Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
Cookie Dough Overnight Oats are like a sweet, creamy breakfast treat that feels like a dessert but gives you the energy to start your day. They combine the chewy texture…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
Tip: save now, make later.
Cookie Dough Overnight Oats are like a sweet, creamy breakfast treat that feels like a dessert but gives you the energy to start your day. They combine the chewy texture of oats with the rich, smooth taste of cookie dough flavors, thanks to ingredients like vanilla, a touch of sweetness, and maybe even little chocolate chips. It’s breakfast with a fun twist that’s both tasty and filling.
I love making these the night before because it takes no time at all to prepare, and then I wake up with a ready-to-eat breakfast waiting for me. Plus, it feels like I’m getting a special treat first thing in the morning, which makes my day start on a happy note. Pro tip: stirring in a handful of chocolate chips in the morning gives it that perfect little crunch and melty chocolate surprise.
My favorite way to enjoy Cookie Dough Overnight Oats is right from a cute jar or bowl, topped with a sprinkle of nuts or shredded coconut for extra texture. They’re great for busy mornings or even as a snack, and they always make me smile thinking about cookie dough — but without any mess or guilt! It’s an easy, fun way to make oats something I look forward to eating.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats soak up the liquid well and get soft overnight, giving you a creamy texture. Quick oats can work, but they might get mushy. Steel-cut oats are too firm unless pre-cooked.
Milk & Yogurt: Any milk works—dairy or plant-based like almond or oat milk. Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein; if you want non-dairy, try coconut or soy yogurt.
Nut Butter: Peanut butter is classic and flavorful, but feel free to swap with almond or cashew butter. For allergies, sunflower seed butter is a great alternative.
Chocolate Chips: Mini chips melt better into the oats. If sensitive to dairy, opt for dairy-free or vegan chocolate chips to keep the sweetness.
Brown Sugar & Flour: Brown sugar brings that classic cookie dough sweetness and moisture. Almond or oat flour helps mimic cookie dough texture. You can skip the flour but it adds a nice chew.
How Do You Get That True “Cookie Dough” Texture in Overnight Oats?
The key is layering a small cookie dough mix into the oats, so you get little bites of that chewy, sweet flavor throughout. Here’s how to do it well:
- Make a simple cookie dough mix with brown sugar, a pinch of salt, a bit of flour (almond or oat), and some chocolate chips for texture.
- Fold half of that mix gently into the oat mixture before refrigerating to infuse flavor.
- Layer more cookie dough mix and peanut butter on top for contrast and to keep the cookie dough sensation fresh.
- When eating, give a gentle stir or enjoy the layers separately to catch different textures and flavors.
Waiting overnight helps oats soften and mix with these flavors, but keeping the cookie dough bits more solid helps keep that fun texture you want.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mason jars or airtight containers – perfect for layering oats and storing overnight.
- Mixing bowl – a simple bowl to combine your ingredients easily.
- Spoon or small spatula – helps you stir and layer without making a mess.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts and best results.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for a warm, cozy twist.
- Mix in fresh berries or banana slices in the morning for natural sweetness and freshness.
- Stir chia seeds or flaxseeds into the oats for extra fiber and a slight crunch.
Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp peanut butter or almond butter
- 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips, divided
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tbsp almond flour or oat flour (optional, for “cookie dough” texture)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of active preparation, plus at least 6 hours (or overnight) for chilling in the fridge. The wait lets the oats soak up the flavors and become soft and creamy—ready to enjoy for a delicious, hands-off breakfast.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl or jar, combine the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together well so the oats start soaking up the liquid and flavors.
2. Prepare the Cookie Dough Mixture:
In a small separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, almond flour (or oat flour), a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon of chocolate chips. This creates a fun cookie dough-like mixture that will add texture and sweetness.
3. Layer the Ingredients:
Add half of the cookie dough mixture into the oat mixture and stir gently to blend some of the cookie dough flavor throughout. Next, add a layer of peanut butter, then sprinkle over some mini chocolate chips.
4. Assemble and Chill:
Transfer everything into a jar or airtight container. Layer the remaining cookie dough mixture on top, add more peanut butter if you’d like, and sprinkle with the remaining chocolate chips. Seal your container well, then place it in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
In the morning, give your overnight oats a gentle stir if you want, or enjoy straight from the jar. For extra yum, drizzle a bit more peanut butter or sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top before digging in.
Can I Use Frozen Fruit or Ingredients in This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw frozen fruit completely before adding it to your oats to avoid extra moisture. Frozen berries or banana slices can be stirred in right before eating for a fresh burst of flavor.
Can I Prepare Cookie Dough Overnight Oats Without Yogurt?
Absolutely! You can skip the yogurt and increase the milk slightly to keep the consistency creamy. Using a plant-based yogurt alternative also works well to keep it dairy-free.
How Should I Store Leftover Overnight Oats?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir gently before eating and consider adding a splash of milk if the oats have thickened too much.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead for a Week’s Worth of Breakfast?
Yes, you can prepare several jars at once for busy mornings! Just make sure to keep them refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for best taste and freshness.