Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
Cookie Dough Overnight Oats are a fun and tasty twist on your usual morning oats. Imagine creamy oats soaked overnight, mixed with little bites of cookie dough flavor that make…
Tip: save now, cook later.Cookie Dough Overnight Oats are a fun and tasty twist on your usual morning oats. Imagine creamy oats soaked overnight, mixed with little bites of cookie dough flavor that make waking up a little sweeter. It’s like having a healthy breakfast that feels like a treat, with just the right touch of sweetness and a soft, chewy texture.
I love making these oats the night before because all the flavors get to mix and mellow together by morning. It’s such a simple way to feel like you’re having dessert for breakfast without any guilt. Sometimes I add a few chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cinnamon to make it even more special — it feels like a small moment of joy to start the day.
My favorite way to enjoy Cookie Dough Overnight Oats is right out of the fridge with a splash of milk on top and some fresh berries or sliced bananas. It’s quick to grab, easy to eat, and keeps me full for hours. If you’ve ever been a fan of cookie dough ice cream, this breakfast is a gentle nod to that, but in a way that’s good for you and perfect for busy mornings.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled oats: Rolled oats are best here because they soak up the liquid and soften nicely overnight. If you want a quicker option, use instant oats, but the texture will be softer.
Milk & yogurt: I use Greek yogurt for creaminess and protein. Any milk works—dairy, almond, oat, or soy. For a dairy-free version, try coconut or almond milk and a dairy-free yogurt.
Peanut butter: This adds richness and that cookie dough flavor. You can swap with almond butter or sunflower seed butter if you prefer. Chunky peanut butter adds a fun texture.
Mini chocolate chips: Small chips blend nicely without sinking. Dark, semisweet, or vegan chips all work well. Add some on top for a chocolatey crunch.
Cookie dough pieces: These are the star for the cookie dough vibe. You can use cookie crumbles or even a bit of raw cookie dough made safe without eggs.
How Do I Get the Best Cookie Dough Texture in Overnight Oats?
Balancing creamy oats and cookie dough bits takes a bit of care. Here’s what I do:
- Mix all wet ingredients first for even creaminess.
- Fold in chocolate chips gently so they don’t melt into the oats.
- Use small cookie dough pieces or crumbles—big chunks won’t soften and can be hard to eat.
- Refrigerate at least 6 hours to let oats soften but keep cookie dough tasty.
- Top with fresh cookie dough bits and a spoonful of peanut butter just before eating for texture contrast.
Patience overnight is your friend here. The oats get creamy while the cookie dough parts stay chewy and add fun flavor surprises. It’s all about layering textures!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mason jar or airtight container – perfect for mixing and storing your oats overnight without spills.
- Spoon or small whisk – to easily combine ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Measuring cups and spoons – help you get the right balance of oats and milk every time.
- Refrigerator – essential for letting your oats soak and soften all night long.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter to change the nutty flavor.
- Add a dash of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for a warm, cozy twist.
- Mix in some chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Try adding mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce for natural sweetness and moist texture.
How to Make Cookie Dough Overnight Oats?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
- 2 tablespoons crushed cookie dough pieces or cookie crumbles (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes for preparation plus at least 4-6 hours (ideally overnight) to chill and let the oats soak and soften. It’s a simple make-ahead breakfast that’s ready when you wake up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base Ingredients:
In a medium bowl or a jar with a lid, combine the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, peanut butter, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and salt. Give everything a good stir until all ingredients are well blended and creamy.
2. Add Chocolate Chips:
Fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the oat mixture. This will give you that little bursts of chocolate goodness in every bite.
3. Refrigerate Overnight:
Cover the mixture with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight. This resting time allows the oats to soak up the flavors and become soft and creamy.
4. Serve and Top:
Before serving, give your oats a good stir. Spoon into a serving glass or bowl if it’s not already in one. Add an extra spoonful of peanut butter on top. Sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips and crushed cookie dough pieces or crumbles to give that classic cookie dough texture and flavor you love.
5. Enjoy!
Serve chilled straight from the fridge and enjoy a delicious, cookie dough-inspired breakfast that’s healthy, easy, and satisfying!
Can I Use Frozen Cookie Dough Pieces?
Yes! Just make sure they are fully thawed before adding as a topping to avoid excess moisture. You can thaw them in the fridge overnight or for about 30 minutes at room temperature.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk, and swap Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative such as coconut or almond yogurt. Choose vegan chocolate chips to keep it fully plant-based.
How Long Will Overnight Oats Stay Fresh?
Store your prepared oats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The texture may become softer over time, so stir well before eating or add a splash of milk to refresh.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
Yes, you can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup or honey according to your taste. You can also add fresh fruit or a dash of cinnamon for natural sweetness without extra sugar.
