Cinnamon overnight oats are such a cozy way to start the day! The creamy rolled oats soak overnight, absorbing all that warm cinnamon flavor for a delicious breakfast that comes together while you sleep. They’re just what you need for those chaotic, busy mornings. For more ideas, check out these delicious overnight oat recipes.
Key Ingredients
Overnight oats with cinnamon are easy to make with just a few simple ingredients, and you can finish them with all your favorite toppings. Here’s a breakdown of what you need.
- Oats: Old-fashioned oats are the best option for overnight oats. Steel cut oats end up chewy because they take longer to absorb liquid, while quick oats turn out mushy.
- Chia Seeds: Chia seeds add a smooth, silky texture to overnight oats. You can leave them out if you prefer, or try a substitute for chia seeds.
- Cinnamon: A pinch of ground cinnamon adds a savory, warm flavor to the oats.
- Milk: Prepare the oats with water or your choice of milk. I’ve tried making the oats with many options, but I think unsweetened almond milk or creamy oat milk tastes best with the ground cinnamon.
- Sweetener: Sweeten your cinnamon overnight oats with a splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of light brown sugar.
Additions and Substitutions
The best thing about making overnight oats is that you can easily mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand.
Swap the sweetener for pure maple syrup, honey, agave syrup, or even a sugar-free option like monk fruit.
Top the easy overnight oats with a pinch of cinnamon, fresh fruit, chopped nuts (like almonds, pecans, or walnuts), coconut flakes, a dollop of yogurt, or melt your favorite nut or seed butter to drizzle over the top.
How to Make Cinnamon Overnight Oats
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Mix oats, chia seeds, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in an airtight container or glass jar.
Step 2: Whisk the milk and vanilla extract together, then pour the mixture over the oats and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Expert Tips
- Find the perfect ratio. I usually stick to a 1:1 ratio of oats to liquid when making overnight oats. However, I recommend adjusting the liquid if you include mix-ins like chia seeds that tend to absorb extra liquid.
- Use the right container. Use Mason jars or airtight containers with a little extra space since the oats and any mix-ins you include (like seeds, fruit, yogurt, or nuts) will expand as they soak up the liquid.
- Do you have to soak the oats overnight? Even though they’re called “overnight” oats, they only need about 2–3 hours to soften up and become ready to eat—the longer the oats soak, the creamier and more tender they’ll be.
- Stir to combine. Give the oat mixture a good stir before digging in. If the oats feel a little dry after sitting overnight, just add a splash of milk.
If you enjoy cinnamon overnight oats, try more breakfast recipes!
Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon overnight oats are an easy breakfast option you can enjoy straight from the fridge for a grab-and-go treat on busy weekday mornings. If you like them warm, just microwave the oats in 30-second increments, stirring in between, before adding your toppings.
Finish your easy overnight oats with a pinch of cinnamon, fresh fruit, chocolate chips, chopped nuts (like almonds, pecans, or walnuts), coconut flakes, a dollop of yogurt, or melt your favorite nut or seed butter to drizzle over the top.
How Long do Overnight Oats Last?
Overnight oats will keep in the fridge for up to five days, making them perfect for weekly meal prep! Store them in the same airtight container or jar you used to make them. If they seem a little dry after sitting, just add a splash of milk and give them a quick stir.
More Overnight Oats Recipes:
Cinnamon Overnight Oats
- Airtight Container or Mason Jar
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1½ cup milk of choice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Mix oats, chia seeds, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in an airtight container or glass jar.
- Whisk the milk and vanilla extract together, then pour the mixture over the oats and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Find the perfect ratio. I usually stick to a 1:1 ratio of oats to liquid when making overnight oats. However, I recommend adjusting the liquid if you include mix-ins like chia seeds that tend to absorb extra liquid.
- Use the right container. Use Mason jars or airtight containers with a little extra space since the oats and any mix-ins you include (like seeds, fruit, yogurt, or nuts) will expand as they soak up the liquid.
- Do you have to soak the oats overnight? Even though they’re called “overnight” oats, they only need about 2–3 hours to soften up and become ready to eat—the longer the oats soak, the creamier and more tender they’ll be.
- Stir to combine. Give everything a good stir before digging in. If the oats feel a little dry after sitting overnight, just add a splash of milk.