This delicious, no-fuss cinnamon roll in a mug is a quick and easy treat. It's perfect for days when you crave something sweet but don't have time to bake.

Making a small batch of cinnamon rolls from scratch does take some time. But with this microwave mug cinnamon roll recipe, you can enjoy all the delicious flavors you love without the wait.
The result is an indulgent mini cake with just the right touch of sweetness. It's a perfect sweet treat for satisfying cravings quickly or as an easy breakfast option when you're short on time.
This quick and easy recipe for making a cinnamon roll in a mug is delicious and convenient. It's an ideal solution when you want something sweet without spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. So next time you want to satisfy your sweet tooth or impress your friends with your baking skills, try this simple recipe!
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Ingredients
To make this quick and easy treat, you only need a microwave-safe mug with some basic ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, milk, and ground cinnamon.
Here's the list of ingredients you will need for the easy cinnamon roll in a mug recipe:
- all-purpose flour
- granulated sugar
- baking powder
- salt
- whole milk
- butter
- cinnamon
- cream cheese
- vanilla extract
- powdered sugar
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
The first step is to gather all the ingredients and get them measured out. You don't want to start making your cinnamon roll mug cake only to realize mid-way that you're missing an essential ingredient.
Add the dry dough ingredients to a medium mixing bowl.
Add milk gradually while you whisk together the ingredients until smooth dough forms.
Knead dough on a lightly floured surface and roll the dough into a rectangle. Brush melted butter on top.
Mix one teaspoon of ground cinnamon with a tablespoon of white sugar in a small bowl.
Sprinkle all of the sugar and cinnamon mixture over the dough.
Roll dough and place it into a lightly greased microwave safe mug.
Microwave cinnamon roll for 45 seconds to 1 minute, or just until set.
In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla extract.
Add powdered sugar and salt.
Beat until smooth and creamy.
Drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the roll with a spoon.
Spread the frosting over the cinnamon roll microwave mug cake.
Variations
One simple way to switch things up is by adding different types of toppings such as whipped cream or nuts. You could also try using different types of sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar instead of traditional white sugar.
Another fun variation is to add fruits like apples, berries, or raisins into your cinnamon roll mix before microwaving it. This will give the cinnamon swirl in the middle an extra burst of flavor and make it even more satisfying.
For those with dietary restrictions, you can also experiment with different flours, such as glutinous rice flour or other gluten-free flour. Even a pancake mix can be used in place of the flour.
Don't hesitate to get creative and experiment with various ingredients until you find the perfect combination that suits your taste.
Tips
Here are a few tips that you need to keep in mind.
- Have all your ingredients at room temperature before you start mixing them. This will ensure the dough rises properly and gives your roll a fluffy texture.
- Keep an eye on the cinnamon roll while microwaving so it doesn't overcook or burn.
- You may not use all of the milk. If your dough is too wet, add a bit more flour. If too dry, add a drop or two of more milk.
Serving suggestions
Remove the roll from the mug or ramekin and cut it in half before serving. You'll get two single-serve cakes from the recipe.
This delicious cinnamon roll made in the microwave is a perfect breakfast or dessert option. If you want to add an extra touch of sweetness, try drizzling some honey or maple syrup over the top before serving. Or, add a dollop of vegan whipped cream on top or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent treat.
If you're feeling creative, experiment with different toppings and mix-ins to create your perfect cinnamon roll in a mug. Add some chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor. Or, if you want something savory, try sprinkling some sea salt or crumbled bacon on top.
Consider pairing your cinnamon roll with your favorite beverage for the ultimate cozy experience. Brew a cup of espresso or matcha tea to enjoy alongside it, or indulge in some hot cocoa for an extra-rich treat.
Storage
Storing these 'lazy' cinnamon rolls is easy and simple. Once cool, transfer to an airtight container. This will help keep the cake moist and prevent it from drying out.
You can store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave on high for 30-45 seconds until warm.
FAQ
You can bake the roll in an oven-safe ramekin or mug. Place the dish on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes or until it tests done.
You can use yeast instead. However, it takes much longer to activate.
