If you love dessert-inspired breakfasts that secretly pack a punch of nutrition, get ready to fall head over heels for Cookie Dough Overnight Oats. Imagine all the classic cookie dough flavors—creamy nut butter, chocolate chips, a hint of vanilla—swirled together with hearty oats and a touch of sweetness. These overnight oats are everything you adore about cookie dough, but in a wholesome, filling, and utterly crave-worthy breakfast form. Perfect for busy mornings, meal prep, or a delightful midnight snack, this recipe is about to become your new favorite way to satisfy that cookie craving while still eating well!

Cookie Dough Overnight Oats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Cookie Dough Overnight Oats is short, sweet, and endlessly adaptable! Each element brings something special to the table, so you get that signature cookie-dough flavor and luscious, creamy texture in every spoonful.

Rolled oats: The heart of the recipe, these soak up the flavors and create the perfect hearty base.
Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Adds creaminess and brings all the ingredients together. Use your favorite for a personal touch.
Almond butter or peanut butter: For richness, healthy fats, and that unmistakable cookie dough mouthfeel.
Maple syrup or honey: Naturally sweetens the oats without overpowering the other flavors.
Vanilla extract: Key for that nostalgic cookie dough aroma and depth of flavor.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a cozy, subtle spice.
Chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional): Perfect if you like extra thickness and a boost of nutrition.
Mini chocolate chips: Because cookie dough isn’t cookie dough without chocolate chips—these deliver that melty bite!
Crushed nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional): Sprinkle in for added crunch and a nutty finish.

How to Make Cookie Dough Overnight Oats

Step 1: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Start by grabbing a medium-sized bowl or a mason jar—whatever you prefer for easy mixing and storage. Add the rolled oats, milk of your choice, almond or peanut butter, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir everything together thoroughly; you want the nut butter to be evenly mixed and that lovely vanilla and cinnamon to kiss every oat. If you’re a fan of extra-thick overnight oats, now’s the time to toss in those chia seeds or flaxseeds. They’ll swell up overnight, making your oats extra creamy and luxurious.

Step 2: Stir in Cookie Dough Mix-ins

Next, sprinkle in the mini chocolate chips and (if you’d like a little crunch) the crushed walnuts or pecans. Give everything another good stir so the chips and nuts are speckled throughout. This step is what gives these oats the irresistible cookie dough vibe—imagine biting into those pockets of chocolate and bits of toasty nuts!

Step 3: Let It Chill

Cover your bowl or jar tightly, then pop it in the fridge. The magic happens while you sleep—the oats soak up all that creamy goodness and the flavors meld together beautifully. Four hours works in a pinch, but overnight is truly best for the creamiest Cookie Dough Overnight Oats. Sleeping in while your breakfast comes together? Yes, please.

Step 4: Finishing Touches Before Serving

Come morning (or whenever you’re ready to dig in), give your oats a hearty stir. If you like them a bit looser, splash in a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency. Top with a few extra chocolate chips, a drizzle of almond butter, or another pinch of cinnamon for the full cookie dough experience. Then, just grab a spoon and savor every bite!

How to Serve Cookie Dough Overnight Oats

Garnishes

Elevate your breakfast bowl with extra mini chocolate chips, a swoosh of nut butter, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Fresh berries or a dollop of Greek yogurt can also add a pop of color and tang—make it as decadent or as virtuous as you like!

Side Dishes

Cookie Dough Overnight Oats pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold brew coffee, a frothy matcha latte, or a refreshing fruit salad. If you’re feeding a crowd or want a bigger breakfast, serve alongside scrambled eggs and toast to balance the sweetness with a savory touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Individual mason jars make your oats portable and Instagram-worthy, an easy grab-and-go option for busy mornings. Or, layer the oats parfait-style with fruit and yogurt in clear glasses for brunches and get-togethers. For a party, set up an overnight oats bar with fun toppings like coconut flakes, dried fruit, pumpkin seeds, and extra chocolate chips for everyone to customize their own bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cookie Dough Overnight Oats store wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days, making them a perfect meal prep candidate. Simply keep your oats in sealed containers or jars to maintain their freshness and creamy texture. The flavors only deepen as they sit, so leftovers are a real treat!

Freezing

While oats themselves freeze well, the texture of Cookie Dough Overnight Oats is best enjoyed fresh from the fridge. If you do freeze a batch, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, and note you may need to rehydrate with a splash of milk after thawing for the best consistency.

Reheating

One of the beauties of Cookie Dough Overnight Oats is how delicious they are cold—no reheating necessary! But if you prefer a warm version, simply microwave in 15–20 second increments, stirring as you go, until just warmed through. This will make the chocolate chips extra melty for a fresh-from-the-oven cookie dough feel!

FAQs

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?

For this recipe, rolled oats create the creamiest, most dessert-like texture. Steel-cut oats won’t fully soften overnight and will give a chewy, almost raw bite, so stick with rolled oats for the best cookie dough effect.

Do I have to use almond butter, or can I substitute something else?

Absolutely! Peanut butter offers a more classic cookie dough taste, but you can also use cashew butter, sunflower butter, or any creamy spread you love. Each swap adds its own delicious twist.

How can I make these Cookie Dough Overnight Oats vegan?

It’s so simple to keep this recipe plant-based: choose non-dairy milk and use maple syrup instead of honey. Double-check your chocolate chips are dairy-free, and you’re all set for a vegan-friendly treat.

Is there a way to cut down on sugar?

Definitely! Use unsweetened almond milk, go lighter on the maple syrup, or even skip the sweetener altogether if you want a less-sweet version. The chocolate chips add sweetness too, so you can adjust to suit your taste buds.

Why are my overnight oats too thick or too runny?

This often comes down to preference and ingredient ratios. If your Cookie Dough Overnight Oats are too thick, stir in a little extra milk before serving. If they’re too runny, try adding another spoonful of chia seeds or let them sit longer to thicken.

Final Thoughts

Now you know all the secrets to irresistible Cookie Dough Overnight Oats, it’s time to dive in! Whether you’re a busy bee needing breakfast on the go, or just someone who thinks breakfast should be as fun as dessert, this recipe is sure to make your mornings brighter. Give it a try—you’ll be surprised just how much it tastes like cookie dough joy in a bowl!

Cookie Dough Overnight Oats Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 24 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 4 hours (including chilling time)
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Cookie Dough Overnight Oats are a delicious and convenient breakfast option that tastes like a treat. With the flavors of cookie dough, this recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for busy mornings.

Ingredients

Scale

Oats Mixture:

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
2 tablespoons almond butter or peanut butter
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional, for thickness)

Toppings:

1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips
1 tablespoon crushed nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)

Instructions

Oats Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl or a mason jar, combine rolled oats, milk, almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly. Add chia seeds or flaxseeds for a creamier texture.
Adding Toppings: Mix in mini chocolate chips and crushed nuts. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Serving: Before serving, stir the oats well. Adjust consistency with a splash of milk if needed. Top with extra toppings and enjoy!

Notes

You can customize this recipe by adding fruits like bananas or berries.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less maple syrup/honey.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American