Love cinnamon rolls but not the early morning effort? These cinnamon roll overnight oats deliver that same warm, gooey flavor; no baking, no fuss; just five minutes of prep the night before.
As someone who’s tested countless breakfast recipes, I can tell you; cinnamon roll overnight oats strike the perfect balance between indulgent and nourishing. Creamy, lightly sweet, and loaded with cozy cinnamon spice, they’re like dessert for breakfast (without the sugar crash).
Keep a few jars ready in the fridge and your mornings just got a whole lot sweeter; cinnamon roll overnight oats are here to make breakfast your favorite meal of the day.
Why These Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Are a Total Breakfast Game-Changer
If you’ve jumped on the overnight oats train, you already know they’re a lifesaver for busy mornings; but cinnamon roll overnight oats? They take the classic to a whole new level. Imagine the cozy, nostalgic flavor of a freshly baked cinnamon roll—without any of the time-consuming rising, rolling, or baking. In just minutes the night before, you’ll have a creamy, indulgent breakfast waiting for you; no oven mitts required.
These cinnamon roll overnight oats are made for meal prep Sundays and hectic weekday mornings alike. Whether you’re racing to the school drop-off line or just need something reliable between meetings, they’ve got your back. And the best part? They’re not just delicious—they’re energizing too. With the power of oats and Greek yogurt, this breakfast keeps you full and fueled through the morning.
Enjoy them straight from the jar, topped with fresh berries, or alongside your favorite cup of coffee. Whether it’s breakfast or a post-workout snack, cinnamon roll overnight oats deliver that sweet, swirled comfort with zero effort.
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Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- Rolled oats
- Milk of choice
- Greek yogurt
- Chia seeds
- Maple syrup
- Vanilla extract
Cinnamon Roll Flavor Mix:
- Ground cinnamon
- Brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh berries
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Extra cinnamon
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Mix Everything Together
- In a mason jar or bowl, combine all ingredients: rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt.
- Stir well until everything is evenly mixed and the cinnamon is distributed throughout.
Pro tip: Use a fork to break up any brown sugar clumps before mixing.
Adjust Consistency
- Check your mixture – it should be thick but pourable.
- Add a splash more milk if too thick, or a few extra oats if too thin.
Remember, the oats will absorb liquid overnight, so slightly wetter is better.
Refrigerate Overnight
Cover your jar or bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight works best. The oats will soften and the flavors will blend together beautifully while you sleep.
Enjoy Your Breakfast
- Give the mixture a good stir, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
- Eat cold straight from the fridge or warm in the microwave for 30-60 seconds if you prefer it heated.
- Step 1: Mix Everything Together
Combine all base ingredients in a mixing bowl: oats, milk, yogurt, cinnamon, chia seeds, and sweetener.
- Step 2: Adjust Consistency
Add a splash more milk or stir well if the mixture looks too thick.
- Step 3: Refrigerate Overnight
Transfer oats to jars and refrigerate overnight; let the magic happen!
Expert Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Want your cinnamon roll overnight oats to turn out irresistibly creamy and flavorful every time? Keep these tried-and-true tips in mind:
- Choose the Right Oats: Stick with rolled oats (also called old-fashioned oats). They hold up beautifully overnight and give your oats that perfect creamy-but-textured bite. Quick oats tend to go a bit too mushy.
- Don’t Skip the Chia Seeds: These tiny nutritional powerhouses help thicken your cinnamon roll overnight oats while adding omega-3s and fiber. The result? A richer, pudding-like consistency that feels extra satisfying.
- Taste Before You Chill: Mix it up, then give it a taste. Want more cinnamon? A touch more sweetness? Adjust now; flavors mellow slightly overnight, so it’s best to dial them in ahead of time.
- Batch It Like a Pro: This recipe scales up beautifully. Prep two, three, or even five jars at once and you’ve got effortless grab-and-go breakfasts that feel like a treat all week long.
With just a little prep and these smart tweaks, your cinnamon roll overnight oats will be the highlight of your morning—every single time.
Dietary Substitutions
Want to customize your cinnamon roll overnight oats to fit your lifestyle? Here’s how to make them work for just about anyone:
- Vegan: Swap in your favorite plant-based milk (like almond or oat) and use coconut yogurt for a creamy, dairy-free option.
- High-Protein: Stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder to boost your breakfast and keep you full even longer.
- Sugar-Free: Ditch the maple syrup and sweeten naturally with stevia or monk fruit for a low-sugar twist.
- Gluten-Free: Just be sure to use oats that are certified gluten-free to keep things safe and celiac-friendly.
These easy swaps make cinnamon roll overnight oats a flexible breakfast that fits your needs; without losing any of that cozy, cinnamon-spiced magic.eat idea to link out to another blogger with a similar recipe that fits a different diet.
