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If there’s one thing I’ve learned on my wellness journey, it’s that breakfast should never feel like a chore — or worse, something you dread. That’s why I’m so excited to share this comforting, dessert-like, and seriously crave-worthy recipe with you: Cookie Dough Overnight Oats. It’s healthy, indulgent, and packed with nourishing ingredients — all in one jar! And yes, cookie dough is the vibe here.
Cookie dough overnight oats bring that nostalgic, sweet flavor of raw cookie dough right into your morning routine, but with a nutritious, plant-based twist. Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and entirely customizable — this one’s for the meal preppers, the busy parents, the sweet-tooth warriors, and anyone trying to eat better without sacrificing joy.
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What Are Cookie Dough Overnight Oats?
Cookie dough overnight oats are a no-cook oatmeal recipe made by soaking rolled oats in milk and flavorings overnight. In this version, we infuse the oats with creamy cashew butter, sweet chocolate chips, and warm vanilla-cinnamon notes to mimic classic cookie dough flavor — all while packing in fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons these oats have a permanent spot in my fridge. Let me count the ways:
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Meal Prep Hero: Mix it up in just 5 minutes and enjoy breakfast on autopilot for days.
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Dessert for Breakfast: Yep — it tastes like dessert but acts like a health food.
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Customizable: Make it nut-free, sugar-free, or protein-packed with a few tweaks.
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Kid-Approved: Sweet and chocolatey — your little ones won’t believe it’s healthy!
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No Cooking Required: Zero time at the stove means more time for you.
What Do Cookie Dough Overnight Oats Taste Like?
Imagine this: creamy, sweet oats with melty chocolate chips and a hint of vanilla and brown sugar — all swirled with rich, nutty cashew butter. It’s like someone melted a chocolate chip cookie into a cozy jar of oats. The texture is thick and creamy thanks to the chia seeds and yogurt, with delightful pops of chocolate throughout.
Health Benefits of Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
This breakfast may taste indulgent, but it’s secretly packed with nutritional perks:
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Oats: High in fiber (hello, happy digestion!) and heart-healthy beta-glucan.
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Chia Seeds: Loaded with omega-3s, fiber, and protein.
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Cashew Butter: A creamy source of healthy fats and minerals like magnesium.
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Yogurt: Optional, but adds probiotics and protein.
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Low Sugar Options: You can swap brown sugar for monk fruit or stevia easily.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up your own jar of cookie dough overnight oats:
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1/2 cup rolled oats
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1/2 cup non-dairy milk (almond, oat, soy — your choice!)
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1/4 cup non-dairy yogurt (optional but adds creaminess)
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1–2 tbsp cashew butter
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1–2 tbsp chocolate chips
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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1/2 tbsp chia seeds
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/4 tsp cinnamon
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1/8 tsp salt
Optional Toppings
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Extra chocolate chips
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Cacao nibs
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A drizzle of nut butter
Tools You’ll Need
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Mason jar or any sealable container
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Measuring spoons + cups
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Spoon or spatula to mix
Simple tools, simple prep — it’s that easy.
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
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Cashew Butter: Swap with almond butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter (nut-free).
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Yogurt: Go dairy-free or use Greek yogurt for extra protein.
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Sweetener: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup, agave, stevia, or monk fruit.
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Add-ins: Hemp seeds, flaxseeds, or a scoop of protein powder for extra fuel.
How to Make Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Mix Ingredients: In a mason jar or container, combine oats, milk, yogurt (if using), cashew butter, chocolate chips, brown sugar, chia seeds, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
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Seal and Refrigerate: Cover tightly and place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
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Stir and Serve: In the morning, give it a good stir. Add a splash of milk if you prefer it looser.
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Top and Enjoy: Sprinkle on extra chocolate chips, a swirl of nut butter, or crunchy cacao nibs for texture.
That’s it! Your healthy cookie dough dreams just came true.
What to Serve With Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
These oats are hearty on their own, but here are some ideas to round out your breakfast:
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A fresh fruit bowl or banana slices
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A warm mug of coffee or matcha
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A handful of almonds or a boiled egg for extra protein
Tips for Perfect Overnight Oats Every Time
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Adjust the sweetness: Taste before chilling and add more sweetener if needed.
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Thick vs. thin: Add more chia seeds for thicker oats or a splash of milk for a thinner consistency.
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Use rolled oats: Instant oats turn mushy, and steel-cut won’t soften enough overnight.
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Meal prep multiple jars: These last up to 3 days in the fridge, so make a few in advance!
Storage Instructions
Keep your overnight oats tightly sealed in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re best within the first 24 hours for ideal texture, but still totally enjoyable after that. Stir well before eating and add milk if needed to loosen.
