If you’ve ever wished that cookie dough could be a totally acceptable breakfast, Cookie Dough Overnight Oats are your dream come true. Each spoonful delivers that classic cookie dough flavor—sweet, buttery, filled with chocolate chips—while nourishing you with wholesome oats, chia seeds, and creamy nut butter. It’s a breakfast that tastes like dessert but fuels you for the day ahead!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Dessert-for-Breakfast Vibes: Satisfies your sweet tooth first thing in the morning, but with nourishing ingredients you can feel good about.
- Meal Prep Magic: Whip up Cookie Dough Overnight Oats in five minutes the night before—wake up to breakfast already done!
- Customizable for Every Craving: Easily adapt for dairy-free, gluten-free, or extra-protein versions with simple swaps.
- Irresistible Texture: Soft, creamy oats with pops of chocolate chips and just a hint of cookie dough chewiness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cookie Dough Overnight Oats comes from a handful of pantry staples that create so much flavor and texture, you’d swear you’re eating the real thing. Let’s break down how each ingredient earns its place in this dreamy, dessert-inspired breakfast.
- Rolled oats: The hearty base that soaks up all the flavor, giving these overnight oats that luscious, cookie dough-like chew.
- Non-dairy milk or regular milk: Adds creaminess and softens the oats overnight; almond, soy, oat, or classic cow’s milk all work beautifully.
- Non-dairy yogurt or regular yogurt (optional): Extra yogurt brings a subtle tang and makes everything even creamier (and more satisfying).
- Cashew butter: The secret weapon! Cashew butter creates a buttery, cookie-dough richness—substitute with almond or peanut butter if you like.
- Chocolate chips: A must! Mini or chopped chocolate chips give that classic cookie dough pop in every bite.
- Brown sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness, with hints of caramel that truly evoke cookie dough magic.
- Chia seeds: These thicken up the oats and add a little extra nutrition and delightful texture.
- Vanilla extract: It’s not cookie dough without a splash of vanilla! Don’t skip this—the aroma sets the mood.
- Cinnamon: A pinch brings cozy warmth and depth, just like actual cookies.
- Salt: A tiny sprinkle balances the sweetness—don’t leave it out!
Variations
The best part about Cookie Dough Overnight Oats is how easy it is to make them your own. Swap, add, or tweak for your favorite flavors (or dietary needs)—these oats love a little personal flair!
- Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Oats: Try swapping the cashew butter for peanut butter to channel classic peanut butter cookie dough vibes.
- Vegan & Dairy-Free: Use non-dairy milk, non-dairy yogurt, and vegan chocolate chips for a completely plant-based treat.
- High-Protein Boost: Stir in your favorite vanilla or chocolate protein powder, or use Greek yogurt for more staying power.
- Gluten-Free: Simple win—just choose certified gluten-free rolled oats.
- Chunky Monkey: Add a few walnut pieces and banana slices for a banana bread-meets-cookie-dough flavor bomb.
How to Make Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
Step 1: Combine All Ingredients
Grab your favorite jar, bowl, or meal prep container and add the rolled oats, milk, yogurt if you’re using it, cashew butter, chocolate chips, brown sugar, chia seeds, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Don’t worry about the order—part of the fun is seeing everything swirl together!
Step 2: Mix Until Creamy
Give everything a really good stir, scraping down the sides to make sure the nut butter and sugar are fully dissolved. You want the mixture to look smooth, with chocolate chips scattered throughout like a galaxy of cookie dough goodness.
Step 3: Chill Overnight
Seal your jar or container tightly. Pop it in the fridge and let the oats and chia seeds do their magic for at least 4 hours—or overnight for the ultimate soft, chewy texture. (It’s the perfect grab-and-go situation come morning!)
Step 4: Stir & Serve
In the morning, give the oats a quick stir. If they’re a little too thick, splash in a bit more milk to reach your preferred consistency. Then top with extra chocolate chips, a drizzle of nut butter, or whatever your heart desires. Cookie Dough Overnight Oats are ready to devour!
Pro Tips for Making Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
- Creaminess Hack: For oats that mimic real cookie dough, use both yogurt and nut butter—this double-creamy combo is unbeatable!
- Let It Rest Long Enough: While four hours is the minimum, an overnight chill gives chia seeds time to create that amazingly thick, chewy texture.
- Choose Your Chip Wisely: Mini chocolate chips mean more melty chocolate in every bite, but try dark chips or cacao nibs for a grown-up twist.
