Craving a warm, sugary donut but dreading the oven? We’ve cracked the code: this microwave cinnamon sugar donut cooks in 60-90 seconds with zero frying. No yeast, no grease splatters, no patience required.
Think fluffy cake meets cozy cinnamon-spice hug. We’re talking single-serving indulgence that’s faster than scrolling UberEats. Bonus? Your kitchen stays cool(ish).
We’ll walk through every step, substitution, and sprinkle hack to nail this recipe—no fancy gear needed. Let’s turn your mug into a mini bakery.
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Microwave Cinnamon Sugar Donut
Recipe by Lisa MartinCourse: DessertCuisine: American1
5
minutes1
minute120
kcal6
minutesCraving a donut but short on time? This microwave cinnamon sugar donut recipe is the answer. In just a couple of minutes, you can have a freshly made donut that is soft, fluffy, and coated in sweet cinnamon sugar. No need for complicated methods or lengthy baking times, just a microwave and a few simple ingredients will do!
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
granulated sugar
baking powder
pinch of salt
milk
vegetable oil
vanilla extract
granulated sugar for coating
ground cinnamon.
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir to mix the dry ingredients well.
- Add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix until a smooth batter forms.
- Pour the batter into a microwave-safe donut mold or shape it into a donut on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on high for about 30-40 seconds or until the donut is cooked through and springy to the touch.
- Let the donut cool slightly, then mix together the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Roll the warm donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious microwave cinnamon sugar donut..
Notes
- For best results, ensure your microwave is at full power to achieve the perfect donut texture. You can also customize the donut by adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter before microwaving. If you prefer a cake-like donut, simply adjust the milk quantity for desired thickness and taste. This recipe is great for a quick treat or when you're in a hurry!
What is a Microwave Cinnamon Sugar Donut?
Imagine a donut that skips the fryer and hops straight from your mug to the microwave. That’s exactly what this is: a single-serving, cake-style donut batter cooked in 90 seconds flat. No yeast, no oil vats—just flour, sugar, baking powder, and spices whirled into a microwave-safe ramekin or mug.
My sister Candice once attempted this during a chaotic family brunch when our oven died mid-pancake batch. We dubbed it her “microwave miracle”—and now it’s our go-to when cravings strike faster than delivery apps.
What Does a Microwave Cinnamon Sugar Donut Taste Like?
Picture a fluffy vanilla cake donut wearing a crunchy cinnamon-sugar jacket. The interior stays moist (thanks to rapid microwaving locking in steam), while the exterior gets a buttery sugar crust. It’s lighter than traditional fried donuts but still satisfyingly sweet. For a delightful twist, consider a microwave vanilla sprinkle cake, which offers a quick and equally delicious dessert option. This cake combines the joy of sprinkles with the ease of microwave cooking, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in minutes.
At a recent game night, Candice’s version had a faint nutmeg kick that made everyone demand seconds. Pro tip: Use fresh cinnamon—its warmth sings compared to stale pantry dust. Up next? Let’s raid your kitchen for the six ingredients hiding in plain sight. If you’re looking for a quick dessert option, quick microwave cinnamon apples are a fantastic choice. They offer a delightful sweetness and warmth, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients for Microwave Cinnamon Sugar Donut
Grab six pantry staples (we bet you have four already). Our base recipe serves one—double it if sharing, but let’s be real: this is emergency donut o’clock.
Essential Ingredients &Amp; Substitutes
- All-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free blend for celiac friends)
- Granulated sugar—brown sugar adds caramel notes but may densify texture
- Baking powder: non-negotiable leavening agent (don’t sub baking soda!)
- Milk: dairy or unsweetened almond both work
- Melted butter for richness; coconut oil solidifies faster but works
- Vanilla extract: imitation works here—no fancy stuff needed
Dairy-free or Vegan Alternatives
Swap butter with refined coconut oil (unrefined tastes coconutty) and milk with oat or soy. For egg-free, add 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water. My vegan roommate swears this creates the ideal squishy texture without “eggy” aftertaste. For a quick and satisfying breakfast, consider making a 2-minute microwave tofu scramble, which provides a similar creamy texture and is packed with protein.
Also See: 2-minute Microwave Pesto Egg Mug (Keto)
How to Make Microwave Cinnamon Sugar Donut
Total time: 4 minutes (including sugar-shimmy dance breaks). Use a wide, shallow mug—I’ve resurrected many “flat donuts” from cereal bowls. For a sweet treat that’s quick to make, consider trying a 2 minute microwave honey nut cereal mug cake, which is delicious and super easy to whip up.
Step 1: Mixing the Donut Batter
Whisk 4 tbsp flour, 2 tbsp sugar, ¼ tsp baking powder, and a cinnamon pinch in your mug. Add 2 tbsp milk, ½ tbsp melted butter, and ¼ tsp vanilla. Stir until just combined—overmixing makes it tough. Tiny lumps? They’ll vanish during microwaving. Unlike microwave cookie dough, this batter cooks through and forms a fluffy texture.
