Brown Sugar Cinnamon Oatmeal
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There’s nothing like the simple comfort of a warm bowl of oatmeal, especially when it’s made with the rich flavors of brown sugar and cinnamon and topped with melted butter.
This brown sugar cinnamon oatmeal is an easy, satisfying breakfast that’s perfect for starting your day on a warm note, no matter the season (but, c’mon fall 🤞🏻). And the best part about it? This bowl of oatmeal is just as easy to make as it is delicious.
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Why You’ve Got to Make This Brown Sugar Cinnamon Oatmeal
If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I’m a huge fan of oatmeal—I cook it all the time. It’s one of those versatile breakfasts that can be dressed up or down depending on your mood, the season, or what you have in your pantry.
But there’s just something about the combination of brown sugar and cinnamon that makes oatmeal even more delicious. The dark brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the warm, slightly spicy flavor of the cinnamon. Together, they transform plain old oats into a bowl of cozy comfort that’s nearly impossible to resist.
The Short List of Ingredients for This Oatmeal
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup water
- 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Tip
If you want to use salted butter for this oatmeal, omit the salt completely from the recipe to avoid it being too salty.
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Now, Here’s How to Make It
- Combine the Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the rolled oats, milk, water, dark brown sugar, vanilla extract, sea salt, and cinnamon. Mix it up well.
- Cook the Oatmeal: Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the oats from sticking to the bottom of the pan. You’ll know it’s ready when the oats have softened and the mixture has thickened nicely.
- Finish and Serve: Once the oatmeal is cooked, remove it from the heat, and spoon it into two bowls. Top each bowl with 1/2 tablespoon of butter and allow it to melt over the top. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar.
- Store Leftovers: If you’ve made more than you can eat in one sitting, don’t worry—this oatmeal stores beautifully. Just pop the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them for 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the oatmeal with a splash of milk or water to restore its creamy texture.
Tips for the Perfect Oatmeal
- Use Rolled Oats: For the creamiest texture, I recommend using rolled oats. They have the best chewy, hearty texture and they hold their shape better than quick oats, but still cook up nice and soft.
- Adjust the Consistency: Oatmeal is one of those dishes where personal preference really comes into play. If you like your oatmeal thicker, let it cook a bit longer. If you prefer it on the runnier side, you can add an extra splash of milk or water while it’s cooking.
- Don’t Skip the Butter: The butter is what gives this oatmeal its rich, indulgent flavor. If you’re looking to make it a little healthier, you could reduce the amount or swap it out for a dairy-free alternative, but I highly recommend giving the butter a try—it adds something extra special.
- Customize It: This oatmeal is fantastic as is, but it also makes a great base for add-ins. Try tossing in some raisins, sliced bananas, or even a handful of chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor are great ideas.
Why This Oatmeal is Perfect for Any Season
One of the things I love most about brown sugar cinnamon oatmeal is its versatility. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels right at home on a chilly winter morning, but it’s also light enough to enjoy in the spring or fall. There’s just something about that sweet, cinnamony goodness that works all year round.
Tip
For my best tips on how to make the creamiest oatmeal every single time, don’t forget to read this post—it’s got everything you need to know.
In a world where breakfast often gets overlooked in favor of quick, on-the-go options, this cozy brown sugar cinnamon oatmeal is a reminder to slow down and enjoy the little things. It’s warm, comforting, and just a little bit indulgent—everything a good breakfast should be, if you ask me.
So the next time you’re looking for a way to start your day on a high note, give this oatmeal a try. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s sure to become a favorite. And who knows? It might just become a tradition in your house, too. Have a great day, friends!
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Brown Sugar Cinnamon Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (any kind)
- 1 cup water
- 3 TBS brown sugar
- 1 TBS unsalted butter (to use salted butter, omit the salt from the recipe)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rolled oats, milk, water, brown sugar, vanilla extract, sea salt, and cinnamon. Stir well to combine.1 cup rolled oats, 1 cup milk, 1 cup water, 3 TBS brown sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Heat oatmeal over medium heat until it boils, then reduce the heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the oatmeal reaches your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and serve immediately with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon on top.1 TBS unsalted butter
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Add a splash of milk or water when reheating to restore the creamy texture.
I printed this out and the first cool morning here, I’m making it. Thank you Kristine!
Fantastic Christine! Let me know how you like it—it’s one of my favorites!