Creative Variations and Dietary Modifications
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to breakfast; here are a few delicious ways to put your own spin on cinnamon roll overnight oats while keeping things fun, flavorful, and tailored to your needs:
- Apple Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Add ¼ cup of diced apples and a pinch of nutmeg for a cozy autumn twist. The apples bring natural sweetness, crunch, and a little extra fiber to your cinnamon roll overnight oats. - Protein-Packed Version
Mix in a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon protein powder to give your oats a post-workout boost or simply keep you full until lunch. It’s an easy upgrade that makes cinnamon roll overnight oats even more satisfying. - Keto-Friendly Cinnamon Roll Oats
Skip the traditional oats and use a base of hemp hearts, chia seeds, and flaxseed meal. Pair with unsweetened almond milk and a sugar-free sweetener for a low-carb version that still delivers that warm, cinnamon-roll vibe. - Chocolate Cinnamon Roll Oats
Craving something a little richer? Stir in a tablespoon of cocoa powder to create a chocolate-cinnamon combo that tastes like a cinnamon roll met a brownie in a breakfast jar.
No matter your preferences or dietary needs, there’s a version of cinnamon roll overnight oats just for you—feel free to get creative with it!
Equipment
- Mason Jars: Wide-mouth mason jars are ideal for easy stirring and eating. They're also perfect for meal prep and storing in the fridge.
- Good Measuring Spoons: Accurate measurements matter, especially for spices like cinnamon that can easily overpower the dish.
- Fine-Mesh Strainer: If you're using homemade oat milk or want to strain your chia seeds, a fine strainer comes in handy.
- Small Whisk or Fork: For breaking up any clumps and ensuring everything mixes smoothly.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigerator Storage: Cinnamon roll overnight oats recipe creations stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Store them in airtight containers or mason jars to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other flavors.
- Freezing Instructions: While overnight oats can be frozen for up to 3 months, the texture changes slightly after thawing. If you do freeze them, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add a splash of milk before eating to restore creaminess.
- Meal Prep Strategy: Make 3-5 jars on Sunday night for the entire work week. Label them with dates and any variations you've made. You can prep the base recipe and add different toppings each morning for variety.
The Secret Swirl That Changes Everything
You know that heavenly center of a cinnamon roll, the soft, gooey, sugary bite everyone fights over? That’s exactly what inspired this little trick for my cinnamon roll overnight oats. After months of tweaking the recipe, I realized it was missing that irresistible swirl that makes cinnamon rolls so iconic.
Here’s the secret: before chilling your oats, mix 2 tablespoons of brown sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and just a touch of melted coconut oil or butter. Swirl it gently into the oats, don’t fully stir it in. By morning, you’ll have hidden pockets of rich, buttery cinnamon that make these oats taste like they came straight from a bakery. It’s simple, it’s indulgent, and honestly, it’s the reason I look forward to breakfast now.
FAQ
What should you not add to overnight oats?
Skip ingredients that get soggy or spoil overnight, like citrus, bananas, or crunchy toppings (add those just before eating).
Are overnight oats actually healthy?
Yes! They’re full of fiber, protein, and whole grains. Cinnamon roll overnight oats are a great example of how healthy can still taste indulgent.
How do you make cinnamon bun overnight oats?
Mix rolled oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, cinnamon, vanilla, and a sweetener. Swirl in a mix of brown sugar, cinnamon, and coconut oil for that gooey cinnamon roll flavor.
Is cinnamon good in overnight oats?
Definitely; it adds warm flavor and comes with health perks like anti-inflammatory benefits; especially perfect in cinnamon roll overnight oats.
Sweet Mornings, No Fuss
If you’re anything like me, you want breakfast to feel special; even on a Tuesday. These cinnamon roll overnight oats hit that sweet spot (literally); they’re creamy, comforting, and packed with cinnamon roll flavor, minus the oven and early wake-up call. It’s the kind of recipe that makes healthy eating feel like a treat, all while keeping you full and focused.
Whip up a jar tonight and thank yourself tomorrow; and if you’re still craving that cinnamon swirl magic, don’t miss my Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe or these irresistibly Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls; both are cozy breakfast heroes worth bookmarking. Try them all, mix things up, and let me know which one becomes your morning favorite!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe:
Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Spoon
- 2 Mason jars or airtight containers
Ingredients
- 1 cup Rolled oats Use old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup Almond milk Or any milk of choice
- 0.5 cup Greek yogurt Can sub with coconut yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Chia seeds Optional but recommended
- 1.5 teaspoon Ground cinnamon Plus more for topping
- 1.5 tablespoon Maple syrup Adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Optional
- 2 tablespoon Brown sugar For cinnamon swirl
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon For swirl
- 1 teaspoon Coconut oil Or melted butter (for swirl)
Instructions
- Mix oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, cinnamon, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl.
- Stir to combine thoroughly and adjust consistency with more milk if needed.
- In a separate small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and coconut oil. Swirl mixture into the oats.
- Transfer to mason jars or containers and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours).
- Serve chilled or slightly warmed. Top with additional cinnamon or toppings of choice.
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