I love quick breakfasts that taste indulgent but take minutes to prepare, and Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats are one of my go-to make-ahead options. This recipe captures that warm cinnamon-sugar swirl and a cream-cheese–style drizzle without baking, and I’ve tested it until the balance of sweet and tang felt just right. If you enjoy other oat-based treats, you might also like this apple crisp with oats and cinnamon for a weekend swap.

Why Make This Recipe

Fast mornings: prep in 10 minutes and refrigerate overnight for grab-and-go breakfasts.
Great texture: old-fashioned rolled oats soak into a creamy, nearly custard-like consistency without cooking.
Balanced nutrition: fiber from oats and protein from yogurt or milk keep you full until lunch.
Versatile flavor: the cinnamon-sugar swirl and maple-cream drizzle make it feel like dessert for breakfast.
Personal insight: I love this recipe because it delivers the comforting spice of a cinnamon roll with far less sugar and no oven time. You might also enjoy a playful savory-sweet twist like these cheesy garlic bread cinnamon rolls at a brunch party.

Recipe Overview

Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 6–8 hours (overnight)
Total time: 6–8 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 2 (adjust easily)
Difficulty: Easy
Method: No-cook soaking in the refrigerator; assemble in mason jars or an airtight container and chill until set. For a baked alternative, see this cinnamon roll baked oatmeal.

My Experience Making This Recipe

I tested several ratios of oats to liquid and found 1:1 (by cups) with a little yogurt gives the creamiest result without being soupy. I also experimented with different sweeteners and settled on maple syrup for depth and a touch of molasses-like warmth. The biggest discovery: a thin cinnamon swirl layered between oats creates the real “cinnamon roll” illusion.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats

Start by mixing 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup milk (240 ml) — dairy or plant — and 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (120 g) in a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons chia seeds, 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt; whisk to combine and divide between two 12-oz (350 ml) jars. For the cinnamon swirl, mix 2 tablespoons brown sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1 teaspoon melted coconut oil, then spoon a thin line of swirl into each jar and gently layer some oats on top to keep it visible. Chill in the fridge at 40°F (4°C) for at least 6 hours; before eating, stir and top with a quick cream-cheese drizzle (2 tbsp cream cheese + 1 tbsp milk + 1 tsp maple syrup, whisk until smooth). If you want other overnight oat ideas, try this coconut cream pie overnight oats for inspiration.

Expert Tips for Success

Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not steel-cut, for best overnight texture; quick oats work but give a softer, mushier result.
Toast the oats lightly in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes over medium heat for a nuttier depth before assembling.
If you prefer a thicker set, add an extra tablespoon of chia seeds or reduce milk by 1–2 tablespoons.
Prepare in wide-mouth mason jars (12–16 oz) for easy layering and storage; glass keeps flavors neutral and cleans easily.
For a silkier drizzle, bring your cream-cheese mix to room temperature so it blends smoothly with minimal milk.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats

Serve chilled with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a scattering of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Heat briefly (see reheating section) and top with warmed apple compote for a fall-inspired bowl.
Present in clear mason jars to show the cinnamon swirl and add a small drizzle of extra maple syrup just before serving. You can also pair with a cookie like these cinnamon roll cookies for dessert-style brunches.
Great for meal prep breakfasts, baby showers, or casual brunch buffets where guests help themselves.

Storage and Reheating Guide

Store covered in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C) in airtight jars for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before eating. To reheat, transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 30–60 seconds, stirring halfway; add 1–2 tablespoons milk if too thick. Avoid reheating in the jar if it’s cold glass—let it warm slightly to room temperature first to prevent thermal shock.

Recipe Variations

Gluten-free: ensure oats are certified gluten-free; all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Dairy-free: use almond, oat, or soy milk and a dairy-free yogurt; swap cream-cheese drizzle for blended silken tofu or cashew cream.
High-protein: stir in 2 scoops (about 20–30 g) of unflavored or vanilla protein powder or use skyr/Greek yogurt to boost protein.
Lower-sugar: cut maple syrup to 1 teaspoon and add mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce for natural sweetness.

Nutritional Highlights

Oats provide soluble fiber (beta-glucan) that supports heart health and satiety.
Adding Greek yogurt or protein powder increases protein to help steady blood sugar.
Allergen notes: contains dairy if using milk/yogurt and may contain nuts if you add toppings; oats can be cross-contaminated with gluten—buy certified gluten-free if needed. Aim for a single jar (about 1 cup) as a standard portion; adjust based on activity level.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Too thin after chilling: add 1–2 tablespoons rolled oats or 1 tablespoon chia seeds, stir and chill 30–60 minutes.
Too thick or dry: stir in 1–3 tablespoons milk or a tablespoon of yogurt to reach desired creaminess.
Cinnamon swirl sinks entirely: use a slightly thicker swirl (add more brown sugar or a touch of coconut oil) and layer it between oat layers rather than on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
A1: Yes, quick oats will work but will absorb liquid faster and produce a softer, less textured bite. If you like a chewier texture, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats.

Q2: How far ahead can I make these for the week?
A2: You can prepare jars up to 4 days in advance and store them covered in the fridge. For best freshness and texture, I don’t recommend making more than 4 days ahead.

Q3: Can I make these warm instead of overnight?
A3: Yes—heat 1 cup oats with 1.5 cups milk in a saucepan over medium-low for 5–8 minutes, stirring until creamy, then swirl in the cinnamon mixture and top with the cream-cheese drizzle. This gives a warm, porridge-like cinnamon roll flavor.

Q4: Are chia seeds necessary?
A4: Not strictly, but they help thicken the mixture and add omega-3s and fiber. If you skip chia, you may want to reduce the milk slightly or increase the oats.

Conclusion

For a tested, cozy breakfast that tastes like dessert but fits into a healthy routine, try this version or compare notes with The Best Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe for additional flavor ideas and adjustments.

Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats