Wake up to the irresistible aroma and flavor of fresh cinnamon rolls transformed into a creamy breakfast bowl. These cinnamon roll overnight oats capture every bit of that bakery magic—the sweet cinnamon swirl, the soft dough texture, and yes, even the cream cheese icing drizzle.
Each spoonful delivers warming cinnamon sweetness wrapped in silky, tender oats. The cream cheese topping melts into the oats, creating pockets of tangy richness that perfectly balance the brown sugar and spice.
This is indulgence you can feel good about. No yeast, no waiting, no guilt—just pure cinnamon roll bliss ready when you are.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe
The taste is pure heaven. Brown sugar and cinnamon create that signature sweet-spice flavor that makes cinnamon rolls irresistible. The cream cheese topping adds tangy richness that cuts through the sweetness, just like real icing should.
The texture is remarkably similar to actual cinnamon roll dough. The oats become tender and slightly chewy overnight, absorbing all that cinnamon-sugar goodness. Swirls of cinnamon mixture create pockets of concentrated flavor throughout.
The aroma will make your mouth water before you even take a bite. That intoxicating scent of cinnamon and vanilla fills your kitchen and makes breakfast the best part of your day. This overnight oats recipe delivers bakery vibes with zero baking required.
Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Ingredients
Here’s what you need for cinnamon roll magic:
- Rolled oats
- Milk of choice
- Greek yogurt
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Maple syrup or honey
- Vanilla extract
- Chia seeds
- Pinch of sea salt
For the cream cheese topping:
- Cream cheese, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
The cream cheese topping is non-negotiable. It’s what transforms these from good cinnamon oats into actual cinnamon roll overnight oats that taste like the real deal.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Follow these steps for bakery-worthy results:
- Mix rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla, and chia seeds in a jar or bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon to create the swirl mixture.
- Add half the cinnamon-sugar mixture to the oats and stir gently.
- Swirl in the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture, leaving visible streaks for texture.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours.
- Make the cream cheese topping by whisking softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and drizzle-able.
- In the morning, stir the oats and drizzle generously with cream cheese topping.
- Add extra cinnamon on top for presentation and aroma.
The swirling technique is key. Don’t overmix—those cinnamon ribbons create bursts of flavor that make every bite exciting. This overnight oats easy method delivers complex flavor with simple technique.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Maximize that cinnamon roll experience with these tricks:
Use brown sugar instead of white sugar. It provides deeper, more complex sweetness with molasses notes that mimic real cinnamon roll dough.
Soften cream cheese completely before making the topping. Cold cream cheese creates lumps that won’t drizzle smoothly over your oats.
Don’t fully stir the cinnamon swirl. Leave it marbled throughout for pockets of concentrated sweetness that surprise your taste buds.
Warm them slightly before serving. Thirty seconds in the microwave makes the oats extra comforting and releases more cinnamon aroma.
Make extra cream cheese topping. You’ll want to drizzle it generously, and leftovers taste amazing on fresh fruit or toast.
Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Variations
Transform this sweet base into new morning adventures:
Ryze Overnight Oats Recipe Enhancement: Stir in mushroom coffee powder for earthy complexity that grounds the sweetness. The adaptogens provide calm, sustained energy while the mushroom umami surprisingly complements the cinnamon spice, creating balanced flavor and all-day focus.
Overnight Oats High Protein Version: Add vanilla protein powder and increase Greek yogurt to boost protein content. Mix in chopped pecans for extra protein and crunch that mimics cinnamon roll texture perfectly.
Overnight Oats Low Calorie Option: Use unsweetened almond milk and reduce brown sugar by half. Skip the cream cheese topping or make it with light cream cheese and stevia for guilt-free indulgence without sacrificing flavor.
Overnight Oats Aesthetic Presentation: Layer in a clear jar with plain oat mixture on bottom, cinnamon swirl in the middle, and cream cheese drizzle cascading down the sides. Top with a cinnamon stick and crushed pecans for gorgeous overnight oats aesthetic appeal.
Overnight Oats Healthy Twist: Add ground flaxseed, chia seeds, and mashed banana for natural sweetness. These make your overnight oats healthy with fiber and omega-3s while maintaining that cinnamon roll taste.
Creative Overnight Oats Ideas: Fold in raisins or chopped dates for extra sweetness and chewy texture. Add a tablespoon of cream cheese directly into the oats before refrigerating for tangy richness throughout.
Overnight Oats in a Jar Parfait: Create stunning layers alternating between oat mixture and cream cheese. Top with toasted pecans and a drizzle of caramel for an elevated presentation perfect for brunch guests.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Complete your sweet breakfast spread:
Hot coffee or a latte pairs perfectly with the sweet cinnamon flavors and balances the richness beautifully.
Fresh berries on the side add bright, tart contrast that cuts through the sweetness and adds color to your plate.
Scrambled eggs with chives provide savory protein that balances the dessert-like oats and keeps you fuller longer.
Turkey sausage links add satisfying savory notes that make the meal feel more complete and balanced.
Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats FAQs
Can I make this overnight oats recipe without cream cheese topping?
You can, but you’ll miss the signature tangy richness that makes these taste like actual cinnamon rolls. Try Greek yogurt mixed with honey as a lighter alternative that still provides that tangy element.
How do I prevent the cinnamon from clumping?
Mix the cinnamon with brown sugar before adding to the oats. The sugar helps disperse the cinnamon evenly and creates those beautiful swirls instead of grainy clumps throughout your overnight oats in a jar.
Can I prep these for the whole week?
Make the oat base for up to 5 days, but prepare the cream cheese topping fresh or store it separately. The topping can thicken too much over several days, making it harder to drizzle beautifully over your morning bowl.
Final Thoughts on Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
This recipe proves that you don’t need a bakery to enjoy cinnamon roll magic. The sweet cinnamon swirls, creamy texture, and tangy cream cheese topping create a breakfast that tastes like pure indulgence.
Whether you’re craving something sweet or need breakfast that feels special, these overnight oats deliver every time. Make a batch tonight and wake up to cinnamon roll perfection without touching your oven.
Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Equipment
- jar or airtight container
- small mixing bowl
- whisk or spoon
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup rolled oats
- 0.5 cup milk of choice
- 0.25 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk (for icing)
- 0.25 tsp vanilla extract (for icing)
Instructions
- In a jar or bowl, mix rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until combined.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon to make the cinnamon swirl mixture.
- Stir half of the cinnamon sugar into the oats. Swirl in the remaining mixture gently, leaving visible ribbons.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight until thick and creamy.
- Whisk softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and drizzle-able.
- In the morning, stir oats lightly and drizzle with cream cheese icing. Sprinkle extra cinnamon if desired.