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Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats are a no-fuss, cozy breakfast that tastes like dessert but starts your day on the right foot. I first tested this idea when I wanted a grab-and-go breakfast that reminded me of warm bakery cinnamon rolls—without turning on the oven. If you like mashups of breakfast classics, you might also enjoy 3-ingredient banana cinnamon rolls (no yeast), which inspired some flavor swaps I used here.

Why Make This Recipe

It tastes indulgent (sweet cinnamon swirl and creaminess) while being faster and healthier than a bakery roll.
Overnight prep saves busy mornings—make several jars at once and grab one on your way out.
High in fiber and easily boosted with protein (Greek yogurt or protein powder).
Portable and kid-friendly for school lunches or brunches.
Personal insight: I love this recipe because it delivers the aroma and flavor of cinnamon rolls without the time and fuss of rolling dough, so I can enjoy the flavor more often.

I also like thinking about when cinnamon treats work best—read more about cinnamon roll occasions in this short piece.

Recipe Overview

Prep time: 10 minutes active
Chill time: 6–8 hours (overnight)
Total time: ~8 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 2 jars (about 1 cup each)
Difficulty: Easy
Method: No-cook assembly and refrigeration; quick stovetop for a warm cinnamon swirl if desired

My Experience Making This Recipe

I tested this recipe across several milk bases (dairy, almond, oat) and settled on ratios that keep the oats creamy without being soupy. I learned that warming a small cinnamon “swirl” on the stove and letting it cool slightly before layering gives a bakery-style ribbon without soaking the oats.

A few experiments also led me to try add-ins—if you like baked fruit ideas, I’ve borrowed concepts from my tests with cinnamon roll apple pie cups for a seasonal version.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats

The process is simple: combine rolled oats with milk (see ratios below), stir in Greek yogurt or a thickener like chia seeds, sweeten, and fold in ground cinnamon and vanilla. Transfer to jars, swirl in a cinnamon-sugar topping or leave plain, then refrigerate at 35–40°F (2–4°C) for at least 6–8 hours. Expect the oats to hydrate and thicken; give them a quick stir before eating and add toppings just before serving.

Suggested base (per 2 servings): 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup milk (or milk + 1/4 cup Greek yogurt), 1–2 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar, 1 tbsp chia seeds or 1/4 cup yogurt for extra creaminess, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, pinch of salt. For a cinnamon swirl: 1 tbsp butter or coconut oil, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2–1 tsp cinnamon, warmed in a small saucepan.

Expert Tips for Success

Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not steel-cut—rolled oats soften nicely overnight while steel-cut stays chewy unless pre-cooked.
Stick to a roughly 1:1 liquid-to-oats ratio for creamy overnight oats; reduce liquid by 1–2 tbsp if you plan to add yogurt.
Add chia seeds (1 tbsp) to stabilize texture and thicken without refrigeration becoming gummy.
For the best cinnamon ribbon, gently warm your swirl ingredients to dissolve sugar (medium-low heat, ~160–180°F) and cool slightly before layering to prevent hot spots.
Mason jars (8–12 oz) are perfect for portion control and transport—tight lids keep flavors fresh in the fridge.

If you enjoy experimenting with cinnamon-forward bakes, check flavor ideas from these apple-cinnamon roll experiments I referenced in testing: apple pie cinnamon rolls.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats

Serve chilled with a drizzle of warmed cinnamon glaze and a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Top with lightly sautéed apples or a spoonful of apple butter for a fall-style breakfast.
Present in clear jars so the cinnamon swirl shows through; add a small wooden spoon tied with twine for gifting.
These are great for brunch spreads—set a DIY toppings bar (nuts, raisins, fresh fruit, nut butter) and let guests customize.

Storage and Reheating Guide

Store overnight oats in airtight jars or containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe jars up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before eating. Reheat gently in the microwave (30–60 seconds) or stir and let sit at room temperature 15–20 minutes—add a splash of milk if the mixture tightens after refrigeration. Always keep lids closed to prevent flavor transfer in the fridge.

Recipe Variations

Dairy-free: Use unsweetened almond, oat, or soy milk and swap Greek yogurt for a dairy-free yogurt.
Higher protein: Add 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder or use 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (adjust liquid down 2–3 tbsp).
Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats to avoid cross-contamination.
Apple-cinnamon twist: Fold in 1/2 cup cooked diced apples and a pinch of nutmeg—this borrows ideas from my tests with cinnamon roll apple pie.

Nutritional Highlights

Good source of soluble fiber (beta-glucan from oats) to help keep you full and support digestion.
Protein boost possible with Greek yogurt or protein powder, which balances carbs for steady energy.
Allergens: contains oats (may contain gluten if not certified), dairy if using milk or yogurt; adjust for nut allergies by avoiding nut milks and toppings. Aim for 1 jar per serving (about 1 cup) to keep portions balanced.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Too thin: Reduce liquid next time by 1–2 tbsp or add 1 tbsp chia seeds and chill another hour.
Too thick/chewy: Stir in 1–2 tbsp warm milk and let sit 5–10 minutes to hydrate.
Grainy texture: Use fresh oats and fully dissolve sugar in the swirl; over-stirring cold oats can make them feel gummy—stir gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
A: You can, but quick oats will become mushier and may absorb liquid faster—reduce overnight time to 4–6 hours and expect a softer texture. For best structure and creaminess, I recommend old-fashioned rolled oats.

Q: Should I add the cinnamon swirl before chilling or after?
A: For a true ribbon effect, spoon the cooled swirl in layers before chilling, then swirl gently with a knife. If you prefer a glossy topping, add the warm swirl just before serving so it stays shiny.

Q: How do I prevent the oats from tasting bland after refrigeration?
A: Always add a pinch of salt to round flavors, use vanilla extract for depth, and taste before serving—adjust sweetness or add a squeeze of lemon for brightness if needed.

Q: Can I meal-prep several jars at once?
A: Yes—prepare up to 4 jars at a time and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Label jars with the date and any perishable toppings; add crunchy toppings like nuts just before serving.

Conclusion

For a tested, flavorful version that inspired some of my technique notes, see this full recipe for The Best Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe: The Best Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe. Print