Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats: Your Easy, Healthy Breakfast Fix!

Published:

January 17, 2026

By:

Benjamin

recipe image of rolled oats milk dairy almond oat cinnamon brown sugar maple syrup greek yogurt vanilla yogurt chia seeds flax seeds vanilla extract salt cream cheese for icing pecans nuts almond butter

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Introduction

Hi there! I’m Benjamin, the home cook behind Mister Recipes. I still remember the magic of waking up to the smell of my grandmother’s cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. That warm, sweet aroma was a promise of a wonderful day ahead. But in our busy lives, who has time for that kind of baking on a weekday morning? Did you know that many of us spend almost an hour on breakfast during a busy work week? What if you could get that time back and still wake up to the decadent flavors of a Cinnabon classic? That’s where this Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats recipe comes in. It’s a game changer.

I started this blog to share recipes that bring joy and connection without adding stress, and this one is a perfect example. It bridges the gap between our desire for indulgent, comforting food and the reality of our packed schedules. This isn’t just about making a quick breakfast; it’s about starting your day with a little act of love for yourself. It’s a creamy, dreamy, and surprisingly healthy breakfast that tastes just like your favorite bakery treat. It’s the perfect way to make any morning feel special, a trick I learned to keep my own family, my wife Emily and our two kids, smiling even on the busiest of days.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats

This recipe has quickly become a staple in our house, and I’m confident it will in yours too. It’s more than just a passing trend; it’s a genuinely smart way to handle breakfast. Here’s why you’re going to fall in love with it:

Effortless Morning Magic: The beauty of this easy recipe is that all the work is done the night before. You spend five minutes mixing ingredients in a jar, and you wake up to a perfectly chilled, ready to eat breakfast. No cooking, no mess, no morning rush. It’s the ultimate meal prep solution for a stress free start.
The Taste of Indulgence, Made Healthy: You get the warm spice of cinnamon, the tangy sweetness of a cream cheese glaze, and the comforting texture of soft oats, all in one jar. Unlike a traditional cinnamon roll, this breakfast is packed with fiber from oats, protein from Greek yogurt, and healthy fats from chia seeds. It’s a treat that fuels your body.
Perfectly Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic base for your creativity. You can easily make it a vegan recipe by using plant based milk and yogurt. Need it gluten free? Just use certified gluten free oats. You can adjust the sweetness, add protein powder, or toss in some nuts for extra crunch.
Kid Approved and Family Friendly: My kids, Adams and Jana, absolutely devour this. They think they’re getting dessert for breakfast, and I know they’re eating something wholesome. It’s a win win for busy parents who want to serve nutritious and delicious meals. It has the same fun appeal as our S’mores Overnight Oats recipe!

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats

The ingredient list is simple and uses pantry staples, making it easy to whip up whenever the craving strikes.

For the Oats:

Old Fashioned Rolled Oats: For the best creamy texture. Avoid steel cut or instant oats.
Milk: Dairy or non dairy milk like almond, soy, or oat milk all work beautifully.
Greek Yogurt: This adds extra creaminess and a protein boost. Use a plain, unsweetened variety.
Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that pairs perfectly with cinnamon. You can substitute with honey or agave.
Chia Seeds: These are essential for thickening the oats and adding healthy omega 3s.
Ground Cinnamon: The star of the show! Use a good quality cinnamon for the best flavor.
Vanilla Extract: To round out the flavors.
A pinch of salt: To enhance all the other flavors.

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Powdered Sugar: For that classic frosting sweetness.
Milk: Just a splash to get the perfect drizzling consistency.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats

Step-by-Step Instructions

Combine the Oat Ingredients: In a medium bowl or directly in a jar, add the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, chia seeds, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and there are no dry spots.
Let it Chill: Cover the bowl or seal the jar and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but overnight is truly best. This gives the oats and chia seeds time to absorb the liquid and soften into a thick, creamy pudding like consistency.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl: While the oats are chilling or just before serving, prepare the topping. In a small bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add a small splash of milk, about a teaspoon at a time, and continue whisking until you reach a smooth, pourable glaze. Be careful not to make it too thin.
Assemble Your Jar of Joy: Once the oats are set, give them a good stir. You can either spoon them into your serving jar or glass now or if you made it in the jar, you’re ready to go. Swirl the cream cheese glaze into the top of the oats or layer it for a beautiful effect. For an extra touch of cinnamon, I like to sprinkle a little more on top right before serving.
Serve and Enjoy: Grab a spoon and dive in! These oats are meant to be eaten cold, straight from the fridge, making them the most refreshing and simple breakfast you could ask for.

