This 3-step cinnamon roll overnight oats recipe is as delicious as it is healthy and is great for busy mornings. Laced with cinnamon roll flavors and made with oats, milk, yogurt, and cinnamon, this on-the-go option should be added to your breakfast meal prep list pronto!
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Looking for more make-ahead breakfast recipes? Try these high-protein overnight oats, chocolate chia seed pudding, or vanilla oats. And if you love breakfasts with oats, be sure to try out my delicious chocolate baked oatmeal and Nutella oatmeal next time.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
These easy cinnamon overnight oats are so good and are made with simple ingredients built up in a mason jar.
- Easy to whip up: they require minimal effort and can be prepared the night before, saving you precious time the next morning.
- Nutritious: they are an excellent source of fiber and protein, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied throughout the morning.
- On the go: pack yours into a mason jar or an airtight container, and they're perfect to take to work or have on the run.
- Affordable: oats are a cost-effective breakfast option, making cinnamon roll overnight oats a budget-friendly choice.
- Comforting: these overnight oats' warming and classic cinnamon bun flavors are hearty and cozy.
Benefits of Overnight Oats
Due to their dietary fiber, oats have a positive impact on lowering unhealthy cholesterol levels and are a great meal to have if you're trying to manage your blood sugar levels.
They also positively impact both heart and gut health and go hand in hand with managing weight loss. Overall, oats are incredibly beneficial.
Ingredients
Here's all you need to know to make this cinnamon oatmeal recipe (aka brown sugar overnight oats). You can find exact measurements in the recipe card.
- Rolled oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats, or if you prefer a softer texture, you can use quick oats, but they may turn out a little mushier. Check out more of my overnight oats flavor ideas.
- Milk of choice: You can use any type of milk you prefer, such as dairy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or oat milk.
- Vanilla Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture and boosts protein content. You can substitute it with regular yogurt or a non-dairy alternative if desired.
- Light brown sugar: adds a caramel-like sweetness to the oats. You can use honey or pure maple syrup as an alternative or regular white sugar.
- Cinnamon: the key ingredient that gives these oats their signature cinnamon roll flavor. You can adjust the amount to your liking or add additional spices such as nutmeg or ginger.
- Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- Pinch of salt: A small amount of salt helps to bring out the flavors in the oats.
Variations
- Top the oats with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or raisins for a pop of color and sweetness.
- Substitute brown sugar with pure maple syrup. Or, use half and half to make maple brown sugar overnight oats. You can also use my brown sugar simple syrup.
- Add a protein boost with a scoop of protein powder (this vanilla flavored protein powder is my favorite).
- Make a "cream cheese" frosting by combining 1 tablespoon of vanilla yogurt and 1 teaspoon of maple syrup or cinnamon syrup. Using a spoon, spread the mixture over the top of the oats.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
These easy overnight oats come together in a few simple steps!
Step 1: Combine ingredients in a small bowl, or large bowl if you are meal prepping multiple servings.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: Refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, ideally overnight, and stir oats before eating.
Step 4 (optional): For "cream cheese" frosting, combine 1 tablespoon of vanilla yogurt and 1 teaspoon of maple syrup. Using a spoon, spread the mixture over the top of the oats.
Pro Tips
- Use a mason jar or container with a tight-fitting lid to make and store the oats overnight. This will keep them fresh and prevent spills. See my recommended jars for overnight oats.
- Let the cinnamon oats sit in the fridge for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight, for the best taste and texture. This allows the oats to absorb the liquid and the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, stir the oats well to ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed. This will also help to break up any clumps.
- Enjoy your cinnamon roll overnight oats cold, or heat them up in the microwave for a warm and comforting breakfast.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, if they are made with nutritious ingredients such as rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. However, be mindful of the amount of added sugar in the recipe.
Yes, you can warm up overnight oats in the microwave or on the stovetop. Simply heat the oats in a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
While overnight oats are traditionally made with milk or a non-dairy alternative, you can make them with water. Keep in mind the oats get their flavor from what they are soaked in, so they won't be as flavorful.
Yes, you can freeze overnight oats for up to 3 months in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag.
Storage
Store overnight oats in an airtight container or a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Give the oats a good stir before serving, as the ingredients may have settled and separated in the fridge.
If the oats are too thick, you can thin them out by adding a splash of milk or yogurt and stirring until the desired consistency is reached.
Hungry for More?
Breakfast Meal Prep Ideas:
Protein Overnight Oats
Vanilla Overnight Oats
Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Nutella Overnight Oats
Chocolate Baked Oatmeal
Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
If you try this recipe or any recipe from Happy Honey Kitchen, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below! Enjoy!
Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
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Equipment
- mason jar or any airtight container with a lid
Ingredients
- ½ cup old fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup milk of choice
- 2 tablespoons vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ - 1 teaspoon cinnamon depending on preference
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in a small bowl, or large bowl if you are meal prepping multiple servings.
- 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.
- 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
- For optional "cream cheese" frosting, combine 1 tablespoon of vanilla yogurt and 1 teaspoon of maple syrup. Using a spoon, spread the mixture over the top of the oats.
- If the oats are too thick, you can thin them out by adding a splash of milk or yogurt and stirring until the desired consistency is reached.
- Top the oats with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or raisins for a pop of color and sweetness.
Nutrition
Protein Overnight Oats
Vanilla Overnight Oats
Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Nutella Overnight Oats
Chocolate Baked Oatmeal
Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
Protein Overnight Oats
Vanilla Overnight Oats
Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Nutella Overnight Oats
Chocolate Baked Oatmeal
Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
Kayte Ralph
Do you have to add yogurt?
Angela Lietzke
No, you don't have to add yogurt, it can be an optional ingredient. Yogurt won't change the flavor much, but it adds creaminess.
Ashley
Should I use light or dark brown sugar?
Angela Lietzke
You can use either, both light or dark brown sugar will work well in this recipe. Dark brown sugar will give a stronger molasses flavor. I tested and make this recipe with light brown sugar because that's what I have in my pantry.
Sandy
Love, Love, Love this recipe!!!! Definitely using it A lot!!
Angela Lietzke
Yay! I'm so happy to hear that you enjoy this recipe. It's currently my breakfast meal prep go-to!
Allison
I am not an oatmeal fan, but wow!! This is so creamy and good!! I added flaxseeds since I’m nursing and the flavors masked the “not so appealing flaxseed flavor”. Definitely adding this into my diet.
Kim
Absolutely delicious! Made it for myself and a coworker and it is now part of my weekly lineup!
Kathy
This seems like a lot of cinnamon - a teaspoon for only a half cup of oats? Is that accurate?
Angela Lietzke
Yes, that's correct. These oats have a predominant cinnamon flavor, but combined with all the other ingredients it evens out. Feel free to use less cinnamon for your taste preference, if you prefer.