When using yeast, make sure to dissolve the yeast in warm water before adding it to the other ingredients. This will help ensure that the yeast is evenly distributed throughout the batter and activated properly. You may want to add some sugar or honey as this will help feed the yeast and speed up its activation process.
You will also need to allow enough time for your mug cake mixture to rise before cooking it. Depending on how much yeast you use this could take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.
You can use self-rising flour and omit the baking powder. However, you may need to adjust the amount of liquid used and the cooking time slightly.
Related Recipes
Here are a few more mug cake recipes you may enjoy.
- Carrot mug cake is moist and delicious.
- Chocolate chip mug cake tastes just like a freshly baked cookie.
- Mug cake with cake mix is a great way to enjoy your favorite cake fast.
- Nutella mug cake recipe is super quick and easy
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to see more recipes.
Recipe
Cinnamon Roll in a Mug
Ingredients
For the dough:
- ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon granulated white sugar
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 3 to 4 tablespoons whole milk
For the filling:
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon granulated white sugar
For the frosting:
- 1 ounce cream cheese
- 1 ounce unsalted butter softened
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar sifted
Instructions
- To a medium mixing bowl, add the dry dough ingredients: all purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt and add milk gradually while mixing with a fork until smooth dough forms.
- After achieving a flexible but non-sticky consistency, transfer the dough onto a surface lightly coated with flour and knead it a few times. Then, shape it into a lengthy strip measuring around 4 inches width by 10 inches length.
- Mix the ground cinnamon with white sugar.
- With a brush, spread the melted butter over the dough and sprinkle all of the cinnamon/sugar mixture.
- Roll up the dough into a round shape.
- Lightly grease a large mug with butter and place the cinnamon roll inside.
- Cook in the microwave from 45 to 60 seconds, or just until set. Remove the dough from the mug and place in a plate.
- Prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract. Beat until well-mixed and fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar and salt and continue to beat until sugar is completely incorporated and frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Pipe or spread the frosting over the cinnamon roll.
Elizabeth S
I was craving cinnamon rolls and this hit the spot! I cooked mine for a little less time than specified because my microwave heats things up really quickly. Oh and I added cardamom to the filling. Will make again!
Devy
I love cinnamon rolls. But this shortcut recipe makes things far easier to have the rolls in a jiffy. What a clever way. We had it with nutella instead, and my boys already asked for more.
Erica
OH MY GOODNESS. I didn't think this would work to be honest, mainly because I have always been a failure at mug treats, but this was the perfect little breakfast bun! I zested some orange rind on top and it was heavenly!
Gina
I crave cinnamon rolls all the time but seldom put in the effort to make them because they're...a process. This recipe is a godsend!
Rose
such a great idea! I've been making this as a quick dessert whenever I need something sweet but don't feel like baking.
laura l sampson
OMG! I made these at my mom's house, we don't have a microwave! She loved that is made just enough for her!! Thanks.
Vladka
I made them with brown sugar and they were outstanding, done really fast, no fuss.
Shelby
Literally, comfort food in a mug. This cinnamon roll came out with all the perfect flavors in mini size. Delicious!
Sharon
What a tasty treat! Making these in the microwave really simplified everything. Can't wait to make this recipe again.
Traci
Omg this was incredible! I made it with gluten free flour and baked it instead of microwaving. It came out perfect
And I love that I can just make one for me!
Jan
Genius!! I love a quick dessert. I am going to be making this all week.
Sue
"Days when you crave something sweet but don't have time to bake" is basically me, every day. This recipe is a life saver!
Sage Scott
How could the decadent, sweet tooth-satisfying taste of a warm cinnamon roll be any easier to make? Brilliant idea!
Anne
Amazing recipe! I couldn't believe how quickly it cooked in the microwave. I'm going to add some chopped walnuts to the filling next time for a sticky bun flavor!
Jennifer
These are delish! I loved the flavor and they weren't too sweet. Loved being able to make them without yeast!
Sandhya Ramakrishnan
I am already a sucker for cinnamon rolls and this quick and easy one is going to become my weakness! This was so delicious and so quick to make. I doubled the batch of dough and made some fresh ones for my son after he came back from school.