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    Home » Recipes » Breakfast

    Microwave Oatmeal - Cinnamon Coffee Flavor

    Published: Oct 20, 2019 Modified: Aug 25, 2021 by Kristin King / This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe | Pin Recipe
    Side view of oatmeal in a red bowl with a cinnamon stick garnish.
    Side view of oatmeal in a red bowl with two cinnamon sticks on top.
    Side view of spoon with oatmeal in a red bowl with a cinnamon stick garnish.

    Did you know you can ditch the packets and make your own warm delicious microwave oatmeal? It's perfect for a chilly morning and super easy to make!

    First Published: October 15, 2015... Last Updated: October 20, 2019
    Side view of spoon with oatmeal in a red bowl with cinnamon stick garnish.
    This delicious recipe will spice up a boring breakfast!

    Microwave Oatmeal Recipes Breakfast

    The leaves are turning beautiful colors and the air feels crisp and fresh. Yay, fall is here! Although I may miss the long, sunny summer days (especially when my alarm goes off at 5 am!), I will not miss the heat and humidity!

    With the cooler weather comes all kinds of warm and comforting food. For breakfast, one of the quickest and easiest ways to enjoy warm, comforting food is to make oatmeal.

    I used to rely on instant oatmeal packets, but then I realized that making oatmeal from regular oats is really not that much more effort. This recipe for Cinnamon Coffee Oatmeal is one of my favorites!

    Wait?!? You mean you can microwave oatmeal that doesn't come in a packet? Absolutely!

    It's warm and comforting and a hundred times better than the stuff that comes individually portioned in a bag!

    And it's easy... did I mention that?!!

    Do you know the difference between the various types of oats? You can find out more in this article on the nutrition in oats.

    They're great for making desserts and snacks like these Oatmeal Banana Cookies!

    Side view of oatmeal in a red bowl with two cinnamon sticks on top.
    This recipe is a delicious twist on an everyday breakfast.

    Microwave Oats

    I always feel good about feeding the family a good hearty breakfast and I bet you do, too. But it's not necessary to sacrifice ease and convenience when you make this recipe!

    We reach for the packets for the win because of convenience. Everything is already measured and all you have to do is add hot water.

    The packets are quick to make because the oatmeal is par-cooked, then dried for quick cooking.

    But they are expensive, and loaded with sugar. The typical brand will have 3-4 teaspoons! Many are packed with preservatives also.

    If you can spare the extra 30 seconds to measure your oats, and an extra minute or two for cooking (hooray for microwaves!), you can save yourself some money and have more control over the content.

    For me, that is totally worth it!

    Ingredients for Microwave Oats

    • old fashioned oats - hearty and filling this stick-to-your-ribs grain is a terrific breakfast to start your day.
    • instant coffee - gives it depth
    • cinnamon - for flavor and spice
    • sugar or sweetener - just a bit!

    I try to minimize the sugar in this recipe, although a little bit really is delicious! But feel free to vary it according to your tastes. Start on the conservative side though, because you can always add more later if needed.

    Overhead shot of ingredients- oats, water, instant coffee, cinnamon, and sugar.
    With only five simple ingredients, this microwave oatmeal is quick and easy!

    How to make Cinnamon Coffee Microwave Oatmeal - Step by Step

    Step 1.

    Combine all the ingredients in a microwave safe bowl.
    Close up shot of all ingredients mixed in a clear bowl.

    This recipe only takes five minutes to prepare!

    Step 2.

    Place the bowl in the microwave...
    Side view of mixed oatmeal in clear bowl centered in microwave.

    Pop your microwave oatmeal in the microwave and you are one step closer to a delicious meal!

    Step 3.

    ...and zap it!
    Close up view of microwave set to two minutes.

    With only two minutes in the microwave, this microwave oatmeal recipe with a twist is almost ready.

    Step 4.

    Let stand until thickened.
    Overhead shot of cooked oatmeal in clear bowl with a spoon.

    This microwave oatmeal recipe is almost done!

    Garnish with a cinnamon stick and serve!

    FAQs for Cinnamon Coffee Microwave Oatmeal

    What types of sugar can you use?

    • white sugar
    • brown sugar
    • honey
    • maple syrup
    • molasses
    • low or no calorie sweetener of choice

    How long do oats take to cook in a microwave?

    Start with two minutes and then microwave in thirty second intervals until it's as thick as you'd like it.

    Can steel-cut oats be cooked in the microwave?