Pro Tips & Variations

After making this recipe dozens of times, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it even better. Here are my top tips and some fun variations to try.

Pro Tips

Don’t Skip the Chia Seeds: They are the magic ingredient for achieving that thick, spoonable texture. If you leave them out, your oats might be too liquidy.
Layer for a Bakery Style Look: To make your oats look as good as they taste, try layering. Put half the oat mixture in the jar, add a layer of the cream cheese swirl, then top with the remaining oats and another swirl of cream cheese frosting on top.
Toast the Oats for Deeper Flavor: For a nuttier, more complex flavor, you can lightly toast the rolled oats in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes before mixing them with the wet ingredients. It’s an extra step but adds incredible depth.

Variations

Vegan Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats: This is an easy swap. Use your favorite plant based milk (almond or oat milk are great), a thick plant based yogurt (like a coconut or soy based one), and vegan cream cheese for the swirl.
Gluten Free: The recipe is naturally gluten free as long as you use certified gluten free oats to avoid any cross contamination.
High Protein Powerhouse: To make this an even more powerful post workout breakfast, add a scoop of your favorite vanilla or unflavored protein powder to the oat mixture. You might need to add an extra splash of milk to get the right consistency. For more inspiration on variations, check out this take from The Pioneer Woman.

Serving Suggestions

These Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats are a complete meal on their own, but you can elevate them further with some delicious toppings or serve them as part of a larger breakfast spread.

Add Some Crunch: Sprinkle some toasted pecans, walnuts, or granola on top right before serving. The crunchy texture is a fantastic contrast to the creamy oats.
Pair with Fresh Fruit: Sliced bananas, diced apples, or a handful of fresh berries complement the warm cinnamon flavor beautifully.
Make it a Brunch Feast: Planning a weekend brunch? These oats in individual jars look stunning on a breakfast bar. Serve them alongside savory options like our Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants for a balanced and impressive spread that will wow your guests.

Storage & Reheating for Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats

One of the best things about this recipe is how well it stores, making it the ultimate meal prep breakfast.

Simply store the oats in an airtight container or a sealed mason jar in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days. The texture will continue to thicken as it sits, so if you prefer a looser consistency, just stir in an extra splash of milk before serving. There’s no need for reheating; these oats are designed to be enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge.

FAQ about Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats

Can I use steel cut oats for this recipe?: I wouldn’t recommend it. Steel cut oats have a much chewier texture and require cooking to become palatable. This no cook recipe is designed for old fashioned rolled oats, which soften perfectly overnight.
Is this actually a healthy breakfast recipe?: Yes, it’s a fantastic healthy option! It’s rich in fiber, which aids digestion, and protein, which keeps you full longer. However, it is a sweet treat. You can control the health factor by adjusting the amount of maple syrup and powdered sugar. For other healthy treat ideas, you might like our strawberry cheesecake cookies recipe.
Can I make a large batch for the week?: Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for scaling up. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you want and portion it out into individual jars. It’s my favorite way to make sure a healthy breakfast is always ready to go. You can find more batch-friendly ideas, like this one from Delish, to add to your meal prep routine.

Final Thoughts on Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats

From my kitchen to yours, I hope this recipe brings a little bit of ease and a whole lot of joy to your mornings. Cooking for my family is how I show my love, and sharing these recipes with you feels like an extension of that. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a way to reclaim your mornings and start your day with something truly special.

If you loved making these Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats, I would be so grateful if you could leave a comment and a rating below. And don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so you can always find it! For more family friendly recipes and kitchen inspiration, subscribe to the Mister Recipes newsletter. Let’s get cooking, together!

C. Motter Cindy