Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
These cinnamon roll overnight oats are creamy, perfectly spiced, and just sweet enough to feel like a treat. They’ve got all the cozy flavor of a cinnamon roll, but in a quick, no-cook breakfast you can grab straight from the fridge.
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These might be the best overnight oats I’ve ever had, and not just because cottage cheese is finally having its moment. As a dietitian, I love that it’s high in protein and incredibly versatile, but what really matters here is the flavor. These oats actually taste like a cinnamon roll, with maple syrup and vanilla bringing that sweet, bakery-style warmth, and the cottage cheese giving subtle cream cheese frosting energy. The oats and flax add just the right amount of chew to keep it satisfying. It’s cozy, crave-worthy, and just happens to be packed with nourishing ingredients too.
What Makes Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats So Irresistible
- Ridiculously easy: No cooking, no fancy tools. Just stir everything together in five minutes and pop it in the fridge. It’s as simple as it gets, and the payoff is big.
- Cozy, bakery-style flavor: With warm cinnamon, maple, and vanilla, these oats taste like something you’d get from a coffee shop pastry case, only you made them at home in your pajamas.
- Filling in the best way: Between the oats, flax, and cottage cheese, this breakfast actually sticks with you. It’s creamy, chewy, and balanced enough to keep you going for hours.
- Hot or cold: They’re great straight from the fridge, but even better warmed up. A quick spin in the microwave turns them into a bowl of cinnamon roll comfort.
- Family-friendly: This recipe is perfectly sweet, spiced, and easy to adjust. Dial back the cinnamon for younger eaters, and add your favorite mix-ins.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to make these overnight oats that taste like cinnamon buns!
- Milk – I like regular cow’s milk for the extra protein, but you could also use soy milk (another high protein choice), almond milk, oat milk, or whatever alternative you prefer!
- Cottage cheese – Blended with milk and other ingredients before being used to soak the oats. It gives a protein boost and a cream cheese frosting-like flavor! You can swap with yogurt if needed, but it won’t taste as close to a cinnamon bun.
- Maple syrup – Honey, brown sugar, or any sweetener of choice will work too.
- Vanilla extract – I wouldn’t recommend skipping this, but it can be omitted if you don’t have any on hand. It adds lots of flavor!
- Cinnamon – What would cinnamon roll overnight oats be without the cinnamon?
- Salt – A little salt helps highlight and balance sweet flavors. We just use a pinch!
- Ground flaxseed – Ground flaxseed brings healthy fats and extra fiber, and its slightly gritty texture is an ode to that cinnamon-sugar filling in a traditional cinnamon bun.
- Old fashioned oats – Also known as ‘large flake’ or ‘rolled’ oats. You could also use quick oats here (not instant), but the texture won’t be as pleasant.
These cinnamon roll overnight oats can be enjoyed warm or cold! Just heat in the microwave before serving for a cozy breakfast option.
Toppings and Mix-In Ideas
Toppings are where you can really make these oats your own. They add texture, flavor, and that little extra something that makes breakfast feel satisfying and complete. Here are some favorite ideas to try:
- Crushed nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or sliced almonds add crunch and a toasty, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon and maple in the oats.
- Fresh fruit: Sliced banana brings natural sweetness and that classic cinnamon roll vibe. Strawberries or blueberries add a juicy, bright contrast that keeps things from feeling too heavy.
- A little extra sweetness: If you like your oats on the sweeter side, drizzle with maple syrup, a spoonful of honey, or a sprinkle of brown sugar just before serving.
- Blended cottage cheese or Greek yogurt: For that “cream cheese frosting” feel, add a dollop of whipped cottage cheese or thick Greek yogurt on top. It’s rich, tangy, and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Seeds for texture: Sprinkle on hemp hearts, pumpkin seeds, or extra flax for a bit of crunch and a subtle nutty flavor. They also help keep you full a little longer.
Kitchen tools
Here are the tools you’ll need to make this recipe:
- Blender (we have this in our kitchen!)
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Overnight oats container
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How to Store & Serve
Overnight oats can be stored in the fridge for up to four days in an airtight container.
When you’re ready to eat them, you can enjoy them hot or cold. Yes, you can eat overnight oats warm! In fact, it’s my preferred way to serve them.
- To warm your oats: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl before serving. Heat in the microwave for 45-60 seconds, stirring every 15 seconds. Add toppings immediately before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rolled oats, old fashioned oats, and large flake oats all refer to the same variety. You could also use quick oats, but the texture will not be as pleasant. I do not recommend using instant oats or steel cut oats for this recipe.
Blending the cottage cheese will create a smoother texture. You do not have to blend the cottage cheese if you do not have access to a blender or are low on energy!
You could add more protein to these overnight oats by adding half a scoop of protein powder, 2 tbsp of hemp hearts, or serving with a big dollop of greek yogurt.
Yes, you can use yogurt instead of cottage cheese. I’d recommend using plain greek yogurt for a high-protein and low-sugar option. Please note that yogurt will add a tangier and slightly sour taste to the final product, but it will still be delicious.
Yes, simply multiply this single-serve recipe by the number of portions you’d like to prepare. For example, multiply the ingredients by four if you’d like to make four jars of overnight oats. I’d recommend storing each portion individually.
Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup cottage cheese
- 2 tsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon, or more!
- pinch salt
- 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
Equipment
Instructions
- Add milk, cottage cheese, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt to a blender. Blend until smooth, about 10-15 seconds.
- Pour the milk mixture into a small jar or food storage container. Add oats and ground flaxseed, and mix well until combined.
- Cover with a lid and refrigerate overnight, or for at least three hours.
- When you’re ready to eat, transfer oats to a bowl. Add toppings right before serving.*
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!!