Imagine the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen—but here’s the twist: you didn’t spend hours kneading dough or waiting for it to rise. This is the magic of the cozy cinnamon roll in a mug. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug, perfect for chilly mornings, late-night cravings, or just a little pick-me-up during the day. And the best part? It’s ready in under 5 minutes.
The first time I made this, I was skeptical. Could a cinnamon roll really translate into a mug recipe? But after one bite, I knew I’d stumbled onto something special. It’s soft, gooey, and bursting with cinnamon-sugar goodness—everything you love about cinnamon rolls, but without the fuss. My family couldn’t believe how quick it came together, and honestly, neither could I. They kept asking for more, and now it’s a staple on days when we’re craving something sweet and cozy.
Whether you’re whipping one up for yourself or making a batch for your kids, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite. (Trust me, you’ll want to bookmark it.) It’s easy, fun, and doesn’t require a sink full of dishes. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 5 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy mornings or impromptu dessert cravings.
- Minimal Ingredients: You probably have everything you need right in your pantry. No fancy trips to the store required.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy breakfast for one, a treat to share with your kids, or an Instagram-worthy mug dessert, this cinnamon roll fits the bill.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Kids love the fun, mug-ready presentation, and adults can’t resist the gooey cinnamon-sugar filling. It’s a win-win!
- Unbelievably Delicious: Soft, buttery dough, warm cinnamon spice, and a drizzle of sweet icing—it’s indulgence in every bite.
What makes this recipe stand out? It’s not just about speed—it’s about the taste and texture. Unlike other mug desserts, this cinnamon roll is satisfyingly soft and doesn’t have the rubbery texture you might expect from microwaved treats. Plus, the cinnamon-sugar swirl gives it that classic flavor you know and love. It’s almost too good to be true.
What Ingredients You Will Need
This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients to create something truly magical. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: The base of your cinnamon roll. You can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
- Baking powder: Provides the lift and fluffiness for your dough.
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch for sweetness in the dough.
- Milk: Any type works—dairy, almond, or oat milk. (Room temperature is ideal!)
- Butter: Melted, for that rich, buttery goodness. Use plant-based butter for a vegan option.
- Cinnamon: The star of the show! Ground cinnamon adds that signature warm spice.
- Brown sugar: Combined with cinnamon to create the perfect sweet filling.
- Powdered sugar: For the icing drizzle. You can skip this if you prefer less sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth to the icing flavor.
That’s it! Super simple, right? These pantry staples come together to make pure comfort food magic. If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry—check out the substitution tips below.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe, which is part of what makes it so inviting. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A microwave-safe mug: Choose one that’s large enough to hold the dough without spilling over.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precision matters here to get the perfect texture.
- A small mixing bowl: For preparing your dough.
- A fork or whisk: To mix the ingredients.
- Spoon: For spreading the filling evenly and drizzling the icing.
If you don’t have a microwave-safe mug, you can use a ramekin or even a small bowl. And if you don’t have a mixing bowl handy, you can mix everything directly in the mug—it’s a little messier but works just fine.
Preparation Method

- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 4 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar.
- Slowly add 2 tablespoons (30ml) milk and 1 tablespoon melted butter. Mix until a soft dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Sprinkle some flour on a clean surface and knead the dough gently for about 1 minute. Roll it into a thin rectangle using your hands or a rolling pin.
- In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Spread 1/2 tablespoon melted butter over the dough rectangle and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, then coil it into a spiral shape. Place the spiral in a greased microwave-safe mug.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute and 15 seconds, or until the cinnamon roll has puffed up and is cooked through. (Microwave times may vary, so check after 1 minute.)
- While the roll is cooking, prepare the icing: mix 1 tablespoon powdered sugar with 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract and a splash of milk until smooth.
- Drizzle the icing over the warm cinnamon roll and enjoy immediately!
Pro tip: If your dough feels too sticky to work with, sprinkle a bit more flour on your work surface and hands to make handling easier. And don’t forget to keep an eye on the microwave—a few seconds too long can make the roll dry.
Cooking Tips & Techniques
Here are a few tricks to ensure your cinnamon roll in a mug turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir until just combined. Overmixing can make the dough tough.
- Microwave timing: Microwave power varies, so start with 1 minute and check. Add 10-15 seconds if needed, but avoid overcooking.
