5 Minute Snickerdoodle Mug Cake

Warm, cinnamon-kissed, and ready before you finish your coffee — this 5 Minute Snickerdoodle Mug Cake is the single-serve dessert you never knew you needed. The moment that buttery cinnamon sugar aroma rises from your microwave, you’ll understand why this recipe has become a weeknight obsession. It delivers the classic soft, chewy flavor of a traditional snickerdoodle cookie in cake form, without heating an oven or dirtying a dozen dishes. Whether you’re satisfying a late-night craving or treating yourself after a long day, this snickerdoodle mug cake delivers every time. You’ll learn exactly how to make it perfectly fluffy, why each ingredient matters, and how to customize it to your taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This 5 Minute Snickerdoodle Mug Cake is genuinely one of the easiest desserts you will ever make. From start to finish, you need just one mug, a handful of pantry staples, and a microwave. There is no waiting for an oven to preheat, no cooling racks, and absolutely no complicated techniques.

The flavor is pure comfort — warm, buttery cake with a crackling cinnamon sugar topping that melts into every bite. The texture is soft and tender, almost cupcake-like, with just enough density to feel satisfying without being heavy.

It is perfectly portioned for one, which means no leftovers tempting you on the counter. It works equally well as a midnight treat, an after-school snack, or a quick single-serving dessert for a dinner party guest with a sweet tooth. This recipe is foolproof, fast, and absolutely delicious every single time.

Ingredients List for the 5 Minute Snickerdoodle Mug Cake

You only need a few simple ingredients to pull this recipe together. Most of these are pantry staples you likely already have on hand, making this mug cake as convenient as it is delicious.

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 3 tablespoons milk

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or melted butter

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar (1 tablespoon granulated sugar mixed with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon)

Pro Tips

Follow these three critical techniques to make sure your 5 Minute Snickerdoodle Mug Cake turns out perfectly every single time.

Use the right mug size. A 12-ounce microwave-safe mug is ideal. Too small and the batter overflows; too large and the cake spreads too thin and dries out quickly. The extra space gives the batter room to rise without making a mess in your microwave.

Do not overmix your batter. Stir only until the ingredients are just combined and no dry flour remains visible. Overmixing develops gluten, which turns your cake tough and dense rather than soft and tender. A few gentle stirs after adding the wet ingredients is all it takes.

Watch the microwave closely. Every microwave runs differently. Start checking your cake at the 1 minute and 15 second mark. The cake is done when the top looks set and no longer glossy. Overcooking by even 20 seconds can turn a fluffy mug cake into a rubbery disappointment. When in doubt, slightly undercook — residual heat continues cooking the cake even after it comes out.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Mug
Lightly grease a microwave-safe mug with non-stick cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In the mug, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and ground cinnamon until well combined.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in the milk, vegetable oil or melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain.

Step 4: Top with Cinnamon Sugar
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top of the batter in the mug.

Step 5: Microwave
Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high power for 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes, or until the cake has risen and is set in the middle. Microwave cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on the cake to prevent overcooking.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Carefully remove the mug from the microwave (it will be hot!) and let the cake cool for a minute or two. Enjoy your warm and delicious Snickerdoodle Mug Cake straight from the mug or transfer it to a plate. Optionally, you can top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Variations

Once you master the base recipe, there are several fun ways to put your own spin on this easy cinnamon mug cake.

Brown Butter Version: Swap the vegetable oil for brown butter to add a deep, nutty richness to the flavor. Simply melt butter in a small pan over medium heat until it turns golden and smells toasty, then let it cool slightly before adding it to the batter.

Cream Cheese Stuffed Mug Cake: Add a small teaspoon of softened cream cheese to the center of the batter before microwaving. As the cake cooks, it creates a creamy, cheesecake-like filling that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon sugar topping.

Chai Spice Mug Cake: Replace the ground cinnamon in the batter with a blend of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and a pinch of cloves. This variation turns your snickerdoodle mug cake into a warming, spiced dessert perfect for fall evenings.

Storage and Serving

Storage: This 5 Minute Snickerdoodle Mug Cake is best enjoyed immediately while it is still warm and fresh. Mug cakes do not store especially well because the texture becomes rubbery and dense once fully cooled and refrigerated. If you do need to save it, cover the mug with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to one day. Reheat in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds before eating.

Serving Suggestions: Serve this cinnamon sugar mug cake straight from the mug for the ultimate cozy experience. A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the warm cake is absolutely heavenly. Whipped cream and a light dusting of extra cinnamon sugar on top add a beautiful finishing touch. For a more indulgent presentation, drizzle with caramel sauce and serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or spiced apple cider.

FAQs

Can I make this without a microwave?
Yes. Pour the prepared batter into a small oven-safe ramekin and bake at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean. The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious.

Why did my mug cake turn out rubbery?
Rubbery texture almost always means the cake was overcooked. Reduce your microwave time by 15 to 20 seconds on your next attempt. Also, avoid overmixing the batter, which can also contribute to a tough texture.

Can I double the recipe?
It is best to make two separate mugs rather than doubling the recipe in one mug. Doubling the batter in a single mug risks overflow and uneven cooking throughout.

What type of mug should I use?
Always use a microwave-safe mug that holds at least 12 ounces. Ceramic and glass mugs work well. Avoid metal mugs or any mug with metallic accents, as these should never go in a microwave.

Can I use a dairy-free milk alternative?
Absolutely. Oat milk, almond milk, and soy milk all work well as substitutes for regular milk in this 5 Minute Snickerdoodle Mug Cake. The texture may vary very slightly depending on which alternative you choose, but the results will still be delicious.

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