If you’re craving a comforting breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, this Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Recipe is your dream come true. Imagine your favorite cinnamon roll transformed into a cozy, hearty bowl of oatmeal, brimming with the rich flavors of cinnamon, brown sugar, and cream cheese glaze. It’s a simple yet indulgent way to start the day, combining the wholesome goodness of oats with the irresistible taste of a bakery-fresh cinnamon roll. Once you try this Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your breakfast routine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to create a perfect balance of creaminess, sweetness, and spice. These simple pantry staples work together to give your oatmeal that distinct cinnamon roll flavor, while also providing a satisfying texture and inviting aroma.
- 1 3/4 cups milk: Creamy base that helps cook the oats and gives a rich texture.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that mimics cinnamon roll dough.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Enhances overall sweetness and balances flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the cinnamon flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and prevents the oatmeal from tasting flat.
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: The hearty heart of the dish, providing chewiness and nutrition.
- Topping – 2 tablespoons melted butter: Adds a luxurious, silky richness to the cinnamon sugar.
- Topping – 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar: Delivers the sweet, slightly tangy note essential to cinnamon rolls.
- Topping – 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon: The star spice that gives the dish its namesake aroma and flavor.
- Glaze – 1 ounce softened cream cheese: Offers tang and creaminess, mimicking that classic cinnamon roll icing.
- Glaze – 1 tablespoon milk: Adjusts glaze consistency for smooth drizzling.
- Glaze – 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the glaze with extra depth and sweetness.
- Glaze – 5 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze for that perfect drizzle.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by combining the milk, brown sugar, white sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a large saucepan. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat. This step is key — the sweetened, vanilla-infused milk is what will infuse the oats with that signature warm and cozy cinnamon roll feel.
Step 2: Cook the Oats
Once the milk mixture is boiling, stir in the rolled oats. Return to a gentle boil and let it cook, stirring occasionally for 3 to 5 minutes until the oatmeal begins to thicken. This is where you start to see that perfect creamy texture coming to life.
Step 3: Let it Rest
After the oats have thickened, cover the saucepan and remove it from the heat. Let it sit for about 3 minutes to allow the oats to absorb all the liquid and soften even more. This resting phase makes your oatmeal irresistibly creamy.
Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the packed brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir them together until fully blended. This topping captures the essence of a cinnamon roll’s sugary swirl in a simple, rich mixture that’s ready to be drizzled over your oatmeal.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze
Microwave the softened cream cheese in a small bowl for about 10 seconds until just melted and easy to stir. Then add in the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust the thickness by varying the sugar or milk until you reach the perfect glaze consistency.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Spoon the warm oatmeal into serving bowls, then drizzle with the cinnamon sugar topping. Follow it up by generously drizzling the cream cheese glaze on top. Serve warm, and get ready to enjoy a breakfast that tastes just like a cinnamon roll in oatmeal form.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Recipe, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a few raisins can bring subtle bursts of sweetness and texture that complement the creamy oats beautifully. Don’t be shy with a little extra drizzle of the cream cheese glaze for that bakery-fresh look!
Side Dishes
This oatmeal pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit on the side—think juicy berries or sliced apples to add brightness and balance. If you want a protein boost, a side of Greek yogurt or a handful of almonds makes the meal feel complete and energizing for the day ahead.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering your Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Recipe in clear glass parfait cups with alternating layers of oatmeal, extra cinnamon sugar topping, and glaze. This not only looks stunning at the breakfast table but also gives you a fun tasting experience with every spoonful. Another idea is to add a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of extra cinnamon for a decadent finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The oats will thicken as they cool, so just add a splash of milk when reheating to return it to that perfect creamy consistency.
Freezing
While oatmeal doesn’t always freeze perfectly due to texture changes, you can freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your oatmeal gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of milk to loosen it up. Give it a good stir midway through reheating so it warms evenly and stays creamy. Don’t forget to refresh the glaze and topping for that fresh-out-of-the-oven cinnamon roll feel!
FAQs
Can I use water instead of milk for this Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Recipe?
While you technically can, using milk adds a creamy texture and richer flavor that water can’t replicate. For the best cinnamon roll taste, go with milk or even a milk alternative like almond or oat milk.
Is it okay to use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
Old-fashioned rolled oats maintain a better texture for this recipe since they hold up well during cooking and don’t turn mushy as quickly as quick oats. Quick oats will cook faster but may lead to a less pleasant consistency.
Can I prepare the cinnamon sugar topping and glaze in advance?
Absolutely! Both the cinnamon sugar topping and cream cheese glaze can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just warm the topping slightly if the butter hardens, and give the glaze a quick stir before serving.
How sweet is this Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Recipe? Can I reduce the sugar?
The recipe is moderately sweet, aiming to capture that cinnamon roll flavor without overpowering. Feel free to adjust sugar amounts to suit your taste, especially if you prefer a less sweet breakfast.
Is this recipe suitable for a diabetic-friendly diet?
This recipe includes sugars and cream cheese glaze, so it may need modification for diabetic-friendly diets. Consider reducing sugars or using sugar substitutes and consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a little extra joy to your mornings. It blends the comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll with the wholesome goodness of oats, making breakfast feel like a special treat without the guilt. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite breakfast that warms your heart and fills your belly with happiness.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 2.2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in a cozy breakfast with this Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal recipe that combines creamy, warm oats with a cinnamon-sugar topping and a luscious cream cheese glaze. This easy stovetop oatmeal dish mimics the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll without the fuss of baking, perfect for a comforting start to your day.
Ingredients
Oatmeal
- 1 3/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
Glaze
- 1 ounce cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Boil liquids: In a large saucepan, combine milk, brown sugar, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, ensuring the sugars dissolve completely to create a sweet base for your oatmeal.
- Cook oats: Stir in the rolled oats and return the mixture to a boil. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes until the oats begin to thicken and absorb the liquid, achieving a creamy texture.
- Let oatmeal sit: Cover the saucepan and remove it from the heat. Let the oatmeal sit for about 3 minutes to fully thicken and set.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, light brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined. This topping will add a rich, cinnamon-sweet flavor to the oatmeal.
- Melt cream cheese: Microwave the softened cream cheese in a small bowl for about 10 seconds, just until it softens enough to mix smoothly but not fully liquid.
- Make glaze: Stir in the confectioners’ sugar into the cream cheese until well combined and creamy.
- Add liquids to glaze: Add milk and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture and stir until the glaze is smooth and creamy.
- Adjust glaze consistency: If the glaze is too thin, add a little more confectioners’ sugar to thicken it; if it’s too thick, add a bit more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- Assemble serving: Spoon the desired amount of oatmeal into a serving bowl. Drizzle over some of the cinnamon sugar topping, then finish with a drizzle of the cream cheese glaze for that perfect cinnamon roll flavor.
- Serve warm: Enjoy your cinnamon roll oatmeal while warm for the best taste and comforting experience.
Notes
- Old-fashioned rolled oats are preferred for a creamy yet textured oatmeal; quick oats will become mushy and steel-cut oats require longer cooking.
- You can substitute milk with any plant-based milk for a dairy-free version, adjusting cooking times slightly.
- For a richer flavor, try using half-and-half or adding a pinch of nutmeg to the oatmeal.
- The glaze can be prepared in advance and refrigerated; warm slightly before serving for easy drizzling.
- Adjust sweetness to taste by modifying the sugar quantities.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger servings.
