Why You'll Love It
- - Wakes up creamy and ready, no morning fuss
- - Tastes decadent but uses wholesome ingredients
- - Perfect for meal prepping breakfast for the week
- - Kid-friendly and adult-approved comfort flavors
*My kids beg for this breakfast now! It's like having dessert first thing in the morning, but I know they're getting a healthy start.*
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Rolled oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats work best here - they soften perfectly overnight without turning mushy like quick oats might.
- Cinnamon: The star of our cinnamon roll flavor. Use freshly ground if you can - the aroma alone will make your kitchen smell like a bakery.
- Maple syrup: Adds that gentle sweetness that makes this feel special. You can adjust to taste, honestly.
- Milk: Any milk works - dairy, almond, oat. The creaminess really develops overnight, making it feel rich.
- Vanilla extract: That little splash that makes all the difference, connecting all the warm cinnamon flavors together.
- Greek yogurt: Adds protein and makes the texture extra creamy. It's like the frosting on our cinnamon roll.
Complete Cooking Process
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Ingredient Readiness:
Everything gets measured and mixed cold, right from the pantry and fridge. The oats need that full overnight soak to become tender.
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Flavor Development:
The magic happens while it rests. Cinnamon mellows, vanilla infuses, and the sweetness balances out perfectly by morning.
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Texture Control:
The oats absorb the liquid gradually, becoming creamy but still maintaining some gentle chew - just like a perfect oatmeal should.
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Finishing Touches:
Morning is when you add the final swirl of yogurt and maybe a sprinkle of cinnamon. That's when it truly becomes breakfast.
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Serving Timing:
Best enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge, or let it sit on the counter for 10 minutes if you prefer it less cold.
- Use a jar with a tight lid - shaking it once mixed helps combine everything evenly
- Taste before serving - you might want an extra drizzle of maple syrup
- Don't skip the Greek yogurt topping - it's the 'frosting' that makes it
- Give it a good stir in the morning to redistribute any settled ingredients
Pro Tips
I've made these oats so many times now that I don't even measure exactly anymore. You get a feel for the right consistency after a while. The beauty is in the flexibility - add more milk if you like it looser, less if you prefer thicker oats. What I love most is how this recipe adapts to your morning. Some days I eat it straight from the jar standing by the fridge, other days I'll sit down and make it fancy with extra toppings. It's become my go-to for those rushed school mornings when I need something quick but still special.
The essence of the dish:
A fun fact or historical angle:
Flavor or sensory focus:
You Must Know
- The oats need at least 4 hours to soften, but overnight is ideal
- It keeps for up to 3 days in the fridge perfectly
- You can double or triple the recipe for meal prep
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I use steel-cut oats instead?
I wouldn't recommend it - steel-cut oats need cooking to become tender. They won't soften properly with just overnight soaking.
→ How long do these oats last in the fridge?
They're best within 3 days, but I've eaten them up to 5 days later and they're still fine. The texture just gets progressively softer.
→ Can I make this without sweetener?
You can, but the flavor balance will be different. The maple syrup complements the cinnamon beautifully. Maybe try half the amount first.
→ What if I don't have Greek yogurt?
Regular yogurt works too, or you could try blending some cottage cheese until smooth for a protein boost.
→ Can I heat these up?
You can warm them gently on the stove or microwave, but I love them cold. The chilling really enhances the creamy texture.
→ What other toppings work well?
Chopped nuts, dried fruit, fresh berries, or even a dollop of chocolate mousse for extra indulgence.
Chef's Tips
If the oats seem too thick in the morning, stir in a tablespoon or two more milk,The flavor develops better if you make it at least 6 hours ahead,You can double this recipe easily - it keeps well for busy weeks
Nutrition Facts
per serving
280
Calories
12g
Protein
45g
Carbs
6g
Fat
Taste Profile
Warm, sweet cinnamon flavor with creamy undertones
Ingredient Substitutions
Don't have an ingredient? Try these alternatives
Any liquid sweetener works, but maple has that distinctive flavor
For a dairy-free option that's still creamy and tangy
Recipe Variations
Try these delicious twists on the original
Apple Cinnamon Version
Add diced apples and a pinch of nutmeg for apple pie vibes. It pairs beautifully with cottage cheese bites for a protein-packed morning.
Chocolate Swirl
Stir in cocoa powder and top with chocolate chips for a mocha twist that feels like dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' mistakes for perfect results
- Using quick oats instead of old-fashioned
- Not stirring before serving (ingredients settle)
- Skipping the salt (it balances sweetness)
- Not refrigerating long enough (needs minimum 4 hours)
Meal Prep & Storage
Make Ahead Tips
This is the ultimate make-ahead recipe! Prepare up to 3 days in advance. The flavor actually improves after the first day as the oats continue to absorb the liquid and flavors meld.
Leftover Ideas
Leftovers keep well for next day's breakfast. The texture will be softer but still delicious. Stir well before serving.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this with...
Cooking Timeline
Mix all ingredients in jar, refrigerate overnight
Stir oats, add toppings, enjoy immediately
Enjoy remaining servings - they keep perfectly
Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe
Wake up to ready-made cinnamon roll overnight oats, a creamy and delicious breakfast that tastes like dessert but is packed with wholesome ingredients.
Timing
Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
0 Minutes
Total Time
8 Hours 5 Minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
Oats Base
- 01 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 02 1 cup milk (any kind)
- 03 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 04 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 05 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 06 Pinch of salt
For Serving
- 01 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 02 Extra cinnamon for sprinkling
- 03 Optional: chopped nuts or dried fruit
Instructions
In a jar or container with a lid, combine the oats, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
Stir everything together until well combined. Honestly, I sometimes just put the lid on and give it a good shake - less dishes to wash.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. The oats will absorb the liquid and become beautifully creamy.
In the morning, give the oats a good stir. They might have settled a bit, and stirring redistributes all that cinnamon flavor.
Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and any other toppings you like. Serve chilled.
Notes & Tips
- 1 If the oats seem too thick in the morning, stir in a tablespoon or two more milk
- 2 The flavor develops better if you make it at least 6 hours ahead
- 3 You can double this recipe easily - it keeps well for busy weeks
Tools You'll Need
-
Mason jar or airtight container
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Spoon for stirring
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Small bowl for mixing toppings
Must-Know Tips
- Don't use quick oats - they get too mushy overnight
- Taste before serving - you might want extra sweetness
- Give it a good stir in the morning for even texture
Professional Secrets
- Chilling time is crucial - allows flavors to meld perfectly
- The salt enhances the sweetness - don't skip it
- Greek yogurt topping adds protein and creaminess
Recipe by
Emma Fields“Mornings are my magic hour! I create easy, energizing breakfasts that turn sleepy starts into sunshine moments.” ☀️🥞
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