Prepare a delicious breakfast the night before by combining rolled oats with milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and maple syrup. Mix in almond butter for richness, then fold in mini chocolate chips for that classic cookie dough flavor. After chilling overnight, you'll wake up to a creamy, satisfying bowl that tastes like dessert but packs wholesome ingredients to fuel your morning.
My roommate caught me eating raw cookie dough at midnight and gave me that look. You know the one. So I created these overnight oats as my loophole and honestly they taste even better than the forbidden stuff.
Last summer I made these for a camping trip and everyone fought over the last jar. Now my friends request them specifically for weekend brunch.
Ingredients
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: These hold up beautifully overnight without turning mushy like quick oats would
- Milk: Dairy gives creaminess but oat milk works surprisingly well too
- Greek yogurt: Creates that cookie dough texture and adds protein
- Chia seeds: They plump up overnight and make it feel indulgent
- Maple syrup or honey: Just enough sweetness to mimic cookie dough
- Vanilla extract: Do not skip this it makes everything taste baked
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth that plays so well with chocolate
- Salt: A tiny pinch makes all the flavors pop
- Almond butter or peanut butter: This is the secret ingredient that screams cookie dough
- Mini chocolate chips: Use mini chips so you get chocolate in every spoonful
- Chopped walnuts or pecans: Optional but adds that cookie crunch we all love
Instructions
- Mix your base:
- Combine oats milk yogurt chia seeds sweetener vanilla cinnamon and salt in a bowl. Really mix it well so the chia seeds do not clump together.
- Add the cookie dough flavor:
- Stir in your nut butter until completely blended. This step takes some muscle but it is worth it.
- Fold in the good stuff:
- Gently mix in chocolate chips and nuts. Do not overmix or the chips will start melting from the warmth.
- Let it work its magic:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least six hours. The oats need this time to soften and absorb all the flavors.
- Morning check:
- Give it a good stir and add a splash of milk if it looks too thick. The texture should be creamy not dry.
- Make it pretty:
- Top with extra chocolate chips or a drizzle of nut butter. Eat straight from the jar for maximum laziness.
My mom now keeps a batch in her fridge instead of those expensive overnight oat cups from the grocery store. Seeing her actually excited about breakfast makes my whole week.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I add a scoop of protein powder and turn it into post workout fuel. The texture gets thicker but the cookie dough vibe stays strong.
Meal Prep Magic
Batch these on Sunday in mason jars and your weekday mornings are handled. Just grab a jar and go while everyone else is waiting for their coffee.
Toppings That Work
Sliced bananas make it feel even more indulgent while fresh berries cut through the richness. Choose your adventure based on your mood.
- Try coconut flakes for a chocolate macaroon twist
- A dollop of peanut butter on top never hurt anyone
- Sea salt flakes take it over the top
Start a batch tonight and thank yourself in the morning.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make these overnight oats vegan?
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Yes, simply use plant-based milk and yogurt instead of dairy versions. Maple syrup works perfectly as a vegan-friendly sweetener instead of honey.
- → How long do these oats last in the refrigerator?
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These overnight oats stay fresh for up to 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, making them perfect for meal prep.
- → What type of oats work best for overnight soaking?
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Old-fashioned rolled oats are ideal because they soften perfectly overnight. Steel-cut oats remain too chewy, while instant oats can become mushy.
- → Can I heat these up in the morning?
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Absolutely! While typically served cold, you can warm them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds if you prefer a hot breakfast.
- → How can I add more protein to this breakfast?
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Mix in a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder with the base ingredients, or add extra Greek yogurt to boost the protein content.