Cookie Dough Overnight Oats

Thick and creamy Cookie Dough Overnight Oats are packed with protein and healthy fats from peanut butter and chia seeds. This easy oatmeal is incredibly delicious too. It tastes just like cookie dough! Make it ahead of time for a healthy meal-prep-friendly breakfast.

If you’ve never tried overnight oats you’re in for a real treat! And these cookie dough overnight oats are beyond delicious! Overnight oats are a no-cook method of making oatmeal. Instead of cooking the oats on the stovetop or in the microwave, you soak the raw oats with milk and a few other ingredients. As the oats soak, they will absorb the liquid and become soft enough to eat uncooked. They need a bit of time to fully absorb the liquid (at least 3 hours) and work great to soak all night long; hence the name overnight oats!

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In the morning, you have a ready-to-eat, delicious, creamy bowl (or jar) of oatmeal. You can eat the overnight oats cold, straight out of the refrigerator, or pop them in the microwave and warm them up a bit. The consistency is similar to porridge or pudding. It makes for a hearty and convenient breakfast that has a more thick and creamy texture than cooked oatmeal.

Why you’ll love this recipe

So delicious: These oats are so rich and flavorful, it’s like eating dessert for breakfast!
Healthy: Not only do this cookie dough overnight oats taste amazing, but they’re also packing the nutrition to keep you full and satisfied after breakfast.
Make ahead: Make a batch, which serves 4, on Sunday, and have a ready-to-go, nutritious breakfast throughout the busy week. You can double the recipe if you want to make enough for multiple people.

Spoon in a glass jar filled with oatmeal.

Ingredients needed for this overnight oatmeal recipe

Cookie dough overnight oats are packed with good-for-you ingredients. They also make for a hearty, satisfying breakfast with a good balance of fat, protein, and carbs. Here’s everything you’ll need to make them:

Rolled oats: We’re using rolled oats to keep a creamy texture. Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats, if you need to keep the overnight oats gluten-free.
Chia seeds: Adds healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Plus they thicken up the overnight oats for a wonderful texture.
Mini chocolate chips: Either dark or milk chocolate chips are great for that classic cookie dough flavor.
Protein powder: For a boost of extra filling protein! Use either whey or plant-based protein powder for this recipe. If you are vegan, then you will want to use your favorite vegan protein powder.
Kosher salt: To intensify flavors and balance all the ingredients.
Nut butter: Use either almond butter or peanut butter to make these oats super creamy, and filling, and add a wonderful nutty flavor.
Maple syrup: To naturally sweeten the oatmeal.
Vanilla extract: Vanilla adds a nice, sweet flavor to the recipe. You can sub with almond extract for a nutty taste.
Milk: Feel free to use any milk you’d like. We typically use almond milk or cashew milk for a low-calorie option.

Ingredients for making overnight oats divided into small bowls.

How to make this recipe

This cookie dough overnight oats recipe could not be easier – mix, soak and enjoy!

Start off by measuring out all of the ingredients to save yourself some time. Then, add the oats, chia seeds, chocolate chips, protein powder, and salt to a large bowl. Whisk to combine.

Oats, chocolate chips and chia seeds added to a white bowl.

Next, stir in the almond/peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and milk.

Overnight oats mixed in a large white bowl.

Divide the oat mixture among 4 jars or bowls, cover, and refrigerate overnight (or at least 3 hours).

Woman's hand stirring overnight oats in a jar.

Recipe notes and tips

Here are some tips for perfect overnight oats every time!

Vegan + dairy free: This recipe is super easy to make vegan and dairy free! Just be sure to use non-dairy milk and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Nut free: Can’t have nuts? You can simply leave out the nut butter or use sunflower seed butter, which is typically allergy friendly.
Warm them up: Not a fan of cold oatmeal? Overnight oats are actually great warmed-up, too! Simply warm them in a bowl in the microwave for 30 seconds to a minute or two, depending on how warm you like them. Once heated, give them a good stir, and feel free to add a bit more milk, if you’d like.

Frequently asked questions

What type of oats is best for overnight oatmeal?

Old-fashioned rolled oats create the best chewy texture for this easy overnight oats recipe. Steel-cut oats are overly chewy and don’t soften enough; quick oats absorb more liquid, leaving you with a mushier texture. Be sure to use gluten-free oats, as needed.

Are overnight oats good for weight loss?

Depending on the recipe you’re using, any type of oatmeal can be beneficial for those who are looking to lose some extra weight. Overnight-soaked oats are very high in fiber, which keeps you satisfied for a longer period of time.

Are overnight oats healthy?

This recipe for cookie dough overnight oats is a very nutritious breakfast because it’s a great balance of healthy fats, fiber, carbs, and protein. They will keep you feeling full and satisfied until lunch.

Storing tips

This overnight oats recipe will stay good in the refrigerator in an airtight container or mason jars for up to 4 to 5 days. This makes them portable and easy to enjoy on the go during busy weekdays. Just be sure to give them a good stir if they’ve been sitting for a couple of days and/or add another splash of milk.

Cookie dough overnight oats topped with mini chocolate chips.

More healthy overnight oats recipes to try

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