Ever had that sudden craving for something sweet and doughy but didn’t want to go through the hassle of making a full batch of doughnuts? That’s exactly where the Doughnut in a Mug comes to the rescue! This delightful single-serving treat combines the comforting flavors of a traditional doughnut with the convenience of microwave cooking. In just a few minutes, you can enjoy a warm, sweet, and fluffy Doughnut in a Mug that satisfies your dessert cravings without the fuss.
The beauty of this easy doughnut in a mug recipe lies in its simplicity. Using basic pantry ingredients and requiring minimal effort, it’s perfect for late-night cravings, quick after-school snacks, or when you simply need a moment of sweet indulgence. The aroma of cinnamon and sugar will fill your kitchen, creating that familiar doughnut shop experience right in your own home.
Why You’ll Love This Doughnut in a Mug
- ✅ Quick microwave doughnut in a mug ideas – ready in under 5 minutes from start to finish
- ✅ Perfect single serving doughnut in a mug – no leftovers or waste
- ✅ Kid-friendly doughnut in a mug for kids that they can help make
- ✅ Customizable with various toppings and mix-ins for countless variations
- ✅ Easy to make cinnamon sugar doughnut in a mug with ingredients you already have
- ✅ No deep-frying required – a healthier alternative to traditional doughnuts
- ✅ Perfect for beginners – this quick mug doughnut for beginners is virtually foolproof

The Best Doughnut in a Mug Recipe: Quick, Easy & Delicious
- Total Time: 4 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
The Doughnut in a Mug is a quick and easy single-serving treat that delivers the comforting flavors of a traditional doughnut using basic pantry ingredients and a microwave.
Ingredients
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons self-rising flour
- 1½ tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Choose a microwave-safe mug that holds at least 12 ounces and lightly coat the inside with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
- In your prepared mug, add the beaten egg, olive oil, and milk. Whisk together with a fork until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Add the self-rising flour, brown sugar, and half of the ground cinnamon to your wet ingredients. Mix thoroughly until you have a smooth batter with no lumps.
- In a small bowl, mix the white sugar with the remaining cinnamon. Set aside for topping your Doughnut in a Mug after cooking.
- Place your mug in the microwave and cook on high for 45-60 seconds. The cooking time may vary depending on your microwave’s power. The Doughnut in a Mug is done when it has risen and appears set but still slightly moist on top.
- While your Doughnut in a Mug is still warm, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top.
Notes
- Ensure your mug is large enough to allow the doughnut to rise without overflowing.
- If the doughnut seems dry, reduce the cooking time by 5-10 seconds next time.
- Add a small drop of vanilla extract to the batter for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers at room temperature for up to 1 day in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 7
- Cholesterol: N/A
Keywords: doughnut in a mug, microwave doughnut, quick dessert, single-serving doughnut, easy doughnut recipe
Ingredients
To make this delicious Doughnut in a Mug, you’ll need these simple ingredients:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons self-rising flour
- 1½ tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Ingredient Substitutions and Alternatives
- For a dairy-free doughnut in a mug option: Replace regular milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk
- For a gluten-free doughnut in a mug recipe: Substitute self-rising flour with a gluten-free flour blend plus ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- For a chocolate doughnut in a mug tutorial: Add 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder to the batter
- For a vegan version: Replace egg with 2 tablespoons of applesauce or mashed banana
How to Make Doughnut in a Mug – Step by Step
Choose a microwave-safe mug that holds at least 12 ounces. Lightly coat the inside with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
In your prepared mug, add the beaten egg, olive oil, and milk. Whisk together with a fork until well combined and slightly frothy. This creates the base for your fluffy doughnut in a mug variation
Add the self-rising flour, brown sugar, and half of the ground cinnamon to your wet ingredients. Mix thoroughly until you have a smooth batter with no lumps. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your Doughnut in a Mug tough.
In a small bowl, mix the white sugar with the remaining cinnamon. Set aside for topping your Doughnut in a Mug after cooking.
Place your mug in the microwave and cook on high for 45-60 seconds. The cooking time may vary depending on your microwave’s power. The Doughnut in a Mug is done when it has risen and appears set but still slightly moist on top.
While your Doughnut in a Mug is still warm, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top. The heat will help the sugar mixture stick to the doughnut, creating that classic doughnut shop taste.

Pro Tips for Making
- Make sure your mug is large enough to allow the doughnut to rise without overflowing
- For an extra moist Doughnut in a Mug, add a small drop of vanilla extract to the batter
- Create a chocolate doughnut in a mug tutorial variation by adding chocolate chips to the batter before microwaving
- The secret to a perfectly textured Doughnut in a Mug is not overmixing the batter
- Try different spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice for unique flavor variations
- For a fun twist, add a small dollop of jam or Nutella to the center of the batter before cooking
- If your Doughnut in a Mug comes out dry, reduce the cooking time by 5-10 seconds next time
Best Ways to Serve
- Top with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert
- Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk
- Add a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for a fancy presentation
Nutritional Information
This single-serving Doughnut in a Mug contains approximately:
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbs: 38g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 24g
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Storage & Leftovers
- Room temperature: Can be stored for up to 1 day in an airtight container
- Refrigeration: Not recommended as it tends to become dry and tough
- Freezing: Not suitable for freezing
- Reheating: If needed, warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to refresh
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long do you microwave a doughnut in a mug?
The ideal microwave time for a Doughnut in a Mug is 45-60 seconds on high power. However, microwave strengths vary, so start checking at 45 seconds.
2. Can you make a doughnut in a mug without eggs?
Yes, you can make an egg-free Doughnut in a Mug. Replace the egg with 2 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, or yogurt. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious. This makes a perfect option for those with egg allergies or vegan dietary preferences.
3. What ingredients do you need for a doughnut in a mug?
The basic ingredients for a Doughnut in a Mug include self-rising flour, egg, milk, sugar (both brown and white), oil, and cinnamon. These are common pantry staples that most people already have at home, making this a convenient treat you can prepare anytime a craving strikes.
4. Is a doughnut in a mug healthy?
While a Doughnut in a Mug is healthier than traditional fried doughnuts, it’s still a sweet treat. It contains less fat than deep-fried versions and offers portion control as a single serving.
Conclusion
The Doughnut in a Mug is truly a game-changer for sweet treat lovers. In just a few minutes with minimal ingredients, you can enjoy all the comfort and satisfaction of a freshly made doughnut without the fuss of traditional baking. Whether you’re making this as a quick doughnut in a mug for kids after school, or treating yourself to a late-night indulgence, this recipe delivers big on flavor without big effort.