    Yes, you can microwave steel-cut oatmeal also, but it takes much longer.

    How do you keep oatmeal from boiling over in the microwave?

    The microwave heats oatmeal with a high intensity. Because it happens so quickly it can boil over. Cooking in 30 second intervals, stirring, and then cooking again will help alleviate that problem.

    Be sure to have hot pan holders handy because the bowl will be HOT coming out of the microwave and you may burn your fingers! Or a good bowl cozy comes in super handy for this also!

    So tomorrow morning, fire up your microwave and make a hearty, delicious, hot breakfast for you and your family!

    How to Make Microwave Oatmeal

    Variations for this recipe

    • No instant coffee? No problem, just add the cinnamon.
    • Use milk instead of water to add creaminess.
    • Add a dash of vanilla for a little extra flavor!
    • What's your favorite topping for microwave oatmeal? Try diced apples, peaches or pears.
    • Toss in a handful of raisins, craisins, or dried blueberries for natural sweetness .
    • Bump up the nutrition with a sprinkle of chia seeds. These little seeds are PACKED with great nutrients. Calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and iron to name a few!

    Here are a few more oatmeal recipes to try!

    For another easy oatmeal recipe, check out Strawberry Overnight Oats or some of these other great options!

    Slow Cooker Maple Cinnamon Oatmeal
    Make this slow cooker maple cinnamon oatmeal ahead of time and store in single-serve containers for a quick, hearty breakfast!
    Overhead shot of oatmeal in a clear bowl with a spoon on a green checkered cloth with sunflowers.
    Pumpkin Overnight Oats
    Warm and delicious, this oatmeal cooks overnight in the crock pot and provides a healthy, hearty breakfast for the whole family! See recipe notes for alternate fridge instructions!
    Side shot of overnight oats in a clear glass cup garnished with pecans and cranberries on a blue speckled surface with a spoon and peach colored napkins in the background.

    Still hungry for breakfast?

    Here are some delicious choices!

    Smoothie Recipe with Apple
    A sweet, tart, cinnamon-y, and refreshing treat perfect for a lazy autumn afternoon!
    Smoothie with cinnamon, cut up apples, and a cinnamon stick on top, in a clear glass, beside two granny smith apples.
    Strawberry Granola
    Enjoy this healthy and hearty Strawberry Granola for breakfast, made from scratch including an easy method for drying your own strawberries!
    Side view of granola and strawberries in a clear bowl on a wooden surface with more granola and sliced fruits in the background.
    Simple Waffle Breakfast Sandwiches
    Easy to assemble on busy mornings and tastier than frozen versions!
    Overhead shot of three waffle breakfast sandwiches on a metal pan.
    Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple French Toast Casserole
    Wake up to the enticing aroma of this warm and hearty breakfast that is sure to give your family a great start to their day!
    Side view of crock pot French toast casserole on a black plate on a wooden surface with a black napkin and silverware on the side.

    Or, if you love using coffee in creative ways, check out these Super Chewy Coffee Cookies!

    Microwave Oatmeal - Coffee Cinnamon Flavor

    📋 Recipe Card

    Close up shot of spoon with oatmeal in a red bowl with cinnamon stick garnish.

    Cinnamon Coffee Microwave Oatmeal

    Recipe Author: Kristin
    Warm and comforting, this quick and easy microwaveable oatmeal is perfect for a chilly morning!
    4.86 from 14 votes
    Print Recipe Share by Email Bookmark Saved!
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 4 minutes mins
    Total Time 9 minutes mins
    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2
    Calories 154 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    • â…” cup old fashioned oats
    • 1 â…“ cups water (or use milk for creamier oatmeal)
    • 2 teaspoons instant coffee (use regular or decaf)
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • 2 tablespoons sugar or equivalent amount of sweetener (use more or less, according to your tastes)
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Combine all ingredients in a large microwaveable bowl.
      â…” cup old fashioned oats, 1 â…“ cups water, 2 teaspoons instant coffee, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 2 tablespoons sugar or equivalent amount of sweetener
    • Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Watch carefully during the whole cooking process in case the oatmeal starts to boil over.
    • Stir, and microwave for another minute.
    • Stir, and microwave for another minute.
    • Test the oatmeal for thickness. If you would like it a little thicker, keep microwaving at 30 second intervals.
    • Oatmeal will also thicken a bit upon standing.

