Cinnamon and breakfast are a natural match, there’s something about that sweet, warm spice that makes mornings feel instantly more comforting. Whether it’s baked into muffins, swirled into rolls, sprinkled into oatmeal, or folded into pancakes, cinnamon has a way of turning even simple ingredients into something cozy and satisfying. This collection brings together all kinds of cinnamon-filled breakfast ideas, from quick overnight oats to special weekend bakes that fill the kitchen with that unmistakable spiced aroma. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making something warm for yourself, these recipes are all about starting the day with something delicious.

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This stovetop oatmeal cooks with chunks of apple, cinnamon, and a splash of maple syrup. The apples soften just enough while the oats stay creamy. It’s a cozy breakfast that’s ready fast. Top with nuts or extra fruit for texture.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Cinnamon Coffee Cake

A slice of cinnamon coffee cake topped with brown sugar streusel.
Cinnamon Coffee Cake. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

A soft, buttery cake with a cinnamon swirl running through the middle and a crumbly topping on top. The texture is light but rich, and the cinnamon sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness. Great for brunch or an afternoon treat. Serve with a hot cup of coffee.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Skillet Cake

Cinnamon roll pumpkin skillet cake with icing drizzled from spoon.
Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Skillet Cake. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Pumpkin and cinnamon come together in this soft-baked skillet dessert that pulls apart like a giant roll. The center stays gooey, and the edges turn golden. A drizzle of icing finishes it off. Serve warm straight from the pan.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Skillet Cake

Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Close-up of a cinnamon muffin with a bite taken out, showing a swirl of cinnamon filling and glaze on top, placed on a small plate—perfect for cozy bakes or breakfasts with cinnamon. Other muffins appear in the background.
Cinnamon Roll Muffins. Photo credit: The Honour System.

These muffins give you all the flavor of a cinnamon roll without the rising or rolling. Each one has a cinnamon swirl and a drizzle of glaze on top. The crumb is soft and cake-like. Great for a quick weekend bake.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Instant Pot Cinnamon Apples

White bowl of cinnamon apples with a spoon.
Instant Pot Cinnamon Apples. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Apple slices cook down in cinnamon and sugar in just minutes using the Instant Pot. The result is soft, spiced apples perfect for topping oatmeal, yogurt, or pancakes. They also work as a quick dessert. Make a big batch and store extras.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cinnamon Apples

Cinnamon Bread Pull Aparts

An overhead view of a cinnamon bread.
Cinnamon Bread Pull Aparts. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Soft dough balls coated in cinnamon sugar are baked close together and pulled apart by the handful. They’re sticky, sweet, and fun to eat. A quick glaze over the top adds even more sweetness. Serve warm for the best texture.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Bread Pull Aparts

Cinnamon Oatmeal Baked Apples

Apple stuffed with oatmeal and topped with whole 30 whipped cream on a white plate with maple syrup on it and more apples in a pan behind them.
Cinnamon Oatmeal Baked Apples. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Whole apples are filled with a cinnamon-spiced oat mixture and baked until soft. The oats turn crisp on top while the apple becomes tender. It’s a great way to combine breakfast and dessert. Serve with yogurt or ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Oatmeal Baked Apples

Apple Cinnamon Rolls

A pan of freshly baked and frosted apple cinnamon rolls on a dark blue background.
Apple Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Cinnamon rolls get filled with diced apples that soften as they bake. The result is gooey, tender, and just fruity enough. A vanilla glaze ties it together. They’re especially good in fall but welcome any time.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Two jars of apple oatmeal topped with chopped apples, surrounded by whole apples and a bowl of mixed nuts and dried fruits.
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Rolled oats soak overnight with chopped apples, cinnamon, and milk for a quick, no-cook breakfast. The oats soften while the flavor builds. Great straight from the fridge or warmed up. Add nuts or seeds for crunch.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

Cinnamon pancakes topped with cooked diced apples.
Apple Cinnamon Pancakes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These fluffy pancakes are filled with diced apples and cinnamon in the batter. Each one cooks up golden and tender. A pat of butter and maple syrup brings it all together. Great for weekend mornings.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Image shows Baked cinnamon sugar donuts on a wooden table.
Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These oven-baked donuts are soft inside with a crisp cinnamon sugar coating. No frying needed. They’re quick to make and disappear fast. Serve warm with coffee or cider.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Cinnamon Rolls

Close-up of a cinnamon roll on a spatula, covered in white icing, with a tray of similar cinnamon rolls in the background.
Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Classic cinnamon rolls with a soft dough, gooey cinnamon filling, and sweet glaze on top. The rolls bake into golden spirals with sticky centers. Perfect for holidays, brunch, or any slow morning. Always worth the effort.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Sweet Potato Muffins

Sweet potato muffins on a cooling rack.
Cinnamon Sweet Potato Muffins. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Mashed sweet potato adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to these spiced muffins. Cinnamon ties it all together, making each bite warm and flavorful. Great for breakfast or snacks. A sprinkle of sugar on top adds a little crunch.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Sweet Potato Muffins

Homemade Cinnamon Twists

Homemade Cinnamon Twists. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Strips of dough are twisted with cinnamon sugar and baked into soft, golden pastries. The twists hold their shape and look as good as they taste. Light icing or powdered sugar adds a sweet finish. Easy to share and even easier to eat.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cinnamon Twists

Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls

Puff pastry cinnamon roll sits on a white plate, with more rolls on a wire rack in the background.
Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Using store-bought puff pastry makes these rolls crisp, flaky, and fast. The layers bake up golden with cinnamon sugar in every bite. Glaze or dust with powdered sugar. Great when you want a shortcut that still delivers.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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