These cinnamon roll overnight oats are creamy, perfectly sweet, and packed with cozy cinnamon-vanilla flavor. Cottage cheese adds a subtle savory richness that reminds me of cream cheese icing, so they genuinely taste like a cinnamon roll in breakfast form.
Even better, they’re packed with protein without protein powder, plus fiber and healthy fats from oats and ground flaxseed. Prep them in about 5 minutes, pop them in the fridge, and wake up to a breakfast you’ll actually be excited to eat.
“These were so delicious! It really does taste like a cinnamon roll! I’ll definitely be making these again.”
Why You’ll Love This Dietitian-Made Recipe
- They really taste like a cinnamon roll: Cinnamon, vanilla, and maple give these oats that cozy bakery-inspired flavor. Cottage cheese adds a subtle savory richness that reminds me of cream cheese icing without making the oats taste cheesy.
- Protein without protein powder: Cottage cheese and milk add protein without a drop of protein powder. I like using a higher-protein milk like Fairlife to bump it up even more.
- Easy meal-prep breakfast: Overnight oats are a weekly staple in my house because they take minutes to prep and hold up well in the fridge. This version keeps breakfast interesting while still being easy enough for busy mornings.
Need more overnight oats recipes? Try my blueberry cheesecake overnight oats, Nutella overnight oats (another protein powder-free recipe), or classic protein overnight oats.
Key Ingredients and Swaps
Rolled oats: The base of this easy breakfast and a source of whole grains and fiber. You can swap for quick oats, but don’t use instant oats or steel cut.
Ground flaxseed: Adds a subtle nutty flavor that works especially well with cinnamon. It also helps thicken the oats while adding fiber and healthy fats.
Milk: Use your preferred milk here. I like a higher-protein option like Fairlife since this recipe doesn’t use protein powder.
Cottage cheese: This is the secret to both the nutrition and cinnamon-roll flavor. You don’t notice the curds once everything has soaked, but cottage cheese adds protein and a subtle savory richness that’s surprisingly reminiscent of cream cheese icing.
Maple syrup: Two teaspoons gives these oats just the right amount of sweetness — sweet enough to feel cinnamon-roll-inspired, without tasting overly sweet for breakfast.
Cinnamon: Essential for that cozy cinnamon roll flavor.
Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredient list and measurements.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Step 1: Add all ingredients to your jar or container.
Step 2: Stir, cover, and chill overnight. Add your favorite toppings right before eating, and enjoy!
Topping Ideas
These are delicious straight from the fridge with no toppings at all, but you can dress them up when you feel like it. My top choice would be chopped walnuts or pecans for some extra crunch.
You could also try sliced banana, a chopped date, berries, nut butter, or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon!
If you’re still learning to love oats, explore my other oat recipes like peanut butter baked oatmeal, protein baked oats, or these blender oatmeal pancakes.
Miranda’s Tips
Tips From My Test Kitchen
- Don’t worry about the cottage cheese curds: I mix the cottage cheese straight into the oats and don’t notice the texture once they’ve soaked. If cottage cheese still makes you nervous, blend it with the milk first for a completely smooth base.
- Use cottage cheese for the best cinnamon roll flavor: Plain Greek yogurt can work in its place, but I don’t think it tastes quite as much like a cinnamon roll. The slightly savory flavor of cottage cheese is part of what gives these oats that cream-cheese-icing vibe.
- Use protein-rich milk for an extra boost: Since there’s no protein powder in this recipe, I like using Fairlife or another higher-protein milk to add even more protein without changing the flavor or texture.
Storage
Store cinnamon roll overnight oats covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. This makes them a great option for prepping a few breakfasts at once.
The texture holds up well, but you can stir in a splash of milk before eating if they become thicker than you like.
Common Questions
Yes. Plain Greek yogurt should work as a substitute, but it will change the flavor slightly. I prefer cottage cheese here because its subtle savory flavor makes the finished oats taste more reminiscent of a cinnamon roll with cream cheese icing.
I think these taste best cold. If you prefer them slightly warmer, microwave them gently for about 10–15 seconds. Avoid heating them for too long. The oats are already thick from soaking overnight, so cooking them further can make them overly thick and dry.
Yes, you can add half to one scoop of protein powder. I recommend sticking to unflavored or vanilla, and adjusting the maple syrup as needed. Protein powder may thicken the oats, so you may need an extra splash of milk before letting them set in the fridge.
More Overnight Oats Recipes
Nutella Overnight Oats
Peanut Butter & Jelly Overnight Oats
Apple Pie Overnight Oats
Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
Blueberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
Peach Cobbler Overnight Oats
Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Equipment
- glass jar or food container
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1/2 cup milk, I prefer high-protein milk like Fairlife
- 1/4 cup cottage cheese, I recommend 2% or whole milk
- 2 tsp maple syrup, adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Stir: Add all ingredients to a glass jar or food container. Nervous about the texture of cottage cheese? See notes!
- Cover: Stir, cover, and refrigerate for at least four hours, or ideally, overnight.
- Enjoy: Keep overnight oats stored in the fridge for up three days. Enjoy straight from the fridge, and add your favorite toppings right before eating.
Notes
- For a smoother texture: If you don’t love cottage cheese and want to completely disguise the texture, blend the cottage cheese and milk before adding to your jar. This isn’t necessary since you don’t notice the curds once soaked, but it’s a good option that I’ve also tested!
- Topping ideas: Try chopped walnuts or pecans, sliced banana, chopped dates, nut butter, berries, or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon.
- To serve warm: These are best cold, but you can microwave them for 10–15 seconds if preferred. Avoid overheating or the oats can become too thick and dry.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Delicious! I eat overnight oats almost daily and am always looking for new ways to change them up. I had no issues with the texture/flavor of the cottage cheese in these (although, I do like cottage cheese). Definitely will be making again!
These were so delicious! It really does taste like a cinnamon roll! I’ll definitely be making these again.
One of my go to recipes, I sometimes swap out the cottage cheese for Greek yogurt. Yum!
We had this for breakfast this morning and it was SO delicious. We’re going to do a couple more of your overnight oats recipes this weekend!
YAY so glad you enjoyed them!!