When you crave the warmth of a freshly baked cinnamon roll but lack the time for kneading and rising, this cinnamon roll mug cake swoops in as a delicious, cozy alternative. Ready in under five minutes, it captures all the flavor and fluff of your favorite pastry without the fuss. Moreover, it satisfies that sweet tooth instantly, proving that comfort can sometimes come straight from a mug.

To begin with, what makes this recipe special is how easily it turns an ordinary afternoon into a cozy bakery moment. As it cooks, the batter rises in the microwave, filling the air with the smell of butter and cinnamon. Moreover, it feels as if you spent hours baking, even though it takes only minutes. In the end, the texture is soft, warm, and slightly chewy—like a mix between a cinnamon roll and a slice of cake. Therefore, it’s the perfect treat for quick comfort at home.

Fun, Easy, and Family-Friendly

When I first tested this recipe for my blog, it became a family favorite almost instantly. My kids love making their own versions with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze, while my partner adds a pinch of espresso powder for a little twist. As a result, everyone gets their own flavor in just one mug. In addition, it brings the same comfort as homemade cinnamon rolls without extra dishes or long baking time. Ultimately, this cinnamon roll mug cake turns simple moments into sweet family memories.

A Simple Tradition at Home

One rainy weekend evening, I made a batch for everyone after dinner. Consequently, it became a small family ritual—each mug appearing in our favorite cups, laughter echoing around the table. Meanwhile, the smell of cinnamon wrapped the kitchen in warmth. Since that night, we’ve kept this little tradition alive. Because of that, it’s a reminder that recipes don’t have to be complicated to bring joy. In the end, sharing something simple is often what makes it unforgettable.

Why this Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake works

• It delivers instant gratification—warm, spiced comfort in mere minutes.
• Combining butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon yields a rich swirl of caramelized depth.
• Perfect for cozy mornings, quick desserts, or a last-minute treat after dinner.

what you need for this Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake

• All-purpose flour (60 g / 2.1 oz): Provides structure and softness.
• Brown sugar (25 g / 0.9 oz): Adds sweetness and rich molasses notes.
• Cinnamon (3 g / 0.1 oz): The star spice creating that iconic aroma.
• Baking powder (2 g / 0.07 oz): Helps the mug cake rise beautifully.
• Salt (1 g / 0.03 oz): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Milk (45 g / 1.6 oz): Keeps the texture tender and moist.
• Unsalted butter (30 g / 1.1 oz): Adds richness and depth.
• Vanilla extract (2 g / 0.07 oz): Brings warmth and complements cinnamon.
• Powdered sugar (25 g / 0.9 oz): Optional glaze for classic cinnamon roll sweetness.
• Cream cheese (15 g / 0.5 oz): Optional addition for a creamy tang.

How to make a Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake

1. In a microwave-safe mug, melt the butter and swirl in the brown sugar and cinnamon until smooth.
2. Add flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and vanilla directly into the mug; stir until combined and no dry spots remain.
3. Microwave on high for about 60–75 seconds until the cake rises and appears set on top.
4. Allow it to cool slightly before drizzling with powdered sugar glaze or a bit of cream cheese frosting if desired.

Chef’s Notes & Tips

• If you’re dairy-free, swap butter for coconut oil and milk for almond milk; the flavor remains indulgent.
• For an extra gooey center, undercook by about 5 seconds; it will finish setting as it rests.
• Store leftover glaze in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days—it’s excellent over pancakes or waffles too.
• The cinnamon roll mug cake can also be dressed up with nuts or chocolate chips for added texture.
• To batch-prep, pre-measure dry ingredients into small jars for grab-and-go mug cake kits.

Conclusion

Ultimately, this humble mug cake embodies simplicity at its most satisfying. Furthermore, it reminds us that self-care can be as easy as stirring, microwaving, and savoring a few bites of warmth. As a result, this recipe has earned a permanent place in my kitchen rotation. If you try it, share your spin on it in the comments or pin your version using the Pinterest image below for future cravings. You can also explore other quick dessert inspirations on Long Bake the Queen or read about microwave dessert science at Serious Eats.

FAQ

Can I make this mug cake without eggs?

Yes, it’s designed egg-free, keeping the texture light and moist without needing any substitutions.

How do I prevent the mug cake from overflowing?

Use a mug that holds at least 350 ml (12 oz) capacity; the batter expands quickly as it heats.

Can I bake this in an oven instead of a microwave?

Yes, bake at 175°C (350°F) for about 10–12 minutes if you prefer not to microwave.

What’s the best way to add frosting?

Mix powdered sugar with a tiny splash of milk or cream cheese; drizzle immediately over the warm cake.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

You can mix dry ingredients in advance, but add wet parts only right before cooking for the best rise.