Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Try these healthy cinnamon roll overnight oats for your next meal prep. This delicious recipe makes an easy breakfast or snack.
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These might just be the best overnight oats I’ve ever had.
And it’s not just because cottage cheese is having a cultural moment right now. Although as a registered dietitian, I couldn’t be happier to see this nutritious, high-protein staple finally getting the love it deserves.
It’s because these nourishing ingredients actually come together to taste like a cinnamon roll. The maple syrup and vanilla add that familiar sweet, bakery goodness. The cottage cheese gives cream cheese frosting vibes. And the oats and flax give that satisfying chewy texture.
Even better? This incredibly delicious recipe is as nourishing as it is crave-worthy. You’ll be adding these cinnamon roll overnight oats to your easy meal prep rotation for sure.
Reasons to love cinnamon roll overnight oats
This easy recipe is delicious and nutrient-dense. Here are just a few reasons you’ll want to make it again and again:
- Easy – you truly couldn’t ask for a faster or more fool-proof recipe than this. All you need is 5 minutes, a few common kitchen tools, and 8 easy-to-find ingredients.
- Filling – this recipe is designed to be nutritionally balanced to keep you full and energized for hours. It’s got loads of filling fiber and protein!
- Hot or cold – did you know you can enjoy most overnight oats recipes hot or cold? I love these overnight oats heated in the microwave for an extra cozy breakfast.
- Good for your gut – the oats and flaxseed used in this recipe provide important fiber to keep your bowel moving and promote long-term gut health.
- Kid-friendly – why make separate meals when you can prep healthy recipes the whole family can enjoy? Try this recipe with a little less cinnamon for the kiddos.
Ingredients and swaps
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.
How to make
Make these creamy cinnamon roll overnight oats in just four easy steps:
- Add milk, cottage cheese, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt to a blender. Blend until smooth, about 10-15 seconds.
- Pour 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 eating.
These cinnamon roll overnight oats can be enjoyed warm or cold! Just heat in the microwave before serving for a cozy breakfast option.
Toppings for overnight oats
Extra toppings add extra nutrition and satisfaction. Here are some ideas:
- Nuts like crushed walnuts, sliced almonds, or pecans
- Fruit like sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries
- Extra sweetener like maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar
- Scoop of blended cottage cheese or greek yogurt for ‘icing’
- Sprinkle of seeds like hemp hearts, pumpkin seeds, or extra flax
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 cinnamon roll overnight oats
Overnight oats can be stored in the fridge for up to four days in an airtight container.
Can you eat overnight oats warm?
Yes, you can eat overnight oats warm! In fact, it’s my preferred way to serve them.
If you want to enjoy these cinnamon overnight oats warm, 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.
More sweet breakfasts
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
- Blender
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.*
