Why You'll Love It
- Tastes exactly like eating cookie dough, but it’s breakfast.
- No cooking required—just mix and let it sit overnight.
- Packed with protein and fiber to keep you full all morning.
- Perfect for making ahead for a whole week of easy mornings.
"My kids think they're getting away with eating dessert for breakfast. I love that it's actually good for them!"
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: They soften perfectly overnight and have the best texture. Don’t use quick oats—they get too mushy.
- Milk of your choice: I use almond milk, but any kind works. The creaminess really makes it feel like dessert.
- Maple syrup: Adds that deep sweetness without being overpowering. You can adjust to your taste.
- Vanilla extract: This is the soul of the cookie dough flavor. Use real vanilla if you can.
- Chocolate chips: Mini chips distribute better, but any kind will do. They’re the little surprises in every bite.
- Chia seeds: They thicken the oats and add a nice nutritional boost. They blend right in, honestly.
Complete Cooking Process
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Ingredient Readiness:
All ingredients are combined cold and raw. The oats and chia seeds need time to absorb the liquid, so mixing everything well right at the start is crucial.
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Flavor Development:
The magic happens in the refrigerator overnight. The vanilla infuses the milk, the brown sugar flavor from the syrup deepens, and the oats become tender.
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Texture Control:
The chia seeds swell and create a lovely, thick, pudding-like consistency that mimics the feel of real cookie dough.
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Finishing Touches:
A final stir in the morning and an extra sprinkle of chocolate chips on top make it look and taste special.
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Serving Timing:
These oats are best enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge, making them a cool, refreshing start to the day.
- Use a jar with a tight lid so you can shake it instead of stir for a perfect mix.
- If it thickens too much overnight, just stir in a splash more milk in the morning.
- Let it sit for at least 6 hours, but 8-12 is ideal for the best texture.
- Taste it before serving—you might want a extra drizzle of maple syrup.
Pro Tips
I’ve found that giving the jar a good shake after the first hour helps the chia seeds from settling. And, wow, if you have a busy week ahead, making a few jars on Sunday feels like a gift to your future self. It’s one less thing to think about when the morning rush hits. You know, it’s these little preparations that make life feel a bit more manageable, a bit sweeter.
The essence of the dish:
A fun fact or historical angle:
Flavor or sensory focus:
You Must Know
- The oats need time! Don’t shortcut the soaking process.
- The sweetness is adjustable. Start with the recipe and add more if you like.
- This is a fantastic base recipe. Feel free to add nuts or dried fruit.
- It keeps for up to 5 days in the fridge, making it a meal prep hero.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned?
I wouldn't recommend it. Quick oats absorb liquid much faster and will become too soft and mushy, losing that perfect cookie dough texture.
→ Do I have to use chia seeds?
They're important for thickening, but if you don't have them, you can use a tablespoon of ground flaxseed. The texture will be a bit different, but still good.
→ How long do these oats last in the fridge?
They'll stay perfect for about 4-5 days. It’s a great way to prep breakfast for the whole work week.
→ Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Just use your favorite non-dairy milk, like almond, oat, or coconut milk. It works beautifully.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
→ My oats are too thick in the morning, what should I do?
No problem at all. Just stir in a little extra milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your preferred consistency. It’s very forgiving.
Chef's Tips
The longer it sits, the thicker it gets. Adjust consistency with milk as needed.,This is a perfect base for other flavors. Try adding a tablespoon of peanut butter or a sprinkle of cinnamon.,For a protein boost, you can stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder when you add the milk.
Nutrition Facts
per serving
380
Calories
11g
Protein
55g
Carbs
14g
Fat
Taste Profile
Sweet and creamy with warm vanilla notes, reminiscent of classic chocolate chip cookie dough.
Ingredient Substitutions
Don't have an ingredient? Try these alternatives
The flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
The recipe is very adaptable to different types of milk.
For a less sweet option with a deeper chocolate flavor.
Recipe Variations
Try these delicious twists on the original
Peanut Butter Cookie Dough
Add 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter to the mixture for a rich, nutty twist.
Double Chocolate
Use chocolate milk and add a tablespoon of cocoa powder for an ultra-chocolatey version.
Funfetti
Swap chocolate chips for rainbow sprinkles for a birthday cake vibe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' mistakes for perfect results
- Using quick oats, which become mushy.
- Not stirring well enough, leading to clumpy chia seeds.
- Not letting it soak long enough for the best texture.
Meal Prep & Storage
Make Ahead Tips
This is the ultimate make-ahead recipe! Prepare it up to 5 days in advance for a ready-to-eat breakfast each morning.
Leftover Ideas
Leftovers are fantastic! Keep them chilled and enjoy within 5 days. They might thicken, so just stir in a bit of milk.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this with...
Cooking Timeline
Mix all ingredients in a jar, cover, and refrigerate.
Stir, adjust consistency if needed, add toppings, and serve.
Cookie Dough Overnight Oats: Dessert for Breakfast
Easy cookie dough overnight oats recipe - a healthy, protein-packed breakfast that tastes like dessert. No yogurt needed, perfect for meal prep.
Timing
Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
0 Minutes
Total Time
5 Minutes (plus overnight soaking)
Recipe Details
Ingredients
Main Mixture
- 01 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 02 1 ¼ cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 03 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 04 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 05 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 06 A pinch of salt
Cookie Dough Mix-Ins
- 01 3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
- 02 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
Grab a medium-sized bowl or a jar with a lid. Combine the oats, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, chia seeds, and that pinch of salt.
Stir everything together really well until it’s all combined. Honestly, you want to make sure the chia seeds are distributed so they don’t clump up.
Now, stir in most of the chocolate chips and the nuts if you’re using them. Save a few chips for topping later. It’s nice to have that little surprise on top.
Cover the bowl or jar tightly and pop it into the refrigerator. Let it sit for at least 6 hours, but overnight is best—8 to 12 hours lets the flavors really meld.
In the morning, give the oats a good stir. They will have thickened up nicely. If they seem too thick for your liking, just add a splash more milk and stir it in.
Divide into bowls or eat straight from the jar! Top with the reserved chocolate chips and enjoy your dessert-for-breakfast.
Notes & Tips
- 1 The longer it sits, the thicker it gets. Adjust consistency with milk as needed.
- 2 This is a perfect base for other flavors. Try adding a tablespoon of peanut butter or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- 3 For a protein boost, you can stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder when you add the milk.
Tools You'll Need
-
Mixing bowl or jar with lid
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Spoon for stirring
Must-Know Tips
- Don’t skip the salt! It balances the sweetness and makes the cookie dough flavor pop.
- Shake the jar after an hour to redistribute the chia seeds.
- Taste before serving—sweetness is personal, so adjust if you need to.
Professional Secrets
- Room temperature ingredients mix more evenly, but cold is fine.
- A tight-sealing jar allows you to shake the mixture for a perfect, clump-free blend.
- Letting it rest is the only 'cooking' required—patience is the secret ingredient.
Recipe by
Emma Fields“Mornings are my magic hour! I create easy, energizing breakfasts that turn sleepy starts into sunshine moments.” ☀️🥞
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