will continue making this, especially during the coronavirus and limited supplies, its great! The taste is there, the texture isn't exactly my style but i'm still happy about how it turned out! Great job Mel!
Olivia says
I thought this was one of the best mug desserts I’ve ever tried! I added a little bit of vanilla extra to the icing to help it taste more like a traditional cinnamon roll. If you try this recipe once and think it’s missing a little something I highly recommend adding a little vanilla to the icing or even sweetening the dough slightly. Overall fantastic, and great for those who struggle with eating more than one when you make a batch of something (coughmecough).
ambi says
I’m sorry but this recipe really didn’t work for me.... The texture was like rubber and it was way too sweet. Will not be making again sadly.
Gemma Soles says
The texture is a little weird but for cooking it in the microwave it’s really good!
Sarah says
Just made it for dessert. Twice! So good! Obviously not as decadent and delicious as baked cinnamon buns (as the author makes clear) but a great quick and “low effort alternative for when you’ve got a sweet craving.
I will be making often!
Lauren says
I hate to review something when it’s negative. But this recipe is simply not good. I feel like the appealing baking process with the dough and such makeS it lookas if it would even maybe sort of resemble the taste of a real cinnamon roll, but I’m sorry this tasted like play dough. The texture was terrible and the taste was also terrible. I followed the instructions to the tea. And that’s just the opinion I’m entitled to. I would suggest a different mug cake if that’s what you’re in the mood for.
D says
This recipe could have been greatly improved by just following baking basics:
1. If you use baking powder, you MUST use milk in order for it to react. It’s chemistry.
2. Using milk instead of water made the dough softer.
3. A cinnamon roll requires some amount of sugar in the dough. It is a traditionally a sweet dough.
4. You are supposed to spread melted butter on the dough before sprinkling the sugar and cinnamon.
There is a reason that proven recipes are written the way that they are. These are basic skills that can be studied. Good luck.
A Virtual Vegan says
Maybe you need to touch up on your baking basics because baking powder does not need milk to react. Baking powder is a combination of baking soda and acid. Baking powder activates with any liquid and then the acid that is incorporated into it reacts with heat. That's why it works so well.
I think you are confusing it with baking soda maybe, although even then you don't need milk. Any acidic ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, cocoa etc will make that react and do its job.
Izzy says
This is a VEGAN recipe. Go look for an not vegan recipe than. Thank you
Marissa says
Did YOU try it?
Jess says
You look like you have done some really great recipes on your website that I can’t wait to try but for me the cinnamon roles just didn’t work.The dough was rock hard and the flavor just wasn’t there.Not sure if it was the recipe or just my cooking skills
Sophia says
Idk what happened but it tasted horrible. It had cooked well and puffed up... but when I took a bite it tasted like a bar of soup.
Gayle McCamley says
It was so good. I am not vegan so I added 1 T butter and 1 T sugar to dough. I added whole milk instead of water. It took 90 sec in my microwave. I made a little cream cheese frosting and voila!. I am a baker and this was really good when you don't feel like baking or don't need to have 2 dozen tools to eat yourself in the "stay at home".