If you love the cozy flavor of cinnamon buns but want something a little lighter (and quicker!) for busy weekday mornings, these cinnamon roll overnight oats are about to become your new favorite make-ahead breakfast recipe! They taste like dessert but are packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats-aka fuel that will actually keep you full all morning long.
I'm all about recipes that require just minutes of prep the night before and reward you with a creamy, dreamy breakfast waiting in the fridge the next morning. These overnight oats are the perfect option for meal prep, and the cream cheese + Greek yogurt topping tastes like actual cinnamon roll frosting. The best part? You only need a handful of simple ingredients!
If you love this healthy recipe, you will love my high protein tiramisu overnight oats and my apple pie overnight oats.
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Ingredients
Here's what goes into this delicious breakfast:
- Quick Oats - You can also use old fashioned oats for a thicker texture or even steel cut oats if you want extra fiber.
- Vanilla Protein Powder - I used Garden of Life 100% Whey Protein, but use your favorite scoop of protein powder!
- Chia Seeds - For fiber, healthy fats, and that creamy texture.
- Brown Sugar - Sweet brown sugar adds that cinnamon roll flavor, but you can swap for coconut sugar or pure maple syrup.
- Cinnamon - The star ingredient that makes this taste like a healthy cinnamon roll.
- Milk of Choice - Oat milk, soy milk, coconut milk, vanilla almond milk, or any plant-based milk all work here.
- Vanilla Extract or paste - A teaspoon of vanilla extract brings out all those cozy flavors.
For the topping:
- Low Fat Cream Cheese - Adds that classic cinnamon roll swirl vibe.
- Non-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt - For creaminess and protein content.
- Vanilla Bean Paste - I used the one from Trader Joe's, but any works (or swap with vanilla extract).
- Brown Sugar + Cinnamon - Sweet, cozy, and the perfect finish!
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a mason jar, airtight container, or meal prep bowl, add quick oats, protein powder, chia seeds, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir with a whisk until everything is well combined.
- Add the wet ingredients: Pour in your milk of choice and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly, scraping down the sides so the chia seeds don't stick.
- Chill overnight: Cover and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight (the longer, the creamier!).
- Make the topping: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, cream cheese, vanilla bean paste, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Serve and enjoy: Give your overnights a stir, then spoon the topping over your oats in the morning, sprinkle with extra cinnamon, and dig in!
💡 Hint: Short on time? Add the topping before refrigerating so your oats are ready to grab-and-go in the morning!
Substitutions
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free yogurt, dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based milk like oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk.
- Sweetener Options: Swap regular brown sugar with coconut sugar, maple syrup, or even honey.
- Add ins: Add flax seeds, peanut butter, or a sprinkle of chocolate chips.
- Texture Swap: Prefer a chewier bite? Use old fashioned oats instead of quick oats. Prefer a smoother bite? blend the oats first.
- Gluten-free - While this recipe does not have products that contain gluten, always check your labels to verify that the brands you are using are gluten-free and have not been cross contaminated or made in a facility that uses gluten.
- Vegan - Choose a plant based milk, protein powder, cream cheese and yogurt to make this recipe vegan.
This recipe is already vegetarian.
Variations
- Tiramisu Overnight Oats
- Apple Pie Overnight Oats
- Pumpkin Protein Overnight Oats
- Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
This healthy recipe is already toddler and kid-friendly.
Equipment
All you need to make my cinnamon roll overnight oats is:
- Mason jars or cute airtight containers for storing (great for meal prep and portioning!)
- Small whisk or spoon for mixing
If you are in the market for some great, aesthetically pleasing glass containers, you will love these for prepping your oats.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you choose to purchase through qualifying links.
Storage
These cinnamon roll overnight oats keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Perfect for prepping individual portions ahead of time for busy mornings! If the oats thicken too much, stir in a splash of your type of milk the next morning.
Christina's Dietitian Tip:
Overnight oats are a great make-ahead breakfast because they balance protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats-all in one jar! Adding chia seeds gives extra fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, while protein powder helps boost satiety so you're not reaching for snacks an hour later. It's a delicious way to keep your blood sugar steady and your energy high during busy mornings!
FAQs
Any! Oat milk gives creaminess, soy milk boosts protein, and almond milk is a light option. Use your favorite plant-based milk or dairy milk.
At least 4 hours, but overnight is best for that creamy texture.
Don't forget to check out the recipe card below and give this easy overnight oats recipe a star rating if you try it! These cinnamon roll overnight oats might just be one of the best things to ever happen to your breakfast routine.
Fall
Looking for other fall recipes like this? Try these:
Meal Prep Friendly
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Jump to: Recipe
Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Equipment
- 1 Glass Container
- 1 Whisk
Ingredients
- ⅓ Cup Quick Oats
- 2 Tablespoons Vanilla Protein Powder: I used Garden of Life 100% Whey Protein
- 2 Tablespoons Chia Seeds
- 1 Teaspoon Brown Sugar
- ½-3/4 Teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 Cup Milk of Choice
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract or Paste
For the Topping
- 1 Tablespoon Low Fat Cream Cheese
- 3 Tablespoons Non- Fat Greek Yogurt Plain
- ½ Teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste I got mine from Trader Joe's
- ½ Teaspoon Brown Sugar
- ¼ Teaspoon Cinnamon
Instructions
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a mason jar, airtight container, or meal prep bowl, add quick oats, protein powder, chia seeds, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir with a whisk until everything is well combined.
- Add the wet ingredients: Pour in your milk of choice and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly, scraping down the sides so the chia seeds don't stick.
- Chill overnight: Cover and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight (the longer, the creamier!).
- Make the topping: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, cream cheese, vanilla bean paste, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Serve and enjoy: Spoon the topping over your oats in the morning, sprinkle with extra cinnamon, and dig in!
- Hint: Short on time? Add the topping before refrigerating so your oats are ready to grab-and-go in the morning!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
Hannah says
Even though they’re cold oats these made me feel so warm inside! The cinnamon is so comforting
Marsha says
I have a question. I've never made Overnight Oats of any variety. I know I'm 5 years behind the trend. But this sounds delicious. Would it work to try heating this the next morning? Do people ever eat Overnight Oats heated? Are there variations that might work as a heated meal? We just like warm oatmeal.
christina.klapper says
Hey Marsha!! You can absolutely warm the oatmeal up before serving! Then you can top with the yogurt cream cheese topping! There are no rules here 🙂