Cinnamon Roll in a Mug Recipe

If you find yourself craving something sweet, gooey, and ultra-indulgent but don’t want a kitchen full of dishes, this Cinnamon Roll in a Mug will answer your call in less time than it takes to preheat your oven! Using simple pantry staples, you’ll create a fluffy, cinnamon-swirled treat topped with dreamy icing, all perfectly portioned for one. Trust me, this is the kind of dessert-magic that transforms a regular morning or a late-night snack attack into a special, soul-soothing moment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cinnamon Roll in a Mug is how each everyday ingredient works together to create pure comfort in just a few minutes. Every element delivers on taste, texture, or that irresistible aroma, so don’t underestimate the power of pantry basics!

• Powdered sugar: This magic dust gives the icing its sweet, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
• Water or dairy-free milk: Add just enough to get your icing gloriously thick and drippy.
• Neutral oil: A dab prevents sticking, ensuring your cinnamon roll lifts right out of the mug.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation for tender, fluffy dough that cooks perfectly in the microwave.
• Baking powder: Delivers lift and ensures your mug roll puffs up light and soft.
• Fine sea salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• Water: Brings the dough together with just enough moisture—add gradually to avoid stickiness.
• Ground cinnamon: The star! Completely transforms your dough into the signature swirl we all adore.
• Brown sugar or coconut sugar: Caramelizes in the microwave and infuses each bite with that classic cinnamon roll gooeyness.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll in a Mug

Step 1: Mix Up the Icing

Grab a small bowl and blend your powdered sugar with a little splash of water or milk. Add the liquid slowly—seriously, just a drop at a time—stirring well until you achieve a thick, pourable icing. If it gets too runny, sprinkle in a bit more sugar. Once you have that ideal glossy drizzle, set it aside. This will be your finishing touch after the cinnamon roll emerges warm and fluffy from the mug.

Step 2: Prep the Mug

Give your mug (an 11- to 12-ounce one works great) a quick swipe of oil. You only need a touch, but this step is essential for easy removal—and minimal cleanup. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when your Cinnamon Roll in a Mug slips out with ease!

Step 3: Make the Dough

In a bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix them well to distribute the leavening thoroughly—lumps mean uneven puffing. Now, gradually stir in water until the dough just comes together. It should be soft and a bit tacky, but not sticky. Knead it lightly a few times to form a ball, but don’t overwork it; this keeps your roll tender, not tough.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Dust your counter with a little flour and use your hands (or a rolling pin, if you’re fancy) to flatten the dough into a long strip, about four inches wide and an eighth of an inch thick. This shape is key for getting that satisfying swirl when you roll it up!

Step 5: Fill and Fold

Sprinkle the brown sugar and ground cinnamon evenly over the dough. To keep that sweet magic inside the roll, gently fold the long sides of the dough toward the center—they should just meet, creating a seam down the middle. This trick keeps the filling secure as you roll things up. If you’re a visual learner, a quick video or step-by-step photo can really help here.

Step 6: Roll and Mug It Up

Now, tightly roll the dough into a spiral and gently set it into your greased mug. For extra fluff and moisture, drizzle a half-teaspoon of water over the top. This generates a cozy cloud of steam as it cooks, resulting in a soft, pillowy Cinnamon Roll in a Mug every time.

Step 7: Microwave Magic

Pop your mug in the microwave (leave it uncovered) and cook on full power for around 50 seconds if you have a 1200-watt microwave. Different wattages may require a little adjustment—better to undercook slightly and add increments than dry out your treat. Your roll should puff up and almost reach the top. It’ll look pale and a bit damp, not golden, but that’s what microwaving does! Use a toothpick to check doneness; it should come out clean.

Step 8: Finish and Enjoy

Spoon your luscious icing over the warm cinnamon roll in the mug, or run a knife around the edges and turn it onto a plate before drizzling. Either way, eat it immediately while it’s tender and gooey—the BEST time for a Cinnamon Roll in a Mug, hands down.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll in a Mug

Garnishes

A generous swirl of icing is a classic, but consider an extra sprinkle of cinnamon or even a few chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. Want to take it over the top? Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream while your Cinnamon Roll in a Mug is piping hot and watch the magic happen!

Side Dishes

This Cinnamon Roll in a Mug truly shines solo, but if you’re making it for brunch, pair it with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or orange wedges for a bright and balanced bite. It also goes hand-in-hand with a steaming mug of coffee or hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy combo.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests or just want to treat yourself, try making a trio of mug rolls using different sized mugs or tiny ramekins, each with varied toppings—think chocolate chips, dried fruit, or a drizzle of caramel. You could even set up a “decorate your own” topping bar for a fun, interactive dessert night featuring everyone’s personalized Cinnamon Roll in a Mug.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While this treat is best enjoyed fresh and warm, you can keep any leftover Cinnamon Roll in a Mug covered at room temperature for several hours. Just make sure to keep it wrapped or in a sealed container to prevent drying out. For longer storage, read on!

