Start your day with the warm, comforting flavor of a freshly baked oatmeal cookie with this recipe for Easy Brown Sugar Cinnamon Overnight Oats. This simple, no-cook breakfast is the ultimate meal-prep solution, combining hearty rolled oats with the rich, molasses sweetness of brown sugar and a cozy hint of cinnamon. It’s a healthy, satisfying, and incredibly delicious way to ensure you have a great breakfast waiting for you, even on the busiest mornings.
This recipe takes just five minutes to mix together the night before, and the refrigerator does all the work. You’ll wake up to a thick, creamy, and perfectly sweet breakfast that’s ready to grab and go. It’s a simple, wholesome classic that will quickly become a staple in your breakfast rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes Like a Treat: All the cozy, comforting flavor of a brown sugar cinnamon oatmeal cookie.
- 5-Minute Meal Prep: The perfect make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings.
- Healthy & Filling: Packed with fiber from oats and chia seeds to keep you full and energized.
- Simple Pantry Ingredients: Made with just a handful of common kitchen staples.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned)
- 2/3 cup Milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond or oat milk)
- 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar, packed (light or dark)
- 1 tablespoon Chia Seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Pinch of Salt
- Optional Toppings: Chopped pecans, sliced bananas, a drizzle of maple syrup
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a mason jar, small bowl, or any container with a lid, add the rolled oats, brown sugar, chia seeds, cinnamon, and salt. Give them a quick stir to combine.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk and vanilla extract.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir everything together until well combined, making sure there are no dry spots and the chia seeds are evenly distributed.
- Chill Overnight: Cover the container and place it in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Serve: The next morning, give the oats a good stir. If they are thicker than you’d like, add another splash of milk to reach your desired consistency. Top with your favorite additions and enjoy cold.
Tips & Variations
- Pro Tip: For the best flavor, use dark brown sugar, which has a richer molasses taste that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon.
- Add Fruit: Stir in 1/4 cup of diced apples or peaches before refrigerating for a “brown sugar crumble” flavor.
- Boost the Protein: Add a scoop of your favorite vanilla or unflavored protein powder with the dry ingredients. You may need to add an extra splash of milk.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix in a tablespoon of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and healthy fats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I warm this up?
- Absolutely. While traditionally eaten cold, you can warm these overnight oats in the microwave for 60-90 seconds for a cozier breakfast.
- How long do these last in the refrigerator?
- You can meal prep these for up to 4 days. Store them in individual airtight containers in the fridge for an easy grab-and-go breakfast all week.
- Can I use steel-cut or quick oats?
- Rolled oats provide the best chewy texture. Quick oats will result in a much softer, porridge-like consistency, while steel-cut oats will not soften enough without being cooked.
Serving Suggestions
- These brown sugar cinnamon overnight oats are delicious served chilled, straight from the fridge. For an extra treat, top them with a sprinkle of toasted pecans, a few slices of fresh banana, and an extra drizzle of maple syrup or a swirl of almond butter just before eating.
Brown Sugar Overnight Oats
With just 5 simple ingredients, these Brown Sugar Overnight Oats are the perfect sweet, creamy, and filling weekday breakfast. Prep in 5 minutes and enjoy straight from the fridge or warmed up in the morning!
Equipment
- Overnight oats jar or mason jar
- Spoon for mixing
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
- 1/2 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar, plus extra for topping
- 1/2 cup milk (any kind)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
Instructions
- In a jar or bowl, mix together the oats, chia seeds, and brown sugar.
- Stir in the milk and Greek yogurt until well combined.
- Cover with a lid and place in the fridge for at least 5 hours, preferably overnight.
- In the morning, stir the oats, top with extra brown sugar and fresh berries, and enjoy.
Notes
Store in the fridge for 4–5 days. Stir before enjoying. Can be eaten cold or warmed in the microwave. If oats seem dry in the morning, add a splash of milk and stir. Top with extra brown sugar and fresh berries for added flavor.
