Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
Cookie Dough Overnight Oats are a fun and tasty twist on a classic breakfast favorite. They blend creamy oats with sweet vanilla and chocolate chip flavors that remind you of…
Tip: save now, cook later.Cookie Dough Overnight Oats are a fun and tasty twist on a classic breakfast favorite. They blend creamy oats with sweet vanilla and chocolate chip flavors that remind you of cookie dough, making your morning feel a little sweeter and more exciting.
I love making these the night before because they’re super easy to prepare and ready to eat right away in the morning. It’s like having a treat that’s also kind to your body—plus, it saves me so much time on busy weekdays. Sometimes I add a little sprinkle of cinnamon or extra chocolate chips on top for an extra touch of yum.
These oats work great as a grab-and-go breakfast or a cozy snack when you’re craving something sweet but healthy. I often enjoy mine with a splash of almond milk and a side of fresh fruit, which makes it feel like a balanced and satisfying start to the day. If you like cookie dough, but want to keep it simple and nourishing, this recipe is definitely for you.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled oats: Rolled oats are perfect here because they soak up the liquid but keep a nice, soft texture. If you only have quick oats, they’ll work too but may turn out mushier.
Milk: I like almond milk for a mild nutty flavor, but dairy, oat, or any plant milk works well. Use what you have or what suits your diet best.
Greek yogurt: This adds creaminess and a bit of protein. If you prefer vegan or dairy-free, coconut or soy yogurt are great substitutes, or you can leave it out entirely.
Almond or peanut butter: This is the secret to that cookie dough feel. Use your favorite nut or seed butter, or try sunflower seed butter if you want a nut-free option.
Mini chocolate chips: These give the classic cookie dough sweetness. Dark chocolate chips work well if you want a richer taste, or use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep it vegan.
How Do You Get a Creamy but Not Watery Overnight Oats Texture?
Balancing the liquid to oats ratio is key. Too much milk, and your oats turn soupy; too little, and they’ll be dry and stiff.
- Use about equal parts rolled oats and liquid—like 1/2 cup oats to 1/2 cup milk.
- Adding Greek yogurt or a spoonful of nut butter helps create a creamy, thick texture.
- Stir well when mixing all ingredients so oats soak evenly.
- Overnight chilling lets oats absorb the liquid fully. If texture feels too thick next morning, stir in a splash more milk until you like it.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mason jar or airtight container – perfect for mixing and storing your oats overnight without spills.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your oat, milk, and mix-in amounts just right.
- Spoon or small whisk – helps mix ingredients smoothly and evenly.
- Refrigerator – essential to let the oats soak and soften overnight.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap almond butter for peanut butter to change the nutty flavor and keep it classic cookie dough style.
- Add a scoop of protein powder for extra energy, great for mornings you need a bigger boost.
- Mix in chopped nuts or seeds for crunch and added nutrition.
- Stir in fresh berries or sliced banana on top for natural sweetness and freshness.
Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk of choice (almond, dairy, oat, etc.)
- 1/4 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt (optional for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips, plus extra for topping
- 2 tablespoons almond butter or peanut butter (for that cookie dough flavor)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: a sprinkle of cinnamon or a small pinch of nutmeg
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes just about 5-10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 4 hours or overnight chilling in the fridge to let the oats soften and flavors blend. It’s perfect to make the night before and enjoy an easy breakfast the next morning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl or jar, combine the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt (if using), and chia seeds. Stir well to mix everything together evenly.
2. Add Flavors and Mix-Ins:
Stir in the maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, almond or peanut butter, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then fold in the mini chocolate chips, saving a few to use as a topping later.
3. Refrigerate Overnight:
Cover your jar or bowl tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, and place it in the fridge. Let the oats soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. This softens the oats and thickens the mixture into a creamy, delicious breakfast.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
In the morning, give the oats a good stir. If it feels too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up. Transfer to a bowl or eat straight from the jar. Top with extra chocolate chips and fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for added color and taste. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Needed Equipment
- Mason jar or airtight container for soaking and storing the oats
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Spoon or whisk for mixing
- Refrigerator for chilling
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try using peanut butter instead of almond butter for a different nutty taste.
- Add a scoop of protein powder for an extra energy boost.
- Mix in chopped nuts or seeds for some crunch.
- Top with fresh fruit like sliced bananas or berries for natural sweetness.
- Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to warm up the flavor.
Can I Use Frozen Berries as a Topping?
Yes, frozen berries work great! Just let them thaw a bit at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds before adding. This prevents your oats from getting too cold or watery.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and swap Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative such as coconut or soy yogurt. Make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free, too.
How Long Will Overnight Oats Keep in the Fridge?
They stay fresh for up to 4-5 days in an airtight container, making this a great option for meal prepping your breakfasts ahead of time.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
Definitely! Feel free to add more or less maple syrup or honey according to your taste. You can also try adding a sliced banana or a drizzle of nut butter for natural sweetness.
