Description
This Cinnamon Roll in a Mug is a quick and easy single-serving treat that delivers the comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in just minutes. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or an indulgent snack, it combines a soft and fluffy dough rolled with cinnamon and brown sugar, all microwaved for a fuss-free, delightful experience. Topped with a simple homemade icing, this recipe is perfect when you’re craving a warm cinnamon roll but short on time or ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 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
Filling
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1½ tablespoons brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
Icing
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar (icing sugar in the UK)
- about ¾ teaspoon water or dairy free milk
Other
- a tiny dab oil (such as sunflower, canola, olive, or coconut oil) for greasing the mug
- ½ teaspoon water (for steaming during microwaving)
Instructions
- Make the icing. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with water or plant-based milk. Add the liquid very gradually, up to about ¾ teaspoon, stirring well after each addition until you achieve a thick, drippy consistency. Set aside.
- Grease the mug. Lightly oil a standard 11 to 12 oz drinking mug using a tiny dab of your chosen oil to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Stir well to blend evenly.
- Form the dough. Gradually add about 4 tablespoons of water to the dry ingredients and stir until a slightly tacky but not sticky dough forms. Using your hand, bring it together and knead gently a few times until it forms a smooth ball. Avoid overworking the dough to prevent toughness.
- Roll out the dough. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough into a long strip, approximately 4 inches wide and ⅛ inch thick (a few millimeters).
- Add the filling. Evenly sprinkle the ground cinnamon and brown sugar over the dough strip. Fold the longest edges inward to meet in the middle, sealing the cinnamon and sugar inside and preventing spillage when rolling.
- Roll up the dough. Roll the strip tightly into a log shape, then gently place it into the greased mug.
- Add water for steam. Pour ½ teaspoon of water over the cinnamon roll inside the mug to create steam during microwaving.
- Microwave the roll. Cook the mug uncovered on full power for about 50 seconds (based on a 1200 watt microwave). Adjust your time by +/- 5 seconds if your microwave wattage differs. Slight undercooking is better than overcooking; you can finish cooking in short increments if necessary.
- Check doneness. The roll should have puffed up and nearly fill the mug when done. It will look pale and somewhat damp because it is microwaved, not baked. Use a toothpick or skewer inserted into the center to ensure it comes out clean.
- Serve with icing. Spoon the prepared icing over the cinnamon roll while it’s still warm. Alternatively, loosen the roll by running a knife around the mug’s edge, turn it out onto a plate, then ice and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Microwave times vary; start with 50 seconds and adjust based on your appliance’s wattage.
- Use plant-based milk in the icing for a dairy-free option.
- Do not overwork the dough to keep the texture light and tender.
- Serve immediately for the best warm, gooey experience.
- You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug cinnamon roll with icing
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: cinnamon roll, mug cake, quick cinnamon roll, microwaved dessert, single serving cinnamon roll, easy breakfast recipe
