These cinnamon roll overnight oats give you the flavor of a warm bakery roll in a cold, creamy, no cook breakfast. Oats soak overnight in milk and yogurt with maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla.
The recipe makes two jars and takes about 10 minutes to prep. A maple drizzle on top takes the place of the icing, so you get the cinnamon roll feel without any baking.
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Why This Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe Works
Cinnamon and vanilla do most of the work, and maple syrup adds a gentle caramel sweetness that sinks into the oats as they soak. Plain yogurt gives the mixture a tangy richness similar to cream cheese frosting.
Because everything happens in the fridge, there is no cooking, no stirring on the stove, and almost no cleanup. It is a good make ahead breakfast for busy mornings, and each jar has about 13 grams of protein.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup milk, dairy or non dairy
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt, dairy or plant based
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans
- 2 tbsp raisins
- 1 tbsp maple syrup, for drizzling
Cinnamon: Use fresh ground cinnamon for the ideal flavor. Cassia cinnamon gives the classic cinnamon roll taste.
Yogurt: Plain whole milk yogurt gives the richest result, and Greek yogurt makes a thicker, higher protein bowl.
Maple syrup: Pure maple syrup tastes great. Honey works as a swap in equal amounts.
Toppings: Raisins and nuts add chew and crunch. Add them just before eating so they stay fresh.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
1. Stir the base. In a large jar or bowl, whisk the cinnamon, salt, maple syrup, and vanilla into the milk and yogurt until smooth.
2. Add the oats. Stir in the oats until every flake is wet, then divide between two jars if you want separate servings.
3. Cover and chill. Seal and refrigerate at least 4 hours, or overnight, until the oats are soft and thick.
4. Loosen and stir. Give the oats a good stir in the morning. Add a splash of milk if they seem too thick.
5. Add the toppings. Top with the chopped nuts and raisins, then drizzle with the extra maple syrup.
6. Serve. Eat cold, or microwave for 45 to 60 seconds for a warm bowl.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Serve the oats cold with a cup of coffee, or warm them in the microwave for a warm bowl. If you crave the real thing on the weekend, bake a batch of gooey cinnamon rolls, easy no yeast cinnamon rolls, or cream cheese frosted cinnamon rolls and serve the oats on the side as a lighter option. Pair the jars with apple cinnamon breakfast quesadillas for a sweet brunch.
How to Store and Reheat Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Cover and refrigerate the oats for 3 to 4 days. Keep the nuts and raisins separate if you want them fresh, and add them at serving. The oats thicken as they sit, so stir in a splash of milk before eating. Do not leave them at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Frozen portions keep for about 2 months, but they turn softer after thawing.
Tips and Variations for Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Make four jars. Double the recipe and divide it into four jars for grab and go breakfasts all week.
Add protein. Use Greek yogurt or stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder with a little more milk.
Make a cream cheese swirl. Mix 2 tablespoons softened cream cheese with 1 teaspoon maple syrup and swirl it on top for frosting.
Cut the sugar. Use 1 tablespoon maple syrup in the oats and keep the drizzle for the top.
Use a smaller jar. A pint jar holds one serving and is easy to carry.
Add apple. Stir in diced apple at serving time for an apple cinnamon twist.
Warm it up. Microwave for 45 to 60 seconds and stir before topping for a warm bowl.
Store it safely. Keep the jars cold, and see the guidance from University of Wisconsin Extension on handling leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Can I eat cinnamon roll overnight oats warm?
Yes. Microwave for 45 to 60 seconds and stir. They are just as good cold.
How long do cinnamon roll overnight oats last in the fridge?
Up to 3 to 4 days in a covered jar, with toppings added fresh.
Can I make cinnamon roll overnight oats dairy free?
Yes. Use oat or almond milk and a plant based yogurt in the same amounts.
Can I use quick oats?
Quick oats work but give a softer texture. Old fashioned oats are ideal.
Do I need to use yogurt?
No. Replace the yogurt with more milk for a thinner result, using 1 1/4 cups of milk in total.
Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Equipment
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup milk dairy or non dairy
- ½ cup plain yogurt dairy or plant based
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 tbsp chopped walnuts for topping
- 2 tbsp raisins for topping
- 1 tbsp maple syrup for drizzling
Instructions
Cooking
- Whisk. In a bowl, whisk the milk, yogurt, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Add oats. Stir in the oats, then divide between two jars.
- Chill. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, until soft and thick.
- Stir. In the morning, stir well and add a splash of milk if the oats are too thick.
- Top. Add the walnuts and raisins and drizzle with maple syrup. Serve cold, or warm in the microwave for 45 to 60 seconds.
