I’ll never forget warming up my kitchen one evening just by mixing sugar, butter, and cinnamon in a mug—I dropped the batter into the microwave and the smell of snickerdoodle cookies filled the air. The crisp crust of cinnamon sugar on top, the soft buttery center—it instantly felt like comfort. If you love snickerdoodles but want dessert pronto, this Snickerdoodle Mug Cake (Cinnamon Sugar Crust) is your new favorite.
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What Makes This Mug Cake So Irresistible
The signature cinnamon sugar crust
That sprinkle of cinnamon mixed with sugar on top before microwaving gives you a caramelized, slightly crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake underneath. It’s what makes you think “cookie in cake form.”
Simple ingredients; big flavor
Flour, sugar, cinnamon, butter, milk, vanilla—nothing fancy but everything you want from a snickerdoodle. It captures the nostalgic cookie flavor without needing an oven or hours of work. Perfect for quick cravings or cozy moments at home.
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Snickerdoodle Mug Cake (Cinnamon Sugar Crust)
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy Snickerdoodle Mug Cake brings the classic cookie flavor to your microwave in minutes! With a cinnamon sugar crust and soft, buttery center, it’s the perfect quick dessert for cozy cravings and sweet moments.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)
2 tablespoons melted butter
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar mix (for topping)
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. In a microwave-safe mug, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Add milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir until smooth and combined.
3. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mix evenly over the top of the batter.
4. Microwave on high for 60 to 90 seconds, until top is set and slightly golden.
5. Let cool slightly, then enjoy warm with a soft center and cinnamon crust.
Notes
Use a very microwave-safe mug with room for rising.
To get a crunchy crust, don’t overcook—start with 60 seconds and adjust.
Add a swirl of cinnamon sugar through the middle for more flavor.
Can be made dairy-free with non-dairy milk and coconut oil.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute 30 seconds
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: snickerdoodle mug cake, cinnamon sugar, quick dessert
How to Make the Snickerdoodle Mug Cake
Ingredients (single serving)
- All‑purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Ground cinnamon
- Milk (dairy or non‑dairy)
- Melted butter (or oil, if preferred)
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon & sugar mix for the crust (topping)
- Pinch of salt
Step‑by‑step instructions
- Choose a microwave‑safe mug with enough capacity so the cake can rise without spilling.
- In the mug, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt.
- Add milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract; stir until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain.
- Mix together cinnamon & sugar topping in a small dish.
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. For a swirl effect, you could layer: batter, topping, more batter, then topping. But a simple top layer works great.
- Microwave on high for about **60 to 90 seconds**. Time varies with microwave wattage—start with 60 seconds and increase in 10‑second increments until the edges are set and top lightly golden/crusted.
- Let it rest for a minute—center will continue to set. Then dig in, preferably warm so the crust still has texture.
Tips & Variations
Tips for best texture & crust
Don’t overmix the batter to keep cake soft and fluffy. Use melted butter rather than margarine for richer flavor. Ensure your cinnamon sugar topping is even so crust forms well. And watch your microwave—each one is different.
Flavor twists you’ll love
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cream of tartar if you want a more “cookie‑like” tang. Swap butter for coconut oil for a slight tropical note. Try almond milk or oat milk for a dairy‑free version. For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts or add a few chocolate chips under the crust. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use less microwave power?
Yes. If your microwave is high wattage, the top may cook faster and the center might lag. Reduce time or power accordingly and watch the first time you make it to find your perfect timing.
Will the crust burn if I cook too long?
Possible. The cinnamon sugar crust can overcook or burn if left too long. It’s better to undercook slightly and let residual heat help finish than overdo it. Also, keep topping thin and evenly spread.
How do I prevent soggy bottom or edges?
Make sure the mug is larger than needed (so sides can rise). Don’t fill past ¾ full. Let it rest a minute after microwaving so moisture redistributes. If bottom seems soggy, shorter cooking time plus slightly lower power might help.
Is there a dairy‑free or egg‑free version?
You can replace butter with coconut oil or a plant‑based butter. Use non‑dairy milk. Some recipes omit egg altogether or use substitutes. Texture changes a bit—may be less rich or slightly denser.
Conclusion
If you want to enjoy the cozy flavor of snickerdoodle cookies but want it fast, this Snickerdoodle Mug Cake with a cinnamon sugar crust hits every note: sweet crust, soft cake, warm cinnamon aroma—all made in one mug in minutes. Try it, tweak it to your microwave, and let it become your go‑to comfort dessert.