    Notes

    • Be careful, the bowl will get very hot!
    • Use almond milk, or your favorite non-dairy milk, for creamy oatmeal without the dairy.
    • You can substitute honey or another natural sweetener for the sugar.
    • If this method is too tedious for you, try this:
      • Use a very large microwaveable bowl, to allow to the oatmeal to boil up a bit.
      • Microwave on high for 2 minutes, stir.
      • Microwave on 30% power for 4 minutes, stir.
      • If the oatmeal is still too thin, microwave on 30% power for another 1-2 minutes.
    • Add a little cocoa if you want more of a mocha experience.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 154kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 133mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 12g | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1.2mg

    Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.

    Want to make cooking even easier?Sign up here to receive FREE DBH exclusive content, including my favorite kitchen shortcuts and hacks, and unlock access to the DBH resource library with many other free downloads!

    Thanks so much for reading! I also invite you to follow me on FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, or INSTAGRAM to keep up with what's going on in my kitchen.

    And you might want to check out my Dizzy Busy and Hungry store on Amazon for a whole bunch of great kitchen products I love!

    Happy cooking!

    Close up of a signature of Kristin.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Cindy

      November 03, 2019 at 5:35 am

      5 stars
      This oatmeal is divine! I used both instant coffee & espresso powder and half maple syrup & half muscovado sugar. (I'm very indecisive. 😉) When it was cooked, I mixed in about 10 dark chocolate chips so there were little pockets of chocolate. I topped it with extra cinnamon and pecans. It was the best oatmeal I've ever had! Would never have thought of coffee oatmeal. Thank you!!

      Reply
      • Kristin

        November 03, 2019 at 6:42 am

        Wow, that is QUITE a breakfast! I love your ideas! So glad you liked it and thanks for stopping by to let me know! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Beks

      October 31, 2019 at 10:10 pm

      5 stars
      Love Love Love this recipe. We will be making this recipe again and again. We doubled the recipe for each person and cooked it on the stovetop. Thank you for sharing this yummy recipe.

      Reply
      • Kristin

        November 02, 2019 at 8:09 am

        Awesome! I'm so glad you guys like this. Thanks for stopping by to let me know! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Lori

      October 31, 2019 at 9:34 pm

      5 stars
      I made this with my daughter and we loved this delicious recipe!

      Reply
      • Kristin

        November 02, 2019 at 8:08 am

        Yay! So glad to hear it! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Barbara Bellatti

      October 26, 2019 at 2:02 pm

      How many servings is this for? Thank you.

      Reply
      • Kristin

        October 27, 2019 at 10:28 am

        This is for 2 servings. Let me know if you have any other questions! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Alison

      August 27, 2019 at 10:56 pm

      Can i just simmer everything in a saucepan or boil? I am not a fan of microwave, I only use it for frozen foods.

      Reply
      • Kristin

        August 28, 2019 at 10:49 am

        Oh absolutely! There's nothing wrong with doing it that way and it should turn out just fine. 🙂

        Reply
    6. Kristy Still

      January 30, 2019 at 12:35 pm

      5 stars
      We love this for breakfast!

      Reply
      • Kristin

        January 31, 2019 at 5:36 am

        Thanks, Kristy! We do too!

        Reply
    7. Christina

      January 29, 2019 at 8:37 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is amazing! I absolutely loved the flavor!

      Reply
      • Kristin

        January 30, 2019 at 6:21 am

        Thanks, Christina! 🙂

        Reply
    8. Rachel

      February 16, 2016 at 1:01 pm

      This looks really good. I always look for ways to spice up breakfast, and coffee in oatmeal is a great idea! Definitely trying this one in AM. Thanks!

      Reply
    9. Audrey

      October 20, 2015 at 6:50 pm

      I can have my coffee and eat it too. Or something like that Thanks for sharing on Creative K Kids' Tasty Tuesdays link up. Hope to see you back next week.

      Reply
    10. Deb- It's me, debcb!

      October 19, 2015 at 6:14 pm

      Sounds so tasty! Thanks for linking up at the Best of the Blogosphere Linky party this week!

      Reply

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    Side view of oatmeal in a red bowl with two cinnamon sticks on top.
    Side view of spoon with oatmeal in a red bowl with a cinnamon stick garnish.
    A close up of a woman

    👋 Hey there, I'm Kristin! As a full-time working wife and mom, my life is such a whirlwind, it makes me dizzy sometimes! So I have been working to develop quick, easy, family-friendly recipes for 20+ years, and this site is where I share them with you! Happy cooking!

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