If the idea of waking up to a breakfast that tastes just like dessert makes your heart do a happy dance, you are going to adore these Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats. Creamy, cinnamon-swirled oats with a sweet cream cheese glaze capture everything you love about a classic cinnamon roll—no kneading or oven required!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Cinnamon Roll Flavor: All the nostalgic, warm, sweet-spiced notes you crave in a cinnamon roll, delivered in a nourishing bowl of oats.
- No Fuss Morning Meal: Just stir, chill, and wake up to breakfast—Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats are a meal prep hero for busy folks!
- Customizable Sweetness: Adjust brown sugar and glaze to your heart’s content so each spoonful suits your taste.
- Creamy Frosting Topping: That dreamy cream cheese glaze brings this breakfast dangerously close to dessert territory—and you deserve it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats is in their down-to-earth ingredient list—each one plays a starring role in recreating the sensation of a bakery-fresh cinnamon roll, but in a convenient, healthy package. Here’s how every component elevates the experience:
- Old fashioned oats: These hold their shape after soaking, providing the perfect chewy-creamy texture.
- Milk of choice: Whether you go dairy or plant-based, the milk makes the oats luscious and rich—your latte won’t be the only creamy thing at breakfast!
- Light brown sugar: This adds beautiful caramel sweetness and that telltale cozy flavor you love in cinnamon rolls.
- Vanilla extract: Trust me, vanilla gives the oats that subtle, bakery-scented aroma and flavor.
- Cinnamon: No cinnamon roll flavor without this hero spice—it ties everything together!
- Cream cheese (for frosting): That creaminess and tang mimic the classic icing swirl.
- Unsalted butter (for frosting): It makes the glaze extra-smooth and gives it an indulgent finish.
- Powdered sugar (for frosting): The key to a sweet, glossy, perfectly drizzle-able topping.
- Milk (for frosting): To thin out the glaze to just the right, pourable consistency.
Variations
The magic of Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats is how easily you can riff on the original based on your mood or whatever’s in your fridge. Here are a few ideas to personalize your own cinnamon swirl goodness:
- Protein Powerhouse: Stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder or collagen peptides for extra staying power.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut, oat, or almond milk and a plant-based cream cheese to keep breakfast totally vegan.
- Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of toasted walnuts or pecans on top for texture and flavor—so good!
- Fruit Twist: Swirl in diced apples or raisins before chilling for added sweetness and natural fiber.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Step 1: Mix up the Oats
Combine your old fashioned oats, milk, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Don’t hold back on the cinnamon—that’s what gives these oats their soul-warming flavor! Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined and the sugar has started to dissolve into the milk. Make sure you scrape the sides and bottom so no oat gets left behind.
Step 2: Chill Overnight
Transfer the mixture to an airtight container, mason jar, or even a pretty bowl. Pop it in the fridge, cover, and let the oats soak and soften overnight—or at least 3 to 4 hours if you’re in a rush. The oats will absorb all that creamy, spiced milk and plump up beautifully.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
In the morning, whip together the room-temperature cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk in a small bowl. You want a smooth, pourable glaze. Taste and add a touch more sugar or milk until it’s just right for your cinnamon roll-loving heart.
Step 4: Finish and Enjoy
Give your overnight oats a quick stir, then lavish that cream cheese frosting on top. A swirl, a drizzle, or full coverage—this is your cinnamon roll breakfast moment! Grab a spoon, dig in, and begin your day with pure cinnamon roll bliss.
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
- Go Heavy on the Cinnamon: Use the higher end of the cinnamon measurement for maximum cozy flavor—too little and you’ll lose the magic!
- Soak Long Enough: The oats really need at least 3–4 hours (ideally overnight) to get that gorgeous soft texture, so plan ahead for the best results.
- Frosting Consistency Matters: Start with the smaller amount of milk and adjust the cream cheese glaze slowly until it’s pourable but not runny for those perfect swirls.
- Use Room Temp Ingredients for Glaze: If your cream cheese and butter are too cold, your topping will be lumpy instead of smooth and luscious. A quick 10-second zap in the microwave or a short stint on the countertop does wonders.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Garnishes
Top your Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon, a pinch of chopped toasted nuts, or even a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. If you want to really channel that bakery vibe, use a piping bag for the frosting and swirl it on with flair!
Side Dishes
Pair your oats with a side of fresh orange segments for brightness, or add a hard-boiled egg or breakfast sausage for extra protein. A cup of coffee or chai tea on the side makes this feel like a full brunch spread, even on a weekday.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer the oats and frosting in a clear mason jar for a beautiful, grab-and-go parfait. For family brunch, set out a toppings bar with fruit, nuts, and extra glaze so everyone can build their own “cinnamon roll” bowl. You can also serve mini portions in teacups for a sweet breakfast treat at a shower or brunch party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—just be sure to store them in an airtight container so they stay fresh and don’t absorb any fridge odors. Keep the glaze separate and add just before serving if you’re prepping ahead.
Freezing
While these oats are at their best when freshly soaked, you can freeze portions (minus the glaze) in airtight containers for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, give them a good stir, and whip up fresh frosting in the morning for best texture and taste.
Reheating
If you prefer your oats warm, microwave them for 30-45 seconds until just heated through—then add the frosting for a melty, cinnamon bun-inspired treat. Stir well, and maybe add a splash more milk if the oats seem too thick after chilling.
FAQs
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Can I use quick oats instead of old fashioned oats for Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats?
Quick oats will soften faster and the texture will be mushier—still tasty, but you’ll miss that classic chew. Old fashioned oats are what give this overnight oat recipe that perfect cinnamon roll-like bite.
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Is there a way to make Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats sugar-free?
Absolutely! Swap the brown sugar for a natural, zero-calorie sweetener like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol. For the frosting, use powdered versions of your favorite sugar-free sweetener and taste as you go.
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How can I make Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats vegan?
Choose a dairy-free milk (like almond, coconut, or oat) and use vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter for the glaze. The rest of the recipe is naturally plant-based!
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Can I double or triple this recipe for meal prep?
Yes! Simply multiply the ingredients, mix in a large bowl, and portion into jars or containers for the week. The oats will soak up the flavors and are just as delicious on day three as they are on day one!
Final Thoughts
I guarantee, one bite of these Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats and you’ll wonder why all mornings can’t begin with something so decadent yet wholesome. Give this recipe a whirl and treat yourself (and anyone lucky enough to be at your table) to cinnamon roll joy—no baking required!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours
- Yield: 1 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Mixing, Refrigerating
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy to prepare, these Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats are a perfect make-ahead breakfast option. Creamy oats infused with cinnamon and topped with a sweet cream cheese glaze make for a delightful morning treat.
Ingredients
OATS
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 2 to 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cinnamon
FROSTING TOPPING (optional)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar (more or less to taste)
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- OATS: In a bowl, combine the oats with milk, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix together well.
- Store: Place in an airtight container and refrigerate overnight or for at least 3 to 4 hours.
- FROSTING: The next morning, mix cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and milk to make a glaze.
- Serve: Drizzle the glaze on top of the oats and enjoy!
Notes
- Add collagen peptides or protein powder for extra protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 400 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
