These creamy cinnamon overnight oats taste just like a cinnamon roll in a bowl! With only 5 simple ingredients, they’re naturally sweet, gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and the perfect cozy breakfast—no bananas needed!
Update: This recipe was first published in 2022 and has been updated with more tips and step-by-step photos showing how easy it is to make cinnamon roll overnight oats at home!
Overnight oats never let me down! While I love peanut butter banana overnight oats and protein overnight oats, these creamy cinnamon oats are a personal favorite. They taste just like a cinnamon roll and are perfect for the whole family—no protein powder or yogurt needed. If you want a cozy, comforting breakfast that’s both simple and delicious, this is it.
These overnight oats are ultra-creamy with a warm cinnamon flavor that makes me think of Fall. They’re healthy, gluten-free, vegan, refined sugar-free, and dairy-free—basically, everything you could want. With just five ingredients, they’re easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy mornings (or even dessert). I can’t wait for you to try them!
Why you'll love this recipe:
- It tastes like a cinnamon roll: All the warm, cozy flavor in a healthy bowl.
- 5 Ingredients: Simple, budget-friendly, and easy to make.
- Kid-approved: A breakfast even picky eaters will enjoy.
- Great for busy mornings: Grab-and-go convenience for your day.
- Healthy breakfast: Nourishing, naturally sweet, and good for you.
Ingredients
These cinnamon overnight oats are made with just five basic ingredients that are customizable, creamy, and secretly healthy. They’re gluten-free, fiber-rich, and packed with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Milk: This is what makes the oats creamy. I love unsweetened almond milk, but you can use whatever you have—oat milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, or regular milk (skim or 2%).
- Rolled Oats: The base of any good overnight oats recipe. Stick to old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture—steel-cut oats don’t soak well, and quick oats can get mushy.
- Chia Seeds: These little guys help thicken the oats and add fiber and healthy fats. If you don’t have chia seeds, hemp hearts work too, or you can skip them.
- Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that gives these oats just the right amount of sweetness. If you prefer, you can use honey instead. Both are refined sugar-free.
- Cinnamon: The star of the recipe! It gives that warm cinnamon roll flavor—use 1 to 1.5 teaspoons, depending on how much spice you love.
- Vanilla Extract (optional): Not a must, but it adds extra cozy flavor and makes these oats taste like dessert.
Instructions
Making these cinnamon overnight oats is super easy and takes less than 5 minutes! Here’s how:
Mix: In a mason jar or container, stir together all the ingredients until the oats are fully submerged in milk.
Mix: In a mason jar or container, stir together all the ingredients until the oats are fully submerged in milk.
Serve: When ready, add your favorite toppings like bananas, walnuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup. Enjoy chilled!
Top tips
- Use Rolled Oats: For the best texture, stick to old-fashioned rolled oats. They soak up the liquid without getting too mushy!
- Enjoy Chilled: Enjoy overnight oats cold straight from the fridge. They are best enjoyed chilled.
- Stir Before Eating: Give your oats a quick stir before digging in, and add a splash of milk if you like them a little looser.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Milk: You can swap unsweetened almond milk for oat milk, skim milk, cashew milk, or 2% milk. Just keep in mind that using different milks will slightly change the flavor and texture.
- Rolled Oats: Quick oats work in a pinch, but they’ll be softer than old-fashioned rolled oats. Do NOT see steel-cut oats.
- Chia Seeds: If you don’t have chia seeds or prefer a different option, flax seeds or hemp hearts are great alternatives. Or, you can skip the seeds entirely.
Equipment
- Mason Jars or Sealable Tupperware
- Spoon or Fork
- Measuring Tools
Variations
- Make them Gluten-Free: To keep these overnight oats gluten-free, simply use certified gluten-free oats.
- Make them Dairy-Free: This cinnamon overnight oats recipe is already dairy-free, so you’re all set if you're avoiding dairy!
- Add Protein Powder: Boost protein by adding a scoop of your favorite powder. Or try these high-protein overnight oats.
- Add Yogurt: For extra creaminess and protein, mix in some yogurt. I recommend vanilla or plain yogurt. Use dairy-free if needed.
- Add Nut Butter: SStir in nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew) for flavor, healthy fats, and protein!
Storage
Store your cinnamon overnight oats in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. They make for an easy grab-and-go breakfast or snack throughout the week! Just give them a quick stir before serving, and add more milk if needed to loosen up the texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Overnight oats are an easy, no-cook version of regular oatmeal. Instead of cooking, rolled oats soak in milk overnight, absorbing the liquid and softening. This makes them easier to digest and gives them a creamy texture.
Yes, you can use quick oats, but keep in mind the texture will be softer compared to rolled oats. They'll still taste great though!
No! Steel-cut oats won’t work well for overnight oats. They won’t soften enough and won't give you that creamy texture we’re going for.
Definitely! Overnight oatmeal is packed with simple, nutritious ingredients like oats, chia seeds, and almond milk. It's an excellent source of fiber, omega-3s, and calcium, especially when using plant-based milk like almond milk.
You can! While I love them chilled, you can easily warm them up in the microwave for 30-60 seconds if you prefer them warm.
These oats stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the fridge. For the best texture and flavor, try to enjoy them within 2-3 days.
More oatmeal recipes!
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Did you make this recipe?
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📖 Recipe
Best Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- ½ cup milk, oat, almond, regular (plain or vanilla)
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats, gluten-free or regular
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds, optional
- 1 tablespoon real maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a sealable mason jar or small container, combine the milk, rolled oats, chia seeds (if using), and maple syrup. Stir well with a spoon until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed, ensuring that all oats are submerged in the milk.
- Add the cinnamon and vanilla extract to the mixture, stirring until fully combined.
- Seal the jar or container with a lid and place it in the refrigerator to soak overnight or for at least 6 hours, up to 5 days.
- When ready to serve, top the oats with sliced bananas, walnuts, or any desired fruit. For added sweetness, drizzle with a dash of maple syrup, honey, or add a dollop of peanut butter if desired. Enjoy chilled!
Notes
Nutrition
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Madison says
This recipe is what got me interested in overnight oats. It’s now a daily thing and I will never forget this delicious mix.
Nick says
Easy and so delicious!