- Roll tightly: When rolling the dough into a log, keep it tight to prevent the filling from spilling out.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sugar, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the filling or skip the icing altogether.
- Experiment with flavors: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for an extra flavor boost.
Variations & Adaptations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few fun variations:
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour alternative for the dough.
- Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with plant-based butter and use almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk.
- Seasonal Twist: Add a tablespoon of pumpkin puree to the dough for a fall-inspired pumpkin cinnamon roll.
- Chocolate Lover’s Version: Replace the cinnamon-sugar filling with cocoa powder and mini chocolate chips.
- Nutty Delight: Sprinkle crushed pecans or walnuts over the filling before rolling.
My personal favorite? Adding a splash of maple syrup to the icing for a cozy, fall-inspired flavor. It’s a game-changer!
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Here’s how to enjoy and store your cinnamon roll in a mug:
- Serving: Serve warm, straight out of the mug. Pair with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for the ultimate treat.
- Presentation: Top with extra icing drizzle or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a Pinterest-worthy look.
- Storage: While best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers (if any!) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
- Reheating: Microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive the softness and warmth.
Note: The flavors of cinnamon and butter intensify after a couple of hours, so if you make it ahead, you’re in for an even richer experience.
Nutritional Information & Benefits
Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown for one cinnamon roll in a mug:
- Calories: 250-300 (depending on ingredient choices)
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 4g
Health perks? Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels. Plus, you’re controlling portion size with this single-serve recipe!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a quick, comforting treat that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this cozy cinnamon roll in a mug is your answer. It’s simple, flavorful, and endlessly customizable to suit your tastes. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing it with loved ones, there’s something undeniably satisfying about whipping up a cinnamon roll in minutes.
I love how this recipe brings instant joy—it’s my go-to for lazy mornings or when my sweet tooth strikes at midnight. Don’t forget to let me know how you customized your mug cinnamon roll in the comments below. Share the love with friends, pin this recipe for later, and let’s keep spreading the cinnamon goodness!
Happy microwaving!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without a microwave?
Yes! You can bake the mug in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix the dough and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Roll and cook when ready to enjoy.
What’s the best mug size for this recipe?
A standard 12-ounce microwave-safe mug works best to ensure the cinnamon roll has room to rise without overflowing.
Can I make this recipe healthier?
Definitely! Use whole wheat or almond flour, reduce the sugar, or swap the butter for a lower-fat alternative.
Can I make more than one cinnamon roll at a time?
Of course! Simply double or triple the recipe and prepare multiple mugs. Cook each individually in the microwave for even results.
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Cozy Cinnamon Roll in a Mug Recipe Ready in 5 Minutes
A quick and easy cinnamon roll recipe made in a mug, perfect for chilly mornings or late-night cravings. Ready in under 5 minutes and bursting with cinnamon-sugar goodness.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) milk
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tablespoon melted butter (for filling)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Splash of milk (for icing)
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 4 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar.
- Slowly add 2 tablespoons (30ml) milk and 1 tablespoon melted butter. Mix until a soft dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Sprinkle some flour on a clean surface and knead the dough gently for about 1 minute. Roll it into a thin rectangle using your hands or a rolling pin.
- In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Spread 1/2 tablespoon melted butter over the dough rectangle and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, then coil it into a spiral shape. Place the spiral in a greased microwave-safe mug.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute and 15 seconds, or until the cinnamon roll has puffed up and is cooked through. (Microwave times may vary, so check after 1 minute.)
- While the roll is cooking, prepare the icing: mix 1 tablespoon powdered sugar with 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract and a splash of milk until smooth.
- Drizzle the icing over the warm cinnamon roll and enjoy immediately!
Notes
[‘If your dough feels too sticky to work with, sprinkle a bit more flour on your work surface and hands to make handling easier.’, ‘Microwave power varies, so start with 1 minute and check. Add 10-15 seconds if needed, but avoid overcooking.’, ‘Roll the dough tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out.’, ‘You can adjust the sweetness by reducing the amount of brown sugar or skipping the icing.’]
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cinnamon roll
- Calories: 250300
- Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Protein: 4
Keywords: cinnamon roll, mug recipe, quick dessert, easy recipe, single-serve dessert, microwave dessert