General Info About Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are a game-changer for busy mornings. They’re a form of cold oatmeal where the oats absorb liquid overnight, creating a soft, spoonable consistency. Popular across health blogs and busy households alike, they’re endlessly customizable and perfect for grab-and-go nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes! Just use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of cashew butter and skip any nut-based toppings. The flavor is still amazing, and it’s perfect for school-safe breakfasts.
Are cookie dough oats actually healthy?
Absolutely. These oats are loaded with fiber, healthy fats, plant-based protein, and complex carbs. They taste like a treat but give you the fuel you need to start your day strong.
Do I have to use chia seeds?
Nope! Chia seeds are great for thickening and adding omega-3s, but ground flaxseed works just as well. You can also skip them entirely if you prefer a looser texture.
Can I warm up overnight oats?
Yes! If cold oats aren’t your thing, just microwave them for 30–60 seconds. Stir and enjoy warm cookie dough comfort in a bowl.
Can I make a bigger batch for the week?
Definitely. Just multiply the ingredients and portion them into individual jars or containers. They stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What kind of oats should I use?
Rolled oats work best here — they soften overnight without getting mushy. Quick oats can turn too soft, and steel-cut oats won’t soften enough unless cooked.
Can I make this high-protein?
Absolutely! Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder, or stir in some Greek yogurt if you’re not vegan. It thickens it up even more and keeps you fuller longer.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, yes, yes! It tastes like dessert — which makes it a hit with little ones. Just adjust the sugar or use mini chocolate chips for easier bites.
Can I use a different nut butter?
Of course. Almond butter, peanut butter, or even hazelnut spread (for an extra treat!) all work wonderfully. Each one brings a slightly different flavor.
How long do these overnight oats last?
They’re best within 24–48 hours, but you can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give them a good stir and add a splash of milk before serving.
In Conclusion
Cookie dough overnight oats are everything a breakfast should be: easy, indulgent, and good for you. With rich, nostalgic cookie flavor and ingredients that fuel your body, this recipe is a go-to in my home, and I hope it becomes a favorite in yours too.
Looking for more cozy oat recipes? Don’t miss these reader favorites from the blog:
Made these oats? I’d love to see how yours turned out! Pin and share your creation on Pinterest — tag me at @recipesbysylvia so I can cheer you on!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
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Calories: 395
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Protein: 11g
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Carbohydrates: 57g
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Fiber: 12g
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Sugar: 11g
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Fat: 20g
What flavor should we turn into overnight oats next?

3-Ingredient Cookie Dough Overnight Oats – Healthy & Delicious!
- Author: Sylvia
- Total Time: 5 minutes (plus chill time)
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cookie dough overnight oats are your new favorite healthy indulgence! This quick, no-cook breakfast tastes like dessert but is made with wholesome ingredients like oats, chia seeds, cashew butter, and non-dairy milk. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for meal prep, weight loss, or getting your kids excited about breakfast! All the cookie dough vibes — none of the guilt.
Ingredients
Overnight Oats:
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1/2 cup rolled oats
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1/2 cup non-dairy milk (or regular milk)
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1/4 cup non-dairy yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess)
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1–2 tbsp cashew butter
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1–2 tbsp chocolate chips
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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1/2 tbsp chia seeds
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/4 tsp cinnamon
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1/8 tsp salt
Optional Toppings:
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Extra chocolate chips
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Cacao nibs
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Nut butter drizzle
Instructions
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Add all your base ingredients (oats, milk, yogurt, cashew butter, chocolate chips, brown sugar, chia seeds, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt) into a mason jar or container with a lid.
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Stir well until everything is fully combined and creamy.
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Seal the container and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours.
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When ready to eat, stir again. Add a splash of milk if needed to loosen the oats.
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Top with extra chocolate chips, a spoonful of nut butter, or a sprinkle of cacao nibs. Enjoy straight from the jar or transfer to a bowl!
Notes
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Make it nut-free: Swap cashew butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini.
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Want less sugar? Use stevia-sweetened chocolate chips and sub brown sugar for maple syrup or monk fruit.
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No chia seeds? Ground flaxseed works as a great substitute.
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Prep ahead: These oats stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days — perfect for batch breakfasts!
Equipment
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Mason jar or small sealable container
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Measuring cups & spoons
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Spoon or spatula
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Mix
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 395 kcal
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cookie dough overnight oats, healthy overnight oats, vegan oatmeal, dessert for breakfast, overnight oats with nut butter, chia oats, easy vegan breakfast, meal prep oats, gluten-free oats recipe