Warm and cozy: Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats makes mornings smell like fresh cinnamon without turning on the oven. This easy make-ahead breakfast fits busy weekdays and slow weekend mornings alike. It gives you creamy oats with a sweet, cinnamon swirl that kids and adults both enjoy. If you like playful oat bowls, try the bright twist in this Birthday Cake Overnight Oats for another fun morning treat.
Why Make This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Mix the night before and grab it in the morning.
- Family Favorite: The warm cinnamon taste feels like a hug for the whole table.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry oats and common spices.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Saves time on busy mornings and still feels special.
This recipe stands out because it blends creamy oats with the scent of cinnamon and a soft, sweet swirl. It gives comfort and a little nostalgia without long prep. If you like a spiced twist, check the cozy kick from these Biscoff cookie cinnamon rolls for inspiration.
Ingredients
For the base:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened plant milk)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt (for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for thickness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the cinnamon swirl and sweetener:
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or maple syrup (plus more to taste)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
For the topping:
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts (toasted if you like)
- A small drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar
Note: Use unsalted nuts and plain yogurt if you want to keep sweetness controlled. If you want a creamier bowl, add an extra tablespoon of yogurt.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats:
- Measure the oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, vanilla, and a pinch of salt into a bowl or jar. Stir until well combined.
- Tip: Use old-fashioned oats for the best texture; they soak up liquid but stay soft.
- In a small cup, mix the brown sugar (or maple syrup) with the ground cinnamon and nutmeg. Add 1 teaspoon of warm water to make a thick paste.
- Why this matters: The paste keeps the cinnamon flavor bright and creates a noticeable swirl.
- Spoon half of the oat mix into two jars or bowls. Drop half of the cinnamon paste on top of each portion. Gently swirl with a knife or spoon—don’t overmix. Add the rest of the oat mix, then finish with the remaining cinnamon paste and a soft swirl.
- Tip: The swirl gives you pockets of cinnamon in every bite, like a roll.
- Seal the jars or cover the bowls and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Why this matters: Chilling hydrates the oats and blends the flavors so the texture becomes creamy.
- In the morning, stir the oats once. Add a splash of milk if they feel too thick. Top with toasted nuts and a drizzle of maple syrup before serving.
- Tip: Warm briefly (10–15 seconds) in the microwave if you prefer a slightly warm bowl.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
- Serve in a clear jar to show the pretty cinnamon swirls and top with toasted pecans for crunch.
- Pair with fresh apple slices or banana for a fruity balance.
- Pour warm milk over the oats for a soft, just-warmed texture on chilly mornings.
How to Store Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container or jar for up to 4 days. Stir before serving and add a splash of milk if thick.
- Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe jars for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before eating.
- Reheating: Microwave 20–40 seconds (cover loosely) and stir; add a little milk if needed to loosen.
Tips to Make Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
- Use old-fashioned oats, not quick oats, for the best texture.
- Let it sit overnight when possible — the flavor and creaminess improve.
- Adjust sweetness after chilling; flavors meld and often need a touch more syrup.
- Toast nuts briefly in a dry pan to boost their flavor before topping.
Variation
- Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
- Vegan: Use plant-based milk and dairy-free yogurt, and swap maple syrup for honey if you prefer (honey is not vegan).
- Protein boost: Stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder or extra yogurt.
FAQs
Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
Instant oats will work, but the texture becomes softer and less chewy. Rolled oats give a better, creamier bite for overnight oats.
How sweet should I make these?
Start with the listed amount of brown sugar or maple syrup, then taste after chilling. You can add more syrup or a little honey to reach your preferred sweetness.
Can I make this in bulk for the week?
Yes. Make 4–5 jars at once and store them in the fridge. They keep well for up to 4 days and make quick grab-and-go breakfasts.
Is it okay to skip chia seeds?
Yes — chia seeds help thicken the oats and add fiber, but the recipe still works fine without them.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats recipe gives your mornings the scent of cinnamon, warm comfort, and a creamy texture that feels like a small, easy treat. It saves time, feeds the family, and brings cozy flavors without baking. If you want a different take or extra inspiration, try this popular The Best Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe for plant-based swaps, or compare a fast prep version at Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats (5 Minute Prep!) | Lemons & Zest. Leave a comment and a star rating below to tell me how yours turned out — what twist did you try? Let us know below!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
- Total Time: 240 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy make-ahead breakfast that gives you creamy oats with a sweet cinnamon swirl.
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened plant milk)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or maple syrup (plus more to taste)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts (toasted if desired)
- A small drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar
Instructions
- Measure the oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, vanilla, and a pinch of salt into a bowl or jar. Stir until well combined.
- In a small cup, mix the brown sugar (or maple syrup) with the ground cinnamon and nutmeg. Add 1 teaspoon of warm water to make a thick paste.
- Spoon half of the oat mix into two jars or bowls. Drop half of the cinnamon paste on top of each portion. Gently swirl with a knife or spoon.
- Add the rest of the oat mix, then finish with the remaining cinnamon paste and a soft swirl.
- Seal the jars or cover the bowls and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- In the morning, stir the oats once. Add a splash of milk if they feel too thick. Top with toasted nuts and a drizzle of maple syrup before serving.
Notes
For creamier oats, add an extra tablespoon of yogurt. Adjust sweetness after chilling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 5mg