Imagine this: it’s a chilly morning, and you’re wrapped in your favorite blanket with a warm mug in hand. The aroma of cinnamon and sweet oats fills the air as you indulge in a personal-sized muffin, all without the hassle of pulling out a muffin tin. This cozy oatmeal muffin in a mug is your answer to those quick cravings for comfort food—ready in just five minutes, and oh-so-satisfying.
The first time I whipped up this recipe, I couldn’t believe how something so simple could taste so comforting. It was one of those “aha!” moments where I knew I’d stumbled upon a little kitchen gem. My family took one bite and immediately asked for their own mugs—it’s that good. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a guilt-free dessert, this cozy oatmeal muffin in a mug ticks all the boxes. You’re going to keep coming back to it, trust me.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: You can have this muffin ready in just 5 minutes. It’s perfect for busy mornings or when you’re craving a sweet treat without the wait.
- Minimal Cleanup: Forget dirtying multiple dishes—everything is mixed and cooked right in the mug.
- Comfort in a Cup: The soft, tender texture paired with a hint of cinnamon is pure cozy vibes.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins, like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit, to make it uniquely yours.
- Healthy-ish: Made with wholesome oats and minimal sugar, this is a treat you can feel good about.
- No Fancy Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already sitting in your pantry waiting for you.
Unlike other mug recipes that can turn out rubbery or dry, this oatmeal muffin is moist, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweet. It truly feels like you’re indulging in a freshly baked treat, but without the hours of prep and cleanup. And honestly, who doesn’t love a recipe that’s this easy to make?
What Ingredients You Will Need
This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients to make a delicious oatmeal muffin in a mug. Most of these are pantry staples, which means you can whip this up on a whim whenever the craving strikes.
- Quick oats: 3 tablespoons (rolled oats work too, but the texture will be slightly chewier).
- All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons (or use almond flour for a gluten-free version).
- Baking powder: ½ teaspoon (helps the muffin rise).
- Ground cinnamon: ¼ teaspoon (for that warming flavor).
- Salt: A pinch (enhances the sweetness).
- Milk: 2 tablespoons (any kind works—dairy, almond, or oat milk).
- Maple syrup: 1 tablespoon (you can substitute with honey or agave syrup).
- Vanilla extract: ½ teaspoon (adds depth to the flavor).
- Optional mix-ins: Chocolate chips, raisins, chopped nuts, or fresh berries (about 1 tablespoon).
Feel free to play around with the ingredients to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences. For example, you can swap the maple syrup for stevia or add a dash of nutmeg for extra spice.
Equipment Needed
One of the best things about this recipe is the minimal equipment required. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Mug: A microwave-safe mug, ideally 12-16 ounces to avoid overflow.
- Fork or small whisk: Perfect for mixing the ingredients right in the mug.
- Microwave: This recipe is designed for quick cooking in the microwave.
If you don’t have a microwave, you can use a small oven-safe ramekin and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes. Just make sure your mug or dish is suitable for the method you’re using!
Preparation Method

- Start with the dry ingredients: In your mug, combine 3 tablespoons of quick oats, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Add the wet ingredients: Stir in 2 tablespoons of milk, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until a thick batter forms.
- Customize it: If you’re adding mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit, fold them into the batter. Keep the total mix-ins to about 1 tablespoon.
- Microwave time: Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high for 1½ to 2 minutes. Start with 90 seconds and check the texture—if the top is firm and springs back when lightly pressed, it’s done. If not, microwave in 10-second intervals until cooked.
- Cool slightly: Let your muffin sit for 1 minute to cool before diving in—it’ll be hot right out of the microwave!
Pro tip: If your batter seems too thick before microwaving, add a splash of milk to loosen it up. And don’t overcook—this muffin is best if slightly soft and moist.
Cooking Tips & Techniques
- Don’t skip the pinch of salt: It may seem small, but it enhances the flavors of the muffin and balances the sweetness.
- Mix thoroughly: Use a fork or whisk to ensure there are no dry pockets of flour or oats in the batter.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter muffin, increase the maple syrup slightly, but don’t go overboard or it might affect the texture.
- Watch the cooking time: Microwaves vary, so keep an eye on your muffin as it cooks. Overcooking can make it dry and tough.
- Experiment with toppings: A dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of nut butter can take this muffin to the next level.
Variations & Adaptations
This recipe is incredibly versatile—you can tweak it based on your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:
- Gluten-free option: Swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour or a gluten-free blend.
- Vegan version: Use almond milk and substitute maple syrup with agave nectar.
- Seasonal twist: Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired muffin, or lemon zest and blueberries for a spring treat.
- Extra protein: Stir in a teaspoon of your favorite protein powder or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- Chocolate lovers: Double the chocolate chips and sprinkle some on top before microwaving for a gooey, chocolatey finish.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
This oatmeal muffin is best enjoyed fresh and warm right out of the mug. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or snack.
If you’re making it ahead of time, let the muffin cool completely before covering the mug with plastic wrap. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 day. For longer storage, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat, microwave for 10-15 seconds to regain that fresh-from-the-microwave warmth.
Nutritional Information & Benefits
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Fat: 4g
Thanks to the oats, this muffin is a great source of fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full longer. It’s also relatively low in sugar, making it a healthier choice compared to store-bought muffins.
Conclusion
If you’re in the mood for something cozy, quick, and undeniably delicious, this oatmeal muffin in a mug is bound to become your new favorite recipe. I love how it transforms simple pantry staples into a warm, comforting treat that feels like a little indulgence.
So go ahead, grab your favorite mug, and treat yourself to this five-minute wonder. You deserve it!
FAQs
Can I make this oatmeal muffin without a microwave?
Yes! You can bake it in an oven-safe ramekin at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes.
What kind of oats should I use?
Quick oats work best for this recipe, but rolled oats are fine too—they’ll just have a chewier texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Use almond milk and substitute maple syrup with agave or another plant-based sweetener.
Can I double the recipe?
You can, but you’ll need a larger mug or divide the batter into two smaller mugs to avoid overflow.
What are some good topping ideas?
Try yogurt, nut butter, fresh fruit, or even a drizzle of honey or melted chocolate for extra flavor.
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Cozy Oatmeal Muffin in a Mug Recipe Ready in 5 Minutes
A quick and comforting oatmeal muffin made in a mug, perfect for chilly mornings or quick cravings. Ready in just five minutes with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons quick oats
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons milk (any kind)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey/agave syrup)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional mix-ins: chocolate chips, raisins, chopped nuts, or fresh berries (about 1 tablespoon)
Instructions
- In your mug, combine 3 tablespoons of quick oats, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of milk, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until a thick batter forms.
- If adding mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit, fold them into the batter. Keep the total mix-ins to about 1 tablespoon.
- Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high for 1½ to 2 minutes. Start with 90 seconds and check the texture—if the top is firm and springs back when lightly pressed, it’s done. If not, microwave in 10-second intervals until cooked.
- Let your muffin sit for 1 minute to cool before enjoying.
Notes
[‘Don’t skip the pinch of salt—it enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.’, ‘Mix thoroughly to avoid dry pockets of flour or oats.’, ‘Adjust sweetness by increasing maple syrup slightly, but avoid overdoing it to maintain texture.’, ‘Watch the cooking time as microwaves vary; overcooking can make the muffin dry.’, ‘Experiment with toppings like yogurt, nut butter, or melted chocolate for extra flavor.’]
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug-sized muffin
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 5
Keywords: oatmeal muffin, mug recipe, quick breakfast, healthy snack, gluten-free option, vegan option