Freezing

If you’re planning ahead, you can shape and assemble the uncooked dough (with filling), then store it tightly wrapped in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, pop it in a mug, and microwave as usual. Iced mug rolls aren’t ideal for freezing and reheating, so it’s best to freeze before cooking.

Reheating

To bring your Cinnamon Roll in a Mug back to life, simply pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm and gooey again. If already iced, keep an eye on it as the icing will melt into a luscious glaze. For best results, add a quick dash of water before reheating to create steam and restore that just-cooked texture.

FAQs

Can I make this Cinnamon Roll in a Mug gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to tinker with the amount of water slightly, but you’ll still get a delicious, fluffy mug roll.

Why did my mug cinnamon roll turn out dense or dry?

Most likely, the dough was overworked, too much flour was added, or it was microwaved for too long. Handle the dough gently, measure carefully, and check for doneness early since microwaves can vary.

Can I make this Cinnamon Roll in a Mug vegan?

Definitely! The main recipe is already dairy-free, as you can use water or plant-based milk in both dough and icing. It’s simple to enjoy this treat on a plant-based diet.

How do I know when my mug cinnamon roll is cooked?

It should puff up and almost reach the top of the mug. While it will look paler than an oven-baked roll, a toothpick inserted should come out clean. Avoid overcooking—microwaved treats will continue cooking after you remove them!

Can I double the recipe for two servings?

For best results, prepare each Cinnamon Roll in a Mug separately. Microwave ovens cook unevenly with multiple mugs, so making them one at a time ensures they each turn out soft and perfect.

Final Thoughts

There’s a special kind of joy that comes with creating a Cinnamon Roll in a Mug—fast, easy, and oh-so-satisfying. I hope this little recipe brings you comfort and sweetness right when you need it most! Don’t hesitate to give it a try, and make it your own with favorite toppings or little twists. Happy mug baking!

Cinnamon Roll in a Mug Recipe

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This Cinnamon Roll in a Mug is the ultimate single-serving treat for when you’re craving a sweet, gooey cinnamon roll but don’t want to make a whole batch. Ready in under 6 minutes using basic pantry staples and a microwave, this recipe delivers all the soft, cinnamony comfort of a classic cinnamon roll—without the wait or mess. Perfect for a decadent dessert or indulgent breakfast fix, anytime you need it.

• Total Time: 6 minutes
• Yield: 1 serving

Ingredients

For the Cinnamon Roll Dough

• a tiny dab oil (for greasing the mug, such as sunflower, canola, olive, or coconut oil)
• 9 tablespoons (70 grams) all-purpose flour (plain flour in the UK)
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 small pinch fine sea salt
• about 4 tablespoons water

For the Filling

• 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar or coconut sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Icing

• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar (icing sugar in the UK)
• about 3/4 teaspoon water or dairy-free milk

Instructions

1. Make the Icing: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with either plant-based milk or water, adding liquid a little at a time until you reach a thick, drippy consistency (no more than 3/4 teaspoon needed). Stir well until smooth, then set aside.
2. Grease the Mug: Lightly grease a standard 11 to 12 oz mug with a dab of oil to prevent the roll from sticking.
3. Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. Gradually add about 4 tablespoons water, mixing until a slightly tacky—but not sticky—dough forms. Bring it together with your hand and knead gently a few times into a ball, taking care not to overwork the dough.
4. Roll Out the Dough: Dust a clean surface with flour and roll the dough into a long strip about 4 inches wide and 1/8 inch thick.
5. Add the Filling: Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over the dough. Fold the long edges inwards so they meet in the center—this seals in the filling.
6. Shape the Roll: Roll up the dough tightly, forming a cinnamon roll shape, then gently place it into the greased mug. Pour over 1/2 teaspoon water (this helps create steam).
7. Microwave: Microwave the mug, uncovered, on full power for about 50 seconds (for a 1200-watt microwave). Adjust time slightly for lower or higher wattage, but avoid exceeding 1 minute 10 seconds. The roll should puff up almost to the top of the mug and look pale but cooked—do not overcook.
8. Check Doneness: If unsure, insert a toothpick into the center of the roll; it should come out clean. Remember, the roll will continue to cook from residual heat after microwaving.
9. Finish and Serve: Spoon the icing over the warm cinnamon roll directly in the mug, or gently turn the roll out onto a plate (run a knife around the edge first) and ice. Enjoy immediately while warm.

Notes

• Microwave wattages vary; start low and increase cook time in 5-second intervals as needed.
• The cinnamon roll will look paler than baked versions—this is normal for microwaved treats.
• You can use coconut sugar for a richer flavor and to keep it refined sugar free.
• Don’t overwork the dough, or your roll will be tough.
• The roll is best enjoyed immediately for the fluffiest, softest texture.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 minute
• Category: Desserts
• Method: No-cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 414 kcal
• Sugar: 41 g
• Sodium: 49 mg
• Fat: 1 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 96 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg