If you love cozy breakfasts but want something you can prep the night before, Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats will be your new morning hero. This bowl of creamy oats, spiked with warm cinnamon and brown sugar, captures everything we crave in a classic cinnamon roll—but in a nourishing, effortless, make-ahead version. With layers of vanilla, a hint of tangy yogurt, and just the right balance of sweetness, it’s like wrapping yourself in a fluffy blanket—only you get to eat it!

Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry staples to transform humble oats into a breakfast that genuinely delivers on the cinnamon roll experience. Each ingredient isn’t just there for show: every scoop, sprinkle, and dash builds the flavor, creaminess, and that special, nostalgic aroma.

Old fashioned rolled oats: These create the ideal creamy-yet-textured base; don’t substitute quick oats, or you’ll lose the perfect bite!
Milk (of choice): Adds moisture and lets you customize—go classic with whole milk, or make it dairy-free with almond or oat milk.
Vanilla Greek yogurt: Gives that rich, creamy swirl reminiscent of cinnamon roll icing, and adds a little protein, too.
Brown sugar: Bring on the caramel notes—this gives true cinnamon roll sweetness and depth you just can’t fake.
Cinnamon: The star of the show, it infuses every bite with warmth. Adjust to your own spice level!
Vanilla extract: A splash boosts all those bakery vibes and ties the flavors together.
Salt: Just a pinch magically lifts everything and balances the sweetness so the oats don’t taste flat.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats

Step 1: Gather and Measure Your Ingredients

Before you start, line up all your ingredients on the counter. This simple step is honestly half the fun! Measuring things out means you won’t forget the brown sugar (because no one wants to miss out on that caramel flavor).

Step 2: Combine Everything in a Bowl or Jar

Pop your oats, milk, yogurt, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt into a small mixing bowl. If you’re making a big batch for the week, use a larger mixing bowl; if you’re prepping for one, just make it straight in a mason jar.

Step 3: Mix (or Shake) Until Creamy

Give everything a good stir, making sure to break up any yogurt clumps and evenly disperse that cinnamon. If you’ve gone the mason jar route, screw on the lid tightly and give it a solid shake—so satisfying! You’re looking for a lovely, creamy mixture.

Step 4: Cover and Chill Overnight

Seal up your bowl or jar with a tight-fitting lid (or plastic wrap if that’s what you have on hand), and set it in the fridge. Let those oats soak for at least 4-6 hours, but overnight is where the magic truly happens. The oats soften, the flavors meld, and the creamy texture develops.

Step 5: Stir and Serve

The next morning, give your Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats a little stir before diving in. If they’re thicker than you love, loosen with an extra splash of milk. Add your favorite toppings (more on that below), and enjoy a bakery-style breakfast—in your pajamas!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats

Garnishes

Turn your oats into a true treat with toppings! Sprinkle extra cinnamon, swirl a drizzle of cream cheese or vanilla yogurt on top, or sprinkle some chopped nuts for crunch—the finishing touches are what make Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats feel extra-special.

Side Dishes

If you’re the type who likes a hearty breakfast spread, pair these oats with fresh fruit, a handful of berries, or even a hard-boiled egg. A hot mug of coffee or a frothy chai latte makes this the coziest start to the day.

Creative Ways to Present

For an Instagram-worthy brunch, layer your Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats in parfait glasses with extra yogurt, cinnamon, and a scatter of granola. Hosting friends? Serve individual portions in little jars tied with twine—it’s the sweetest (and easiest) breakfast you’ll ever share.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Unfinished Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats stay fresh and creamy in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just keep them stored in an airtight container so they don’t pick up any fridge flavors, and stir before serving to bring everything back together.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, the texture of the oats can change and turn a bit mushy after thawing. If you want to try, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before eating.

Reheating

These oats are designed to be eaten cold, but if a warm bowl calls your name, gently heat them up in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway through. Add a splash more milk to keep things creamy, and finish with a fresh sprinkle of cinnamon.

FAQs

Can I use instant oats or steel-cut oats instead?

Old fashioned rolled oats are best for Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats because they turn wonderfully creamy but still hold some shape. Instant oats tend to get mushy, while steel-cut oats can be too chewy unless pre-cooked.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Swap in your favorite plant-based milk, use a vegan yogurt alternative, and double-check that your brown sugar is vegan-certified. Every delicious, creamy bite will still taste like the breakfast pastry of your dreams.

Is there a way to reduce the sugar content?

Absolutely! You can cut down the brown sugar to a teaspoon or use a sugar substitute like maple syrup or stevia. The yogurt and vanilla add lots of flavor, so you won’t miss the extra sweetness.

Can I add protein or extra fiber?

Yes! Stir in a scoop of protein powder, a spoonful of chia seeds, or a sprinkle of flaxseed. These tweaks turn your overnight oats into a powerhouse breakfast while adding extra creaminess or nutty flavor.

What if my oats are too thick or too runny?

If your Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats seem thick after chilling, just add an extra splash of milk before serving. If they’re too runny, shorten the milk a bit next time or let them sit a little longer to soak everything up.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats, I can’t recommend it enough. The hands-off prep, cozy flavor, and endless options for topping make this breakfast feel like a quiet treat every single morning. Give it a try—your future self (and your taste buds) will thank you!

Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 11 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 4-6 hours or overnight
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in a convenient and nutritious breakfast with these Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats. Simple to prepare and bursting with cinnamon goodness, this recipe is a perfect make-ahead option for busy mornings.

Ingredients

Scale

Rolled Oats:

1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats

Milk Mixture:

1/2 cup milk (of choice)
2 tablespoons vanilla Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 – 1 teaspoon cinnamon (depending on preference)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Combine: Combine ingredients in a small bowl, or large bowl if you are meal prepping multiple servings.
Mix: Mix well and pour into an airtight container. Note: If making in a mason jar, add ingredients directly into the jar, put on the lid, and shake well.
Refrigerate: Let the oats sit in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight, for the best taste and texture. Stir before eating.

Notes

Feel free to customize your toppings with additional cinnamon, nuts, or fresh fruit.
This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for meal prepping multiple servings.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Overnight Oats
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American