The Ultimate One-Minute Cinnamon Roll in a Mug
This single-serving Cinnamon Roll in a Mug is seriously one of the simplest desserts to make. It takes less than 1 minute in the microwave and is made with just a handful of pantry staples. It’s perfect when those sweet cravings hit, and you need something decadent like now!
Easy desserts don’t get better than the OG Cinnamon Roll in a Mug! It’s warm, sticky, doughy, perfectly sweet, and cinnamony with drippy frosting on top. Seriously, it’s ridiculously quick and easy to make, yet so satisfying!
A full batch of cinnamon rolls is great, but let’s be real, they take a bit of time and effort. That’s where this single-serving microwave version comes in. You get all the cozy, cinnamon-sugar goodness, without spending hours in the kitchen. When I first published this recipe years ago, I didn’t expect it to go viral. It’s crashed my site multiple times from the traffic, and the video on Facebook and Pinterest has been shared millions of times. With hundreds of five-star reviews, it’s clear this recipe is a hit.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Quick: Ready in less than 1 minute!
- Easy: Just a handful of pantry ingredients.
- Delicious: Warm, gooey, cinnamon perfection with frosting.
- Single-Serving: Perfect when you just want a little treat, not a full batch.
If you have a microwave, a mug, and a spoon, you can make this cinnamon roll in minutes. It’s ideal when those sweet cravings hit and you NEED something to satisfy your dessert or breakfast needs right now.
The Big Thing About This Recipe:
Before you get started, I want to set some realistic expectations. This is not going to give you a Cinnabon-like cinnamon roll. Don’t expect it to be baked, yeasty, caramelized, and dripping in cream cheese frosting. It’s a quick and easy microwaved version, and it’s meant to be enjoyed as such.
Also, remember that microwaves vary, and overcooking can turn your cinnamon roll into a tough mess. The key is to slightly undercook it and add a few extra seconds in small increments if needed. Even 10 extra seconds can make a big difference!
I can’t stress this enough: eat it immediately. If you let it cool or try to reheat it, it’s going to get tough. Enjoy it hot and fresh for the best texture!
Lastly, don’t forget the baking powder! I’ve seen people make this mistake, and without it, the recipe won’t work. And do not substitute baking soda, please. It’s a very specific recipe and needs the right ingredients and proportions.
Trust me, if you follow the instructions and adjust cooking time based on your microwave, you’ll get a perfect single-serving cinnamon roll in no time. Enjoy!
How To Make A Cinnamon Roll In A Mug
Making this Cinnamon Roll in a Mug is seriously easy. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Make the Frosting: Mix powdered sugar with a drop of water or plant-based milk to get a smooth glaze.
- Prepare the Dough: Mix the 4 dough ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.
- Roll Out the Dough: Roll the dough into a long strip, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, then fold the edges inward to hold everything in.
- Roll It Up: Roll the dough into a little cinnamon roll, then place it in a greased microwave-safe mug.
- Microwave: Add a little water (important!) and microwave for 30-45 seconds. Keep a close eye on it—microwaves vary!
- Frost and Enjoy: Turn it out onto a plate if you want to admire its cinnamon roll beauty before you slather it with frosting. Then eat it immediately while it’s still warm and gooey.
Please Read Before Making
Now, let me add some helpful tips based on feedback I’ve received over time. The vast majority of people have been very pleased with the recipe, but a few issues keep popping up, and I want to make sure you get the best result!
Realistic Expectations
This cinnamon roll is not going to be yeasty, gooey, caramelized, or have that iconic cream cheese frosting you might expect from a bakery-style cinnamon roll. This is a microwave version that’s meant to be quick and easy. If you’re expecting a Cinnabon or something that takes hours to bake, you might be disappointed.
Overcooking Is a No-No
Overcooking this cinnamon roll is a sure way to end up with something tough and rubbery. Microwaves vary greatly, and what works for me might not work for you. Always start with the suggested cooking time and then check it. If it’s not done, cook it in 5-second increments. Even 10 extra seconds can turn it from soft to hard!
