Oh my gosh, you HAVE to try these cinnamon roll overnight oats – they’re my absolute favorite grab-and-go breakfast! I swear, this recipe saved my mornings when I was running late for work last month (again). Picture this: all that cozy cinnamon-sugar goodness from your favorite pastry, but packed into a healthy jar you can eat with one hand while chasing the bus.
Here’s my confession: I used to skip breakfast constantly until I discovered overnight oats. Now? I’ve got these cinnamon roll flavored jars lined up in my fridge every Sunday like little meal prep soldiers. The best part? They take literally 5 minutes to throw together before bed. Just stir, stash in the fridge, and wake up to creamy, dreamy oats that taste like dessert (but won’t leave you crashing by 10am).
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Listen, I’m not exaggerating when I say these cinnamon roll overnight oats will change your morning routine forever. Here’s why:
- Morning lifesaver: Takes 5 minutes to prep the night before – no cooking, no mess, just grab and go
- Healthier than the real thing: All that cinnamon roll flavor without the sugar crash (but still feels indulgent)
- Meal prep magic: Makes 3-4 jars at once for the whole workweek – breakfast DONE
- Totally customizable: Add nuts, fruit, or protein powder depending on your mood
- Creamy dreamy texture: The chia seeds and yogurt make it luxuriously thick – way better than regular oatmeal
Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever survived mornings without them!
Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Okay, let’s gather our cinnamon roll magic! Here’s everything you’ll need for one perfect jar (but I always double or triple this – trust me, you’ll want more). The base ingredients are non-negotiable for that signature creamy texture, but the toppings? That’s where the fun begins!
- The must-haves: 1 cup rolled oats, 1 cup milk (I use almond, but any works), ¼ cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon chia seeds (trust me on these!), 1 ½ tablespoons maple syrup (or honey), ½ teaspoon cinnamon (don’t skimp!), ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, pinch of salt
- The fun extras: Sliced banana, chopped pecans or almonds, extra maple syrup drizzle, Greek yogurt or cream cheese glaze (my secret weapon!), another sprinkle of cinnamon because why not?
See? Nothing fancy – just simple ingredients that transform overnight into something magical. Now let’s make some breakfast dreams come true!
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Alright, let’s make some breakfast magic happen! This is seriously the easiest thing you’ll make all week – I promise. The hardest part? Remembering to make it before bed (but once you taste these, you won’t forget!).
Mixing the Base
Grab your favorite jar or container – I use mason jars because they’re cute and portable. Dump in the oats first (that’s your foundation!), then pour in the milk. Now here’s my secret: whisk the yogurt with the maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon in a separate little bowl first. It blends way better this way! Then add it to the jar along with the chia seeds and that pinch of salt. Stir everything really well – I like to use a chopstick to get into the corners. The mixture should look like a creamy, speckled (thanks to the cinnamon) dream at this point.
Refrigerating for Best Results
Now comes the hard part – waiting! Pop the lid on and stash it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. This is when the magic happens: the chia seeds plump up, the oats soften, and all those flavors become best friends. I swear I can hear them having a party in there sometimes. Don’t peek too early though – the full 4 hours makes all the difference in texture.
Adding Toppings
Morning time! Give your oats a good stir – they might look a bit separated, but that’s normal. Add a splash of milk if it’s too thick for your taste. Now the fun part: toppings! I always go for banana slices (they make it taste even more like cinnamon rolls) and a handful of chopped pecans for crunch. A drizzle of extra maple syrup and maybe a quick yogurt glaze if I’m feeling fancy. The best part? You can change up the toppings every day to keep it exciting!
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Okay, I’ve made enough batches of these cinnamon roll overnight oats to know ALL the tricks. Here are my can’t-live-without tips:
- Taste before refrigerating: Dip a spoon in right after mixing – if it’s not sweet enough, add another drizzle of maple syrup. The flavors mellow overnight.
- Protein boost: Stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder with the dry ingredients for an extra filling breakfast.
- Gluten-free? Just swap in certified GF oats – they work exactly the same.
- Texture tip: If your oats get too thick, stir in milk 1 tablespoon at a time until perfect.