Step 2: Microwaving the Donut (Time &Amp; Technique)
Nuke for 60-90 seconds on high (1000W). Start checking at 60—it’s done when the top springs back. My ancient 700W microwave needs 90 seconds. Pro tip: Place mug on a plate to catch any rogue bubbles. For an even simpler method to enjoy corn on the cob, microwaving it has become a popular choice. A quick trick involves wrapping the cob in a damp paper towel to keep it moist while cooking, ensuring perfectly tender results.
Step 3: Preparing the Cinnamon-sugar Coating
Mix 1 tbsp sugar + ½ tsp cinnamon in a shallow dish. Melt ½ tbsp butter separately. For extra crunch, add a pinch of cornstarch—this hack came from a 3 AM donut epiphany. If you’re looking for a quick treat, consider cooking cinnamon rolls in the microwave. It’s an easy way to enjoy warm, gooey cinnamon rolls in just a few minutes.
Step 4: Coating the Donut Perfectly
Let donut cool 30 seconds, then invert onto a plate. Brush all sides with melted butter using a pastry brush (or your finger). Roll in cinnamon sugar while warm—this creates a crisp, sparkly crust that sticks better than glitter glue. For a delightful twist, consider making a cookie butter dip with a microwave sweet blend to enjoy alongside your donut. This creamy dip elevates the treat and complements the warm flavors perfectly.
Also See: Microwave Basa Fish Recipe – 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More

Can You Microwave Donut Batter? (safety &Amp; Tips)
Absolutely—if done right. Use microwave-safe ceramics (no metallic accents). Avoid overfilling: batter shouldn’t exceed halfway up the mug. If it rises like Mount Vesuvius, your mug’s too small. Reduce baking powder to ⅛ tsp next time. For more tips, make sure your ceramic mug is suitable for microwaving.
Undercooked batter risks foodborne illness. Check for wet spots by poking with a toothpick—if it emerges clean, you’re golden. Microwaves vary, so treat timing as a guideline, not gospel. Many people unknowingly microwave food incorrectly, leading to uneven cooking and potential hazards. Being aware of common mistakes in microwaving food can help ensure your meals are not only tasty but also safe to eat.
Ready to dethrone your local donut shop? Let’s explore how to jazz these up with toppings that’ll make your Instagram followers weep.
Topping Ideas for Microwave Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Why stop at cinnamon sugar? Our mug donut is a blank canvas begging for creative flair. During a Netflix marathon, my cousin transformed hers into a s’mores donut—melted chocolate, crushed grahams, and a mini marshmallow torch session (safety goggles optional). Experimenting with flavors and toppings can lead to delightful creations, including the innovative microwave donuts that have become popular for their quick and easy preparation.
- Classic Glaze: Mix ¼ cup powdered sugar + 1 tsp milk. Drizzle over donut
- Lemon Zest Dust: Add grated lemon peel to cinnamon sugar for bright tang
- Crunchy Crush: Roll in crushed pecans or pretzels post-coating
- Chocolate Dip: Melt 2 tbsp chocolate chips with ½ tsp coconut oil. Dunk away!
Pro tip: Apply toppings while the donut’s warm—they’ll adhere better than glitter on a kindergarten art project. For savory fans, try everything bagel seasoning (trust us—it’s weirdly good).
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
We’ve all been there: a hockey puck masquerading as a donut. Let’s troubleshoot two frequent flubs.
Overcooking the Donut
Microwaves vary wildly—my aunt’s 1200W beast nukes batter into rubber in 45 seconds. Start at 50 seconds, then check every 10. If it’s dry, spritz with water and microwave 5 seconds to revive steam.
Look for a springy top—not firm. A toothpick should emerge with crumbs, not goo. Still overcooked? Reduce baking powder to ⅛ tsp. Less rise = shorter cook time.
Adjusting Batter Consistency
Batter too runny? You’ll get a dense, gummy mess. Stir in flour ½ tsp at a time until it resembles thick pancake batter. Too thick? Add milk ¼ tsp increments. My first attempt needed 3 extra tsp—turns out I’d used tablespoon instead of teaspoon measures (math: not my strong suit). For a quick solution, try a microwave pancake recipe that allows you to whip up a delicious breakfast in just minutes. It’s a fun and easy way to enjoy pancakes without the fuss of traditional cooking methods.
Up next: How to keep leftovers fresh (spoiler: they rarely last that long).
Now It’s Your Turn to Whip Up Magic!
With just a few pantry staples and a microwave, you’ve got everything needed to make these warm, cinnamon-kissed donuts. Whether you’re craving a quick breakfast or a midnight snack, this recipe delivers fluffy perfection in under 5 minutes.
Tag us on social media if you try it—we’d love to see your golden, sugar-dusted creations! Got a twist on the recipe? Drop it in the comments below. Happy microwaving!