If you’ve ever wished a gooey, bakery-style cinnamon roll could materialize in minutes, brace yourself—this Cinnamon Roll in a Mug is your sweetest shortcut to instant comfort. Imagine all the coziness of a classic cinnamon roll, but ready in about six minutes, using ingredients you already have in your kitchen. From the warmly spiced swirl to the thick drizzle of icing melting over the top, this single-serving treat is perfect for late-night cravings, quick breakfasts, or anytime you need a little indulgence on demand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this recipe is how it turns simple staples into something magical. Each ingredient has its own job—bringing softness, lift, flavor, or that signature sweet finish—to your Cinnamon Roll in a Mug.
- Powdered sugar: This forms the rich, creamy icing that finishes your cinnamon roll with a sweet touch.
- Water or dairy-free milk: Just a drop brings the icing together for the perfect pourable consistency.
- A dab of oil: Any neutral oil works to keep the roll from sticking to your favorite mug and adds moisture.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough—gives structure and fluffiness to every bite.
- Baking powder: The secret to a cinnamon roll that rises tall and fluffy in the microwave.
- Fine sea salt: Just a tiny pinch sharpens all the flavors, making the sweet and spice pop.
- Water: A few tablespoons are all you need to hydrate the dough for a soft, workable texture.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice, swirling through the roll to bring signature warmth and fragrance.
- Brown sugar or coconut sugar: This melts into a gooey, caramelized swirl that’s downright dreamy.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll in a Mug
Step 1: Stir Up the Icing
In a small bowl, combine your powdered sugar with a few drops of water or milk. Add the liquid a little at a time, mixing after each addition. You want a thick, glossy icing that slides slowly from a spoon—set this aside while your mug masterpiece comes together.
Step 2: Grease Your Mug
Take a tiny dab of oil and run it around the inside of your mug (something around 11 or 12 ounces works best). This step may seem small, but it makes a big difference in ensuring your Cinnamon Roll in a Mug lifts out perfectly, with every swirl intact.
Step 3: Make the Dough
In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add in the water, mixing until a tacky (but not super sticky) dough forms. Don’t overmix—just bring it together gently with your hand, kneading once or twice until it forms a ball. Overworking the dough will make it tough, so treat it gently!
Step 4: Roll and Fill
Lightly dust your counter with a bit of flour, then roll your dough out into a long strip, about 4 inches wide and 1/8 inch thick. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the dough. Next, fold each long edge inward to meet in the center—this tucks all that cinnamon-sugar goodness safely inside, so it doesn’t escape when you roll it up.
Step 5: Shape and Steam
Roll the dough up tightly (like a cinnamon roll, of course!) and gently settle it into your greased mug. Drizzle about half a teaspoon of water on top—this creates steam inside the mug while microwaving, keeping your cinnamon roll moist and fluffy.
Step 6: Microwave Magic
Place the mug in your microwave and cook uncovered for about 50 seconds (if your microwave is 1200 watts—adjust time slightly for lower wattages, but don’t exceed 70 seconds). It will puff up dramatically and should nearly fill your mug. If unsure, test doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean. Remember, it continues cooking slightly once removed, so undercooking a little is better than overcooking.
Step 7: Add Icing and Enjoy
As soon as your Cinnamon Roll in a Mug emerges, you can either spoon the icing straight over the top or run a knife around the sides to loosen and gently turn it out onto a plate for true bakery vibes. Drizzle on all the icing and dig in while it’s perfectly warm and gooey!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll in a Mug
Garnishes
Add a touch of flair with a sprinkle of extra ground cinnamon, a handful of chopped toasted nuts for crunch, or even a few mini chocolate chips on top of the icing. A flourish of orange zest or a pinch of flaky salt makes every bite pop with flavor and style.
Side Dishes
Make your Cinnamon Roll in a Mug into a full-blown breakfast treat by pairing it with a creamy latte, a tall glass of cold milk, or a fresh fruit salad. For dessert, try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate warm-and-cool combo.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re having friends over, prepare several mugs and let everyone choose their own mix-ins—think raisins, nuts, or chocolate. You can even serve the cinnamon roll turned out onto a plate with a strawberry fan, or drizzle flavored syrups over the icing for a personalized twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have leftovers, let your Cinnamon Roll in a Mug cool completely. Remove it from the mug to prevent it from getting soggy, then wrap tightly or store in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh at room temperature for a full day, though it truly shines when eaten right away.
Freezing
This recipe is really designed for instant enjoyment, but if you want to freeze, do so before icing. Wrap the cooled cinnamon roll tightly in plastic, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw fully before reheating, and add fresh icing just before serving.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-microwave magic, reheat your cinnamon roll in a mug for about 10-15 seconds in the microwave. If you’ve already added the icing, do short bursts so it doesn’t melt away. The result is a warm, soft treat that rivals any pastry shop.
FAQs
Can I make Cinnamon Roll in a Mug gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap in a measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend. Add water slowly, as gluten-free flours can absorb moisture differently. The texture may be slightly different, but you’ll still get a delicious treat.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
No brown sugar? No problem. Coconut sugar works beautifully, or use regular granulated sugar in a pinch. You can even add a drop of molasses to white sugar to mimic brown sugar’s caramel notes.
Can I prepare multiple Cinnamon Rolls in a Mug at once?
Yes, just set up several mugs and prep each one individually. Depending on your microwave’s size and power, cook them one at a time to ensure even rising and doneness.
Why is my cinnamon roll tough or dry?
This usually means the dough was overworked, or the roll was microwaved a touch too long. Be gentle when mixing, and err on the side of undercooking. The mug method means it will finish cooking with the residual heat.
Can I add nuts, fruit, or chocolate?
Please do! Sprinkle a tablespoon of raisins, walnuts, or mini chocolate chips onto the dough before rolling for a custom Cinnamon Roll in a Mug. Just don’t overload, or the roll may have trouble cooking through.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried a Cinnamon Roll in a Mug, drop what you’re doing and make one—trust me, it’s pure joy in a cup. You’ll love how it brings together homey comfort and instant gratification, all with minimal mess and maximum flavor. Go ahead and treat yourself today—your sweet tooth will thank you!
Print
Cinnamon Roll in a Mug Recipe
A quick and easy recipe for a single-serving Cinnamon Roll in a Mug. This microwave version takes less than 1 minute to cook and is made with simple pantry ingredients. Satisfy your sweet cravings with this decadent dessert or sweet breakfast treat.
- Total Time: 6 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients
For the icing
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- about ¾ teaspoon water or dairy-free milk
For the cinnamon roll
- a tiny dab oil for greasing the mug (such as sunflower, canola, olive, or coconut oil)
- 9 tablespoons (70 grams) all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 small pinch fine sea salt
- about 4 tablespoons water
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1½ tablespoons brown sugar or coconut sugar
Instructions
- Make the icing. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with water or plant-based milk until you get a thick, drippy consistency. Set aside.
- Grease the mug with a tiny amount of oil.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl.
- Form the dough by adding water and kneading until tacky.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface, sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon, then roll it up.
- Place in the mug, add water, and microwave for about 50 seconds.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick.
- Ice the cinnamon roll and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 414 kcal
- Sugar: 41g
- Sodium: 49mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 96g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
