Cookie Dough Overnight Oats

The smell of vanilla always takes me back to my grandmother's kitchen, but this particular creation happened on a rushed Tuesday morning. I was staring at a container of leftover cookie dough from a baking session the night before, wondering what would happen if I just embraced the chaos and turned breakfast into dessert. The texture that emerged after a night in the fridge was somewhere between a treat and something wholesome, and my roommates started requesting their own jars.

My sister called me halfway through her first bite, demanding to know why I'd kept this combination to myself for so long. There's something genuinely satisfying about opening the fridge and seeing breakfast already waiting, especially when it looks this indulgent. Now it's become our go-to for busy weeks, and I've caught my husband eating it straight from the jar at midnight more than once.

Ingredients

• Old-fashioned rolled oats: These absorb liquid beautifully without turning into mush, creating that perfect creamy texture
• Milk: Dairy adds richness but any unsweetened plant-based version works perfectly
• Greek yogurt: Brings protein and tanginess that balances the sweet elements
• Chia seeds: They plump up overnight and add this subtle crunch throughout
• Maple syrup or honey: Just enough sweetness to mimic cookie dough without being cloying
• Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla makes all the difference in recreating that cookie dough flavor
• Ground cinnamon: A warm undertone that ties everything together
• Salt: Even a tiny pinch enhances all the other flavors
• Almond butter or peanut butter: This creates that authentic cookie dough richness and creaminess
• Mini chocolate chips: They distribute evenly so every spoonful has chocolate
• Chopped walnuts or pecans: Optional but adds such a nice texture contrast

Instructions

Mix your base:

Combine oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl or jar. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined and the chia seeds start to suspend in the liquid.

Swirl in the nut butter:

Add your almond or peanut butter and mix vigorously until no streaks remain. The mixture should look consistently creamy and speckled throughout.

Add the mix-ins:

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and nuts, being careful not to overmix. You want these distributed but still visible throughout the oats.

Let it work its magic:

Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 6 hours. The oats will soften and absorb the liquid while the chia seeds expand, creating that perfect pudding consistency.

Ready your breakfast:

In the morning, give everything a good stir. Add an extra splash of milk if it's thicker than you like, then top with more chocolate chips or a drizzle of nut butter.

Save

This became my coworker's most requested office potluck contribution after I brought it in during a particularly stressful week. People kept asking for the recipe, shocked that something this decadent could be part of a healthy morning routine. Now there's a tiny overnight oat community in our breakroom.

Make It Your Own

I've discovered that the base is incredibly forgiving. You can easily swap in sunflower seed butter if you need it nut-free, or add protein powder if you want something more substantial post-workout. The real magic happens when you experiment with different nut butters and mix-ins.

Storage Secrets

These jars keep beautifully for up to five days in the fridge, which means you're basically meal-prepping dessert for breakfast. I make a batch on Sunday and suddenly my mornings feel luxurious instead of rushed. The oats continue softening subtly each day, so day three or four might be the absolute best texture.

Serving Ideas

Sometimes I'll top it with fresh banana slices or berries when I want something lighter. Other times a dollop of extra yogurt makes it feel even more decadent. The recipe creates its own little community of fans who will absolutely judge you if you eat their jar.

• Try crumbling a graham cracker on top for that extra cookie factor
• A teaspoon of cocoa powder mixed into the base creates chocolate cookie dough oats
• Warm it slightly for 30 seconds if you prefer hot oats but want the same flavors

Save

There's something deeply satisfying about waking up knowing breakfast is already waiting, especially when it tastes this good. Enjoy every spoonful.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How long do cookie dough overnight oats last in the refrigerator?

These overnight oats stay fresh for up to 4-5 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy breakfast all week long.

→ Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?

Old-fashioned rolled oats work best as they maintain a pleasant texture after soaking. Quick oats may become overly soft and mushy. Steel-cut oats are not recommended as they remain too gritty.

→ What milk alternatives work well in this preparation?

Dairy milk, almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, and coconut milk all work beautifully. Choose unsweetened varieties to control sweetness, as maple syrup is already included.

→ How can I increase the protein content?

Add a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder when mixing the base. Greek yogurt already provides 13g of protein per serving, but protein powder can bump this to 20g or more.

→ Is this breakfast suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. Prepare individual portions in mason jars for grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week. The flavors actually develop and meld better after sitting overnight.

→ What toppings complement these oats?

Fresh sliced bananas, berries, extra chocolate chips, a drizzle of nut butter, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt all enhance the cookie dough experience.