If you ever dreamed of waking up to the warm, comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll without the fuss of baking, the Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe is going to become your new best friend. This delightful breakfast combines creamy oats soaked overnight with the sweet and spicy notes of cinnamon, a hint of vanilla, and the rich, indulgent feel of a cinnamon roll in every bite. It’s nourishing, easy to prepare, and perfect whether you’re rushing out the door or savoring a slow weekend morning. Once you try this recipe, it’s hard to imagine a better way to start the day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful ingredients that combine to create a luscious texture and irresistible flavor. Each ingredient plays a role: oats provide hearty substance, Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein, cinnamon brings warmth and spice, and a touch of sweetness rounds everything out perfectly.
- ½ cup rolled oats (regular or certified gluten-free): The foundation for your oats, providing fiber and that classic chewy texture.
- 3 tablespoons vanilla Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and a subtle vanilla flavor while boosting protein levels.
- ½ cup milk of choice: Helps soak the oats and create a smooth consistency; use dairy, almond, oat, or any milk you prefer.
- ½–1 teaspoon cinnamon: The star spice that brings that beloved cinnamon roll aroma and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds: A nutritional powerhouse that thickens the oats and adds a slight crunch.
- 2–3 teaspoons brown sugar (or maple syrup): Natural sweetness that perfectly balances the spices.
- Pinch of sea salt (optional): Enhances all the flavors and creates depth.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by adding all your ingredients into a sealable jar or container. This is where the magic begins as the oats, cinnamon, chia seeds, and sweetener mingle together. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is well mixed so every bite captures that perfect cinnamon roll essence.
Step 2: Refrigerate Overnight
Seal your container tightly and pop it in the fridge. Let the oats soak for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This soaking time allows the oats to absorb all the flavors and liquids, transforming into a creamy, spoonable breakfast that’s ready to enjoy as soon as you wake up.
Step 3: Adjust Consistency
The next morning, check the texture. If your oats feel a little too thick, simply stir in some extra milk to loosen them up and get that silky consistency that makes each bite so comforting.
Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Drizzle (Optional)
If you want to take your bowl to the next level, whip up a quick cinnamon drizzle by mixing 1 tablespoon of maple syrup with ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon. Drizzle it over the oats for an extra burst of cinnamon sweetness that’s hard to resist.
Step 5: Create the Icing Drizzle (Optional)
For the true cinnamon roll experience, why not add a touch of icing? Whisk 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar with 1 teaspoon melted butter, a drop of vanilla extract, and milk (adding a teaspoon at a time) until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency. Drizzle it generously over your oats and prepare for pure indulgence.
Step 6: Enjoy Warm or Cold
You can eat your Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe straight from the fridge for a refreshing treat or warm it up gently if you crave that cozy, just-baked feeling. Both ways are absolutely delicious!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your oats is where creativity meets nutrition. Consider topping your bowl with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for aroma, or even a few raisins or dried cranberries to add bursts of sweetness and texture.
Side Dishes
Pairing your Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe with fresh fruit, such as sliced bananas or berries, complements the richness while adding natural sweetness and color. A cup of hot coffee or a frothy latte completes the breakfast experience perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving overnight oats in cute mason jars makes a fun, portable breakfast that’s visually inviting. You can also layer ingredients like yogurt, oats, and drizzles to create a beautiful parfait look that feels extra special. Adding edible flowers can turn it into a breakfast you feel proud sharing on social media.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though that rarely happens around here), simply keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making every spoonful even better.
Freezing
While not the ideal method for overnight oats, you can freeze small portions if needed. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before eating, then stir well and add a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.
Reheating
If you prefer your cinnamon roll oats warm, gently reheat them in the microwave or in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add more milk if the oats become too thick when warmed up.
FAQs
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
Steel-cut oats are much harder and won’t soften fully overnight like rolled oats do. If you want to use them, you’ll need to cook them first or allow much more soaking time, but generally, rolled oats are best for this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Absolutely! Just swap the vanilla Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt alternative and use your favorite non-dairy milk. Maple syrup or brown sugar work perfectly for sweetening.
How can I make this less sweet?
You can easily reduce or skip the sweetener in the recipe and rely on natural sweetness from milk or fruit toppings. Adjust according to your taste preferences—this recipe is very flexible.
Can I prepare multiple servings at once?
Definitely! Just multiply the ingredient quantities and prepare individual jars. It’s a fantastic way to meal prep breakfast for several days or share with family and friends.
What makes chia seeds important in this recipe?
Chia seeds absorb liquid and help thicken the oats to a perfect creamy consistency. They also add omega-3s and fiber, making your breakfast more nutritious and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
The Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe is more than just breakfast; it’s a little act of self-care that wakes you up with warmth and sweetness every morning. Easy to toss together, nourishing, and endlessly customizable, I promise once you make it, you’ll find it hard to go back to anything else. So grab those ingredients and get ready to start your day with a smile and a cinnamon-scented hug in a jar.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats recipe offers a quick, nutritious, and delicious breakfast option inspired by the flavors of a cinnamon roll. Made by soaking rolled oats with vanilla Greek yogurt, milk, cinnamon, chia seeds, and a touch of sweetness overnight, it creates a creamy and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed cold or warmed up. Optional cinnamon and icing drizzles enhance the flavor, making it a perfect, hassle-free morning treat.
Ingredients
Overnight Oats Base
- ½ cup rolled oats (regular or certified gluten-free)
- 3 tablespoons vanilla Greek yogurt
- ½ cup milk of choice
- ½–1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- 2–3 teaspoons brown sugar or maple syrup
- Pinch of sea salt (optional)
Optional Cinnamon Drizzle
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Optional Icing Drizzle
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon melted butter
- A drop of vanilla extract
- Milk, 1 teaspoon at a time (for consistency)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a sealable jar or container, combine rolled oats, vanilla Greek yogurt, your choice of milk, cinnamon, chia seeds, brown sugar or maple syrup, and a pinch of sea salt if using. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are mixed thoroughly.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Seal the container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid, softening and blending the flavors together.
- Adjust Consistency: In the morning, check the oats. If they are too thick for your liking, add more milk to loosen the mixture and stir well.
- Prepare Cinnamon Drizzle (Optional): Whisk together 1 tablespoon of maple syrup with ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon. Drizzle this over the oats for an extra cinnamon roll flavor boost.
- Prepare Icing Drizzle (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar with 1 teaspoon melted butter, a drop of vanilla extract, and milk added one teaspoon at a time until the icing reaches a pourable consistency. Drizzle this over the oats to add a sweet finishing touch.
- Serve: Enjoy the overnight oats cold straight from the fridge or warm them slightly if preferred before eating.
Notes
- You can substitute milk of choice with dairy-free alternatives like almond, oat, or soy milk for a vegan option (omit yogurt or replace with vegan yogurt accordingly).
- Adjust the sweetness by using your preferred sweetener or omitting sugar completely for a less sweet version.
- Adding chia seeds increases fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, making this breakfast more nutritious.
- If warming, gently heat the oats on the stovetop or microwave to avoid curdling the yogurt.
- Use certified gluten-free oats if you have gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
- Customize toppings by adding nuts, fruits, or seeds for extra texture and flavor.
