Pleasing Cinnamon Oatmeal is extra well-seasoned and fluffy, not mushy. It’s way better than any instant oats! This oatmeal recipe is not only unfussy, but fireside, comforting, and SO satisfying. You will be craving oatmeal every single morning! Plus, when you ditch the packets, you can make your bowl of oats exactly how you like them.

Oatmeal in a bowl with a cinnamon stick.

This simple cinnamon oatmeal is so incredibly flavorful! Full of fiber, antioxidants, and warm spices paired with a subtle sweetness from honey (or maple syrup), this healthy oatmeal breakfast recipe is the dependable option for anyone looking to add a little more nutrition and ease to their mornings.

Why you’ll love this method

Simple: Made in simply over 10 minutes, you will have a speedy and unfussy breakfast ready to go for your busy mornings.
Filling: Oats are high in fiber and are reliable for satisfying hunger cravings. This breakfast will keep you full for hours!
Healthy: Oatmeal is nutritionally rich. It has more protein than most grains and also contains numerous vitamins and minerals. It also contains antioxidants and a soluble fiber called beta-glucan, which aids several systems of the body.
Flavor-packed: Say goodbye to oatmeal packets and start making your own oats in the comfort of your home. This method makes for flavor-packed, creamy, and luscious oatmeal.

Ingredients needed

This cinnamon oatmeal recipe is a cinch to make and only requires a few pantry staples! Here’s what you’ll need:

Liquid. Oat milk or coconut milk are my regular liquids to use in oatmeal. They give the oatmeal a flavor-packed flavor and creamy texture. Water will work too, though.
Old-fashioned oats. These oats will retain their shape, yet become deliciously creamy when combined with liquid.
Sweetener. This bowl of oats is naturally sweetened with either honey or maple syrup. These options will add sweetness and flavor to the dish. Start by adding 1 tablespoon and increase up to 2 tablespoons, depending on desired sweetness. Feel free to sub the natural sweetener with brown sugar, if preferred.
Salt. A pinch of salt is added to balance and intensify all the flavors.
Cinnamon. For the reliable comforting flavor we’re mixing in plenty of ground cinnamon!
Optional add-ins. Feel free to cook this your own by adding vanilla extract, other spices (nutmeg, allspice, ginger), nuts, raisins, and/or diced apples. You could even drizzle on some almond butter or peanut butter!

Cinnamon oatmeal in a bowl with a cinnamon stick.

How for this dish

I highly recommend the stovetop for making this oatmeal recipe. This method of cooking oats creates a luxuriously creamy and soft batch of oats. Here’s the simple process:

For full, printable instructions, reference the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

In a medium saucepan, bring the milk/ water to a boil. Once hot, add in the remaining ingredients and stir to combine.

Lower the heat to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for about 5 minutes or until most of the liquid has been absorbed. Add any additional sweetener and enjoy!

Tips for recipe success

This oatmeal recipe is genuinely simple and unfussy to make, but here are a few tips, so your breakfast is reliable every time.

Gluten free. While oats are naturally gluten free, oftentimes grains can get cross-contaminated outside in the fields or inside of factories with other non gluten free grains. To ensure your oats are gluten free, be sure the package is labeled certified gluten free, meaning that it was produced in a 100% gluten-free facility.
Serving size. This dish makes 2 medium-sized bowls of oatmeal. Feel free to double or triple the recipe, if you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Let the oatmeal sit. Once cooked, let the oats stand and cool a bit. As they cool, they will continue to thicken and the flavors will intensify a bit further.
Creaminess. You can make these oats as creamy as you’d like. If you prefer your oats more creamy with more liquid, simply add a splash or two of milk after cooking.
Taste test. Before sitting down to enjoy your breakfast, make sure to give the oats a speedy taste test and add some extras, if flavors are lacking. An extra pinch of salt or a little extra maple syrup can make all the difference!

Frequently asked questions

Storing & reheating

Feel free to make a double batch and save half for another morning! Leftover cooked oatmeal will keep in the refrigerator, in airtight containers, for up to about 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Place frozen oatmeal in the refrigerator overnight to thaw or at room temperature for an hour or so.

To reheat single servings, put the oatmeal in a microwave safe bowl with a little extra milk or water. Microwave on high in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until heated through. For larger amounts, heat slowly in a saucepan on the stove with additional liquid until hot.