This cinnamon roll overnight oats recipe tastes just like your favorite bakery treat, but it takes only 5 minutes to prep the night before. Wake up to a creamy, warm-spiced breakfast that feels totally indulgent without any of the effort.

Whether you are rushing out the door or enjoying a slow morning, this recipe has you covered. It is filling, delicious, and secretly good for you too.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Chill Time: 6 to 8 hours (overnight)
• Servings: 1
• Estimated Calories: 380 per serving

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to add this recipe to your weekly breakfast rotation. Here is why it is a total winner:

• No cooking required. You stir everything together in a jar the night before and the fridge does the rest.
• Tastes like dessert for breakfast. The cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar flavors really do taste like a cinnamon roll.
• Packed with nutrition. Oats are loaded with fiber, and you can easily add protein to keep you full all morning.
• Completely customizable. Swap the milk, adjust the sweetness, or add toppings to make it your own.
• Meal prep friendly. Make up to five jars at once and have breakfast ready all week long.
• Budget-friendly. All the ingredients are pantry staples that cost very little per serving.

Ingredients

You only need a handful of simple ingredients for this recipe. Here is everything you will need for one serving:

• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats – Do not use instant oats. Old-fashioned oats give the best creamy texture. Steel-cut oats also work but need a longer soak time of at least 12 hours.
• 1/2 cup milk of choice – Whole milk makes it extra creamy. Oat milk, almond milk, or any non-dairy milk works great too.
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt – This adds creaminess and a protein boost. Regular yogurt or dairy-free yogurt can be used instead.
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds – These thicken the oats and add omega-3s. You can skip them if needed, but reduce the milk slightly.
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey – Adjust to taste. Brown sugar also works and really leans into that cinnamon roll flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – The star of the show. Feel free to add a little extra if you love cinnamon.
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – This makes everything taste richer and more dessert-like.
• Pinch of salt – A tiny bit of salt brings all the flavors together.

Optional Cream Cheese Drizzle Topping:

• 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened – Use reduced-fat or dairy-free cream cheese if you prefer.
• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk – To thin it out into a drizzle.
• 1 teaspoon powdered sugar – For a touch of sweetness just like real frosting.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats

This recipe comes together so fast. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Grab a jar or container. A wide-mouth mason jar works perfectly. Any container with a lid that holds at least 12 ounces will do the job.
2. Add the oats and chia seeds. Pour the rolled oats and chia seeds into the jar. Give them a quick stir to combine.
3. Mix in the wet ingredients. Add the milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir everything together really well so nothing is sitting at the bottom.
4. Add the cinnamon. Sprinkle in the cinnamon and stir again until fully combined. The mixture will look a little liquidy at this point, and that is totally normal.
5. Seal and refrigerate. Put the lid on your jar and pop it in the fridge. Let it sit for at least 6 hours, but overnight is best for the creamiest texture.
6. Make the cream cheese drizzle (optional). In the morning, stir together the softened cream cheese, milk, and powdered sugar in a small bowl until smooth. Add more milk a little at a time until it reaches a drizzle consistency.
7. Top and serve. Take your oats out of the fridge and give them a good stir. If they are too thick, splash in a little extra milk. Drizzle the cream cheese topping over the oats and add any other toppings you like.

Suggested Toppings: chopped pecans or walnuts, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, a drizzle of extra maple syrup, raisins, or a few brown sugar crumbles.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats

These small tricks make a big difference in getting the best possible results:

• Use old-fashioned rolled oats. Quick oats turn mushy and steel-cut oats stay too firm unless you soak them for 12 or more hours. Old-fashioned oats hit the sweet spot every time.
• Stir well before refrigerating. Make sure the chia seeds are mixed in evenly. If they clump together, they will not thicken the oats properly.
• Taste and adjust in the morning. The cinnamon flavor gets stronger overnight. If it tastes too strong, stir in a splash of plain milk. If you want more sweetness, just drizzle a little honey on top.
• Let the cream cheese soften first. Cold cream cheese will be lumpy and hard to mix. Let it sit on the counter for 10 to 15 minutes while your oats are chilling or right when you wake up.
• Do not skip the salt. It sounds strange in a sweet recipe, but a small pinch of salt really does make all the flavors pop.

Flavor Variations

Love this recipe and want to mix things up? Try these fun twists on the same idea:

• Apple Pie Cinnamon Oats: Stir in 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce and a pinch of nutmeg. Top with diced fresh apple in the morning for a fall-inspired breakfast.
• Pumpkin Spice Version: Add 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree and replace the cinnamon with 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. Perfect for cozy autumn mornings.
• Protein-Packed Cinnamon Oats: Stir in one scoop of vanilla protein powder with the wet ingredients. You may need to add a little extra milk since protein powder absorbs liquid.
• Cinnamon Raisin: Stir in 2 tablespoons of raisins before refrigerating. They plump up overnight and taste amazing with the cinnamon base.
• Brown Butter Cinnamon: Swap the vanilla extract for 1/2 teaspoon of brown butter extract if you can find it. It adds a deep, nutty, caramel-like flavor that is absolutely incredible.

Storage Tips

These overnight oats store really well, which makes them perfect for meal prepping ahead of time.

In the Fridge: Store your prepared oats in a sealed jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The texture is best within the first 3 days, as the oats continue to absorb liquid over time. Just stir in a splash of milk if they get too thick.

Toppings: Store the cream cheese drizzle separately in a small sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir it before using since it can thicken up a bit while stored.

Freezing: You can freeze overnight oats without the toppings for up to 3 months. Pour them into a freezer-safe container and leave a little space at the top because they expand when frozen. Thaw in the fridge overnight before eating. Note that the texture does change slightly after freezing, so fresh is always best when possible.

Nutrition Information

Here is the estimated nutrition for one serving of this recipe, including the cream cheese drizzle. Actual values will vary based on the specific brands and milk you use.

Note: Nutrition is estimated for one serving using whole milk and full-fat Greek yogurt with the cream cheese drizzle included. Skip the drizzle to reduce calories by about 60 kcal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I eat overnight oats warm?

Yes, absolutely! If you prefer a warm breakfast, just scoop your oats into a microwave-safe bowl and heat them for 60 to 90 seconds, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of milk before heating to keep them creamy. Then add your cream cheese drizzle on top of the warm oats just before eating.

How long do overnight oats need to soak?

At minimum, you need about 6 hours for the oats to fully soften and thicken. Soaking them overnight for 8 hours gives the best creamy texture. If you are in a hurry, you can soak them for as little as 2 to 3 hours, but the oats will be chewier and the chia seeds may not be fully set.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, this recipe is very easy to make dairy-free. Use your favorite non-dairy milk like oat, almond, or coconut milk. Replace the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free coconut yogurt. For the cream cheese drizzle, use your favorite vegan cream cheese and plant-based milk. The result is just as delicious.

Do overnight oats help you lose weight?

Overnight oats can definitely be part of a healthy eating plan. They are high in fiber, which keeps you feeling full longer and may help prevent overeating later in the day. The protein from Greek yogurt also helps with satiety. That said, the total calories and ingredients you choose will impact the nutrition, so adjust sweeteners and toppings to fit your personal goals.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

You can, but the texture will be much softer and a bit mushy. Quick oats break down faster and absorb liquid more aggressively. If that is all you have, go for it, but reduce the soak time to about 4 to 6 hours. Old-fashioned rolled oats are truly the best choice for this recipe.

If you try this cinnamon roll overnight oats recipe, we would absolutely love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. Did you try any of the fun variations or add your own twist? Share your creation and tag us over on social media. Happy eating and sweet mornings to you!