Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
If you’ve ever found yourself sneaking bites of cookie dough (because honestly, who doesn’t?), this Cookie Dough Overnight Oats recipe was made for you. It’s literally all of the flavors of your favorite guilty pleasure wrapped into a satisfying and cute little bowl of oats!
So gone are the days of feeling bad about your cookie dough cravings. This recipe balances creamy oats, lots of protein, and those chocolatey bites we all love. Perfect for whenever you need a healthy dessert-inspired pick-me-up, these oats will definitely become a go-to!
Ingredients Breakdown
- Oats: The star of the show! Quick oats are my go-to for their soft texture, but rolled oats work well if you prefer more bite.
- Protein Powder: Adding vanilla protein powder not only gives these oats a creamy texture but also helps keep you full and energized.
- Greek Yogurt: Nonfat plain Greek yogurt brings a tangy creaminess while upping the protein content.
- Sugar-Free Vanilla Pudding Mix: This might seem unconventional, but it’s the secret to that cookie dough flavor.
- Vanilla & Almond Extracts: These extracts mimic the flavor of classic cookie dough—don’t skip them!
- Mini Chocolate Chips: A few indulgent bites go a long way, delivering that quintessential cookie dough experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a breakfast that feels like a treat.
2. Perfectly Balanced: These oats are high in protein, keeping you full until lunch, while the chocolate chips satisfy your sweet tooth.
3. Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch or two ahead of time to enjoy all week long.
Making Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
Let’s break it down step by step for foolproof oats every time.
1. Prepare the Oat Base
Combine the oats, protein powder, pudding mix, Greek yogurt, and other base ingredients. Pop it into the microwave for about a minute to let everything come together. This little step gives the oats a cookie-dough-like texture that’s just irresistible.
2. Add Chocolate Chips
While the oats are still warm, sprinkle on those mini chocolate chips. They’ll melt slightly, giving you that gooey, fresh-from-the-oven cookie vibe.
3. Refrigerate Overnight
Cover your oats and refrigerate them overnight. This step allows the flavors to meld and the oats to absorb the liquid, resulting in a creamy, dreamy texture.
4. Enjoy!
In the morning, grab your jar of oats, and you’re good to go. Add extra chocolate chips or even a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy.
Customizing Your Oats
This recipe is already a winner, but here are some ways to make it your own:
- Make it Vegan: Swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based alternative, use non-dairy milk, and choose a vegan protein powder and chocolate chips.
- Add a Crunch: Mix in a sprinkle of crushed nuts or granola for some added texture
- Get Creative with Mix-Ins: Try stirring in a tablespoon of peanut butter, a pinch of cinnamon, or even shredded coconut for a fun twist on the classic cookie dough flavor.
- Extra Sweetness: If you like your oats sweeter, drizzle a touch of honey, agave, or a sugar-free syrup over the top.
Tips for Perfect Overnight Oats
Here are some simple tricks to make your overnight oats as delicious as possible:
- Measure with Precision: Overnight oats are forgiving, but getting the liquid-to-oat ratio right ensures a creamy texture every time.
- Mix Thoroughly: Make sure everything is well combined, especially the pudding mix and protein powder. This prevents clumps and helps distribute the flavor.
- Chill Long Enough: Letting the oats sit overnight is key. The longer they rest, the better the flavor and texture.
Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
Ingredients
Oat Base
- 40 g oats ( I use quick oats )
- 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 4 g sugar free vanilla pudding mix
- 42 g nonfat plain greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup water or milk of choice
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- vanilla bean paste or extract
- almond extract
- sweetener of choice
- pinch of salt
Toppings
- 7 g mini semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mix together all of the ingredients in the OAT BASE, then microwave for 45 secs-1 min.
- Remove from microwave and top the oats with the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Now cover and refrigerate them overnight!
- Wake up to your delicious jar of oats and enjoy!
Why Overnight Oats Are the Breakfast Hero
Cookie Dough Overnight Oats aren’t just delicious—they’re also a nutritional powerhouse. Packed with protein and fiber, this breakfast keeps you full, helps stabilize blood sugar, and powers your day without the mid-morning slump. Plus, they’re the perfect grab-and-go option for anyone with a busy schedule.
More Cookie-Inspired Recipes:
Perfect for the Holidays
This recipe also transitions beautifully into the festive season! Think of it as a healthier nod to all those holiday cookie trays. Want to make them even more seasonal? Try topping with crushed peppermint or adding a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy winter twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of oats for this recipe?
Absolutely! While quick oats work best for a creamy texture, rolled oats can also be used for a heartier bite. Steel-cut oats aren’t ideal for this recipe as they require longer soaking and cooking times.
2. Can I make these oats dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the nonfat plain Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt and use almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based milk instead of water or cow’s milk. Be sure to check your protein powder to ensure it’s also dairy-free.
3. Do I have to microwave the oats before refrigerating them?
Microwaving helps the oats soften and blend with the other ingredients, but it’s not mandatory. If you prefer a no-cook method, skip the microwave step and refrigerate the mixture overnight. The texture will still be delicious but slightly different.
4. Can I customize the toppings?
Of course! While mini semisweet chocolate chips are a classic addition, feel free to mix it up with dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of peanut butter for added flavor.
5. How long can I store these overnight oats?
These oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture might get softer the longer they sit, so they’re best enjoyed within the first two days.
6. Can I make this recipe high-protein?
Yes! You can add a full serving of protein powder instead of half a scoop or mix in a bit more Greek yogurt. Just adjust the liquid slightly to maintain the right consistency.
7. Can I make this sugar-free?
Certainly. The recipe already uses sugar-free vanilla pudding mix and sweetener of choice, so you can keep it sugar-free by using unsweetened almond milk and sugar-free chocolate chips.
8. What’s the purpose of the almond extract?
Almond extract adds a nutty, cookie-dough-like flavor that complements the vanilla and chocolate. If you don’t have almond extract, you can skip it or replace it with a bit more vanilla extract.
Final Thoughts
These Cookie Dough Overnight Oats strike the perfect balance between indulgent dessert and nourishing breakfast. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, looking for a quick post-workout meal, or just want to enjoy the nostalgia of cookie dough without the guilt, this recipe has you covered.
And the best part? You can enjoy it any time of year—no oven required!
So, grab your jar, dig in, and embrace the cookie dough magic. Trust me, your mornings are about to get so much better.