- Morning hack: Keep toppings prepped in small containers so you can grab-and-go without thinking!
Trust me, these little tweaks make all the difference between good oats and “oh wow” oats!
Ingredient Substitutions & Notes
Listen, I get it – sometimes you’re staring into your fridge at midnight realizing you’re out of almond milk. No panic! Here’s how to adapt these cinnamon roll overnight oats with what you’ve got:
- Milk swaps: Any milk works – dairy, oat, soy, even coconut (just shake the can well). Water works in a pinch but won’t be as creamy.
- Sweetener options: Honey, agave, or brown sugar instead of maple syrup – just adjust to taste. For sugar-free, try monk fruit sweetener.
- Chia seed hack: No chia seeds? Use 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal instead – same thickening power!
- Yogurt alternatives: Dairy-free yogurt works great, or skip it and add an extra tablespoon of chia seeds.
The beauty of this recipe? It’s practically foolproof – just keep the liquid-to-oats ratio the same and you’re golden!
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Here’s my weekly routine – every Sunday night, I line up 4 mason jars and make a whole batch of these cinnamon roll overnight oats. They keep perfectly in the fridge for up to 3 days (though mine never last that long!). The chia seeds actually help them stay fresh longer – no weird separation or mushiness.
Pro tip: Skip the toppings until morning if you’re prepping ahead. Just keep sliced bananas and nuts in separate little containers. And the best part? No reheating needed – these taste amazing cold straight from the fridge. Perfect for those mornings when you’re running out the door with breakfast in one hand and your keys in the other!
Nutritional Information for Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but let me tell you why I feel SO good about starting my day with these oats! One jar (with all the fixings) comes in around 350 calories – way better than that drive-thru breakfast sandwich I used to grab. You’re getting a solid 18g of protein from the Greek yogurt and chia seeds, plus 8g of fiber to keep you full till lunch.
The sugar content (about 15g) comes mostly from the maple syrup and banana – nothing refined here! Of course, these numbers are estimates and will change based on your toppings. Want to cut back? Just go lighter on the syrup drizzle. Either way, it’s a breakfast you can feel good about!
FAQ About Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
I get SO many questions about these oats – here are the ones that pop up most often!
Can I use steel-cut oats instead?
Oh honey, don’t do it! Steel-cut oats need way more liquid and time to soften – you’ll end up with crunchy oats that taste like disappointment. Stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for that perfect creamy texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It absolutely can be! Just grab certified gluten-free oats (they exist, I promise). All the other ingredients are naturally GF, so you’re good to go.
Can I make these without chia seeds?
Sure, but they won’t be as thick and luscious. If you must skip them, add an extra tablespoon of yogurt or try flaxseed meal instead. But trust me – chia seeds are worth it for that pudding-like texture!
How long do these high protein breakfast jars last?
They’re perfect for meal prep! Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days – any longer and the bananas get sad. Pro tip: Prep the base mixture ahead and add fresh toppings each morning.
Can I heat them up?
You can, but I love them cold! If you prefer warm oats, microwave for 30-60 seconds and stir well. Just know the texture changes slightly – still delicious though!
Share Your Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
I LIVE for seeing your oat creations! Snap a pic of your masterpiece and tag me on Instagram – I’ll feature my favorites in stories! Or leave a review below telling me how you customized your jar. Nothing makes me happier than hearing how these oats made your mornings better!
PrintIrresistible Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats in 5 Minutes
A healthy grab-and-go breakfast with the flavors of cinnamon rolls, perfect for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk of choice (almond, oat, or whole milk)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 ½ tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 banana, sliced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped pecans or almonds (optional)
- Extra drizzle of maple syrup (optional)
- Greek yogurt or cream cheese glaze drizzle (optional)
- Extra sprinkle of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- In a jar or bowl, combine oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. Stir well.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- In the morning, stir the oats and add a splash of milk if needed.
- Top with banana slices and chopped nuts.
- Drizzle with maple syrup and yogurt glaze, then sprinkle with cinnamon.
Notes
- Use gluten-free oats if needed.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 5mg

