Yup, I’m one of those people that need a sweet treat at the end of EVERY day. And if I don’t have an already-made dessert on hand, like my healthy brownie batter bark or 4-ingredient date caramels, I have no choice but to run to my kitchen to quickly throw together a single serve dessert recipe. Ones I’ve been loving lately are my gluten-free mug cake (especially with my birthday right around the corner!), or when I want a little extra protein I’ll make my single serve vegan and gluten-free protein cookie. Well, today, I’m thrilled to add this single serve cinnamon roll to my list of favorites!

The thing I love most about this recipe? It requires just 5 ingredients that I almost always have on-hand. It’s also gluten-free, and easily made dairy-free with a couple simple swaps. This single serve cinnamon roll is truly one of those recipes you’ll come back to time and time again. Because.. let’s face it, we’re always craving cinnamon rolls, but never have the time to bake a whole batch!

overhead image of a single serve gluten-free cinnamon roll in a ramekin.

What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

Gluten-Free Flour: Use self-rising gluten-free flour or a mix of all-purpose gluten-free flour and baking powder to achieve the perfect rise and fluffy texture. This keeps the cinnamon roll gluten-free without compromising on taste. Or, if you’re not gluten-free, you can use any self-rising all purpose flour to make your cinnamon roll.
Yogurt: Yogurt adds moisture and helps bind the dough, creating a soft and tender cinnamon roll. Feel free to use non-dairy yogurt to make this recipe vegan!
Butter: Softened butter adds richness and that classic buttery cinnamon roll flavor. You can substitute with vegan butter to keep the recipe dairy-free.
Sugar: Divided into the dough and filling, sugar sweetens the cinnamon roll and caramelizes slightly when baked, creating a deliciously gooey center. YUM!
Cinnamon: A must-have for cinnamon rolls, cinnamon adds that warm, spicy kick to the filling, making each bite irresistible.

How to Make a Single Serve Cinnamon Roll

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a small ramekin. This helps ensure your cinnamon roll bakes evenly and doesn’t stick.
Make the Dough: In a small mixing bowl, combine the flour, yogurt, and a bit of sugar until a sticky dough forms. If it’s too dry, add a bit more yogurt. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to form a small rectangle.
Add the Filling: Spread softened butter over the dough and sprinkle with the remaining sugar and cinnamon. Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the short end, and place it into your prepared ramekin.
Bake: Bake in the oven for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving with a glaze or enjoy it plain for a quick and easy treat.

single serve gluten-free cinnamon roll in a ramekin.

Can I Make This in The Microwave?

Yes, you can! If you’re short on time, make this single-serve cinnamon roll in the microwave. Simply place the rolled-up dough in a microwave-safe mug or ramekin and microwave on high for about 1-1.5 minutes. Be sure to watch it closely, as microwaves can vary.

Make a Vegan Cinnamon Roll

To make this cinnamon roll vegan, use a non-dairy yogurt and plant-based butter. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based, making it a simple swap without sacrificing flavor or texture!