Don’t Forget the Baking Powder
I’ve had a few comments where people forgot the baking powder, and without it, the dough won’t rise properly. Do not substitute baking soda for baking powder. It won’t work!
Eat It Right Away
This cinnamon roll should be eaten immediately after cooking. If you try to let it cool or reheat it, the texture changes and it becomes tough. You want that soft, doughy, warm goodness right out of the microwave.
If you follow the instructions exactly and adjust the cooking time to suit your microwave, I promise you’ll end up with a perfect one-minute cinnamon roll that’s the perfect cure for your sweet cravings. Enjoy it hot, fresh, and delicious!
Cinnamon Roll in a Mug
Ingredients
For the icing
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar icing sugar in the UK
- 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 (plain flour in the UK)
- 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 either plant-based milk or water. Add the liquid a really tiny bit at a time and mix really well after each addition. The most you will need is about ¾ teaspoon to get a thick, drippy consistency. Stir well until smooth then set aside.
- Grease a normal sized drinking mug (about 11 to 12 oz size) with a tiny dab of oil.
- Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to a small bowl and stir to combine.
- Stir in enough water to form a slightly tacky but not sticky dough (about 4 tablespoons but this will vary depending on the time of year and humidity), then use your hand to bring it together and knead a few times to bring it into a ball. Don’t handle it any more than you need to. Overworking will make it tough.
- Dust a clean work surface with a little flour, then roll the dough out into a long strip about 4 inches wide and ⅛ inch (a few millimetres) thick.
- Sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon evenly over the dough then fold the edges on the longest sides inwards so they meet each other in the middle. This helps to seal the cinnamon and sugar in and stop it dropping out when you lift it after rolling. See my video below for a full tutorial.
- Roll it up tightly and gently place in the greased mug. Pour over ½ teaspoon of water then place in the microwave. Don’t skip this. It’s important to create steam.
- Microwave uncovered on full power for about 50 seconds. My microwave is 1200 watts. You will need to adjust the time up or down if the wattage of yours is different but it shouldn’t need longer than 1 minute 10 seconds max. It is better to slightly undercook it then blast in 5 second increments to finish it off than risk overcooking. Remember that microwaved food continues cooking once it’s removed from the microwave.
- When you open the door it should have puffed up a lot and nearly reached the top of the mug. It will still look pale and a little damp as it’s microwaved not baked, so don’t think it’s underdone and cook longer than you need to or it will overcook. You can check doneness with a toothpick or skewer. Stick into the roll and it should come out clean.
- Either spoon the icing over the cinnamon roll in the mug or turn out onto a plate then ice. Before turning out run a knife around the outside of the mug to loosen it. Eat immediately while warm.
Nutrition
Hi, I’m Emily Hart, a 32-year-old chef with a lifelong passion for cooking that goes far beyond just a career—it’s the heart and soul of who I am. From the moment I was old enough to hold a spoon, I’ve been enchanted by the way food brings people together, how flavors can tell stories, and how a simple dish can evoke powerful emotions. The kitchen is my sanctuary, where the sizzle of pans and the aroma of fresh ingredients inspire me to create something special every day.
For me, cooking isn’t just about following recipes; it’s about experimenting, pushing boundaries, and blending culinary traditions to create something new and exciting. Whether I’m preparing an elegant five-course dinner or a comforting bowl of homemade soup, I pour my heart into every detail. I believe that food has the power to connect us all—whether through shared meals or teaching others how to find joy in cooking.
Over the years, I’ve honed my skills not only in crafting delicious meals but also in understanding what makes people feel at home when they sit down at the table. I love sharing my passion with others through cooking classes, collaborations with fellow food enthusiasts, and simply bringing people together one plate at a time. Cooking is my art form, and every dish is an opportunity to share a piece of myself with the world.