- Salt Matters: Even a tiny pinch of salt is the secret for balancing the sweet and making the cookie dough flavor pop. Don’t skip it!
How to Serve Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
Garnishes
Garnishing is where these oats go from “yum” to “how is this breakfast?!” Top with a sprinkle of chocolate chips, a swirl of creamy nut butter, or a handful of crunchy cacao nibs for both visual appeal and even more flavor. A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt is the chef’s kiss if you’re a true cookie dough lover.
Side Dishes
Cookie Dough Overnight Oats are blissfully satisfying on their own, but if you like a balanced breakfast table, serve with a hot mug of coffee, a freshly blended fruit smoothie, or a bowl of juicy berries. Their natural sweetness and freshness pair perfectly with the oat’s creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer your overnight oats in small glass jars or parfait glasses for impressive, portable grab-and-go breakfasts. You can even “frost” your oats with a dollop of yogurt and a drizzle of chocolate sauce to make them look—and taste—like a jar of decadent cookie dough mousse.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cookie Dough Overnight Oats keep best in a tightly sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. The oats continue to soften over time, so if you like some texture, try to enjoy them within the first day or so. Just give them a stir before digging in, and you’re set!
Freezing
Technically, you can freeze overnight oats, but the texture may change once thawed. If you do freeze, use a freezer-safe container and leave a little space for expansion. Allow to thaw in the fridge overnight and give everything a good mix before serving.
Reheating
While Cookie Dough Overnight Oats are usually enjoyed cold (hello, grab-and-go!), you can warm them up if you prefer. Simply microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until just warm. Add a splash of milk if things seem dry.
FAQs
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Can I use quick oats or steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats are best for Cookie Dough Overnight Oats because they soften to the perfect creamy-yet-chewy texture overnight. Quick oats will work in a pinch but will make the mixture softer and more pudding-like. Steel-cut oats don’t absorb as much liquid and won’t soften fully without extra soaking or cooking.
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How do I make this recipe nut-free?
Swap cashew butter for sunflower seed or soy nut butter, and use a non-dairy milk that’s nut-free (like oat or rice milk). Be sure to check all ingredients for possible cross-contact if making for someone with a nut allergy.
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Are Cookie Dough Overnight Oats healthy?
Absolutely! You get a balance of complex carbs, healthy fats, and plant-based protein, plus fiber from oats and chia seeds. You control the amount of sweetener and chocolate chips, so customize to fit your nutrition needs or goals.
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Can I double or triple the recipe for meal prep?
Yes—this recipe is perfect for meal prep! Just multiply the ingredient amounts, mix a big batch in a bowl, and portion into jars for the week. Store in the fridge, and enjoy Cookie Dough Overnight Oats as a fuss-free, ready-made breakfast.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something comforting, a little bit nostalgic, and completely fuss-free, you simply have to try Cookie Dough Overnight Oats. It’s the kind of breakfast (or snack!) that will make you actually look forward to mornings. Let your inner cookie monster rejoice—you’ve found a new favorite!
Print
Cookie Dough Overnight Oats Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cookie Dough Overnight Oats are a delicious and convenient breakfast option that can be prepared the night before for a quick and satisfying meal in the morning. The combination of rolled oats, cashew butter, chocolate chips, and a hint of vanilla and cinnamon creates a flavor reminiscent of cookie dough, making this a fun and tasty way to start your day.
Ingredients
Overnight Oats
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup non-dairy milk or regular milk
- 1/4 cup non-dairy yogurt or regular yogurt (optional)
- 1–2 tbsp cashew butter
- 1–2 tbsp chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp salt
Optional Toppings
- Chocolate chips
- Cacao nibs
- Nut butter
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to Jar: Combine rolled oats, milk, yogurt, cashew butter, chocolate chips, brown sugar, chia seeds, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a jar. Mix well and seal with a lid.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Store the jar in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 4 hours.
- Stir and Serve: In the morning, stir the oats and adjust consistency with a splash of milk if desired. Enjoy straight from the jar or transfer to a bowl. Top with your favorite toppings like chocolate chips, cacao nibs, or nut butter.
Notes
- Storage: Best consumed within 24 hours, but can be refrigerated for 2-3 days if tightly sealed.
- Chocolate Chips: Opt for stevia-sweetened chocolate chips for a healthier, lower-calorie, sugar-free option.
- Toppings: Get creative with your favorite toppings; check out the blog post for ideas.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 395
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
