Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
When it comes to breakfast, many people want something that is quick, healthy, and delicious. Cookie Dough Overnight Oats checks all those boxes! These tasty oats offer the joy of eating cookie dough without the guilt. By preparing your breakfast the night before, you can save time in the morning and enjoy a nutritious meal that keeps you full and satisfied.
Why Make This Recipe
Cookie Dough Overnight Oats is an excellent choice for several reasons. First, this recipe requires minimal preparation time, making it perfect for busy individuals or families. By doing most of the work the night before, you can grab a jar of these oats in the morning and head out the door.
Secondly, this recipe is packed with nutrition. Rolled oats provide fiber, which is great for digestion and can help you feel full for longer. Chia seeds add omega-3 fatty acids and extra fiber, while protein powder gives you the energy you need to start your day strong. The healthy fats from peanut butter or almond butter help keep you satisfied and provide essential nutrients.
Moreover, this recipe is highly customizable. You can adjust the sweetness level, add different toppings, or switch the nut butter according to your taste. With its chocolatey flavor and creamy texture, Cookie Dough Overnight Oats will make you feel like you are indulging in dessert for breakfast, but without the heavy sugar load!
How to Make Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
Making Cookie Dough Overnight Oats is easy and straightforward. Follow these simple steps to prepare a batch that will fuel your mornings.
Ingredients
To make Cookie Dough Overnight Oats, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
- 1 scoop protein powder
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter or almond butter
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
Directions
Mix the Dry Ingredients: Start by taking a large bowl. Combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, mini chocolate chips, protein powder, and a pinch of kosher salt. Stir well to mix everything evenly. Mixing the dry ingredients first will ensure that the protein powder and other dry items are spread throughout the oats.
Add the Wet Ingredients: Next, add the peanut butter (or almond butter), maple syrup, vanilla extract, and the cup of milk to the dry mixture. Use a spoon or spatula to mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined. You want the mixture to be uniform and creamy.
Prepare for Refrigeration: Once everything is mixed, divide the mixture into four jars or bowls. It helps to use containers that can be sealed tightly. This way, the oats will stay fresh and absorb moisture as they sit in the fridge.
Refrigerate: Cover the containers tightly and place them in the refrigerator. Allow the oats to chill overnight or let them sit for at least three hours. This step is crucial because it gives the oats time to soften and soak up all the flavors.
Enjoy: When you are ready to eat, take out a jar and give the oats a good stir. You can enjoy them cold right out of the fridge or warm them in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
How to Serve Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
Serving Cookie Dough Overnight Oats is part of the fun! You can add your favorite toppings to enhance the flavor and texture. Here are a few ideas:
- Fresh Fruits: Add sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries for a burst of freshness.
- Nut Butters: Top with a little extra spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter for an added richness.
- Seeds and Nuts: Sprinkle chia seeds, flaxseeds, or a handful of chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Cacao Nibs: For even more chocolate flavor, sprinkle some cacao nibs on top.
- Whipped Cream: If you want to treat yourself, a dollop of whipped cream can make this breakfast feel like dessert.
The flexibility in serving options allows you to customize each bowl to your taste preference.
How to Store Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
Proper storage is key if you want to keep your Cookie Dough Overnight Oats fresh. Here’s how you can do it:
- Use Airtight Containers: After mixing, make sure to divide your overnight oats into airtight jars. This keeps the mixture from drying out and helps the flavors meld.
- Refrigerate: Store the jars in the fridge. They will stay good for about 4 to 5 days. So, you can make a batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy them for breakfast all week long.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the mixture if you want to prepare it ahead of time. Just make sure to leave some space in the jars since food expands when it freezes. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before eating.
Tips to Make Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Cookie Dough Overnight Oats turn out delicious every time:
Choose Quality Oats: Use high-quality rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats can become too mushy, while steel-cut oats will require more liquid and time to soak.
Sweetness Levels: Adjust the sweetness according to your preferences. If you like it sweeter, you can add more maple syrup or a bit of honey. On the other hand, if you prefer it less sweet, feel free to cut back on the syrup.
Check Consistency: If you find the oats are too thick in the morning, you can always add a splash more milk to loosen them up.
Play with Protein: If you want a plant-based option, you can use vegan protein powder. The flavor of the oats will mix well regardless of your choice.
Variation
You can easily change the flavors of this recipe to suit your cravings. Here are some variations to try:
- Caramel Cookie Dough: Add a tablespoon of caramel sauce along with the other ingredients for a sweet twist.
- Banana Bread: Mix in mashed banana and a touch of cinnamon for a banana bread flavor.
- Peanut Butter Cup: Use chocolate protein powder and add extra chocolate chips for a richer chocolate taste.
Feel free to get creative and make it your own!
FAQs
Can I make Cookie Dough Overnight Oats without protein powder?
Yes! If you don’t have protein powder or prefer not to use it, you can still enjoy this recipe. The oats, nut butter, and seeds are already nutritious, so it will still be filling and delicious.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make Cookie Dough Overnight Oats vegan, simply use plant-based milk like almond or coconut milk and choose maple syrup as your sweetener. Make sure your protein powder is vegan too!
Can I substitute the nut butter?
Absolutely! If you have allergies or preferences, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter. Just remember that each will bring a slightly different taste and consistency.
By following this guide, you’ll create a delightful breakfast treat that makes mornings much easier and tastier! Enjoy your Cookie Dough Overnight Oats, and remember, the best part is you can mix and match ingredients until you find your perfect combination!
Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, chia seeds, mini chocolate chips, protein powder, and a pinch of kosher salt together until evenly combined.
- Add the peanut butter (or almond butter), maple syrup, vanilla extract, and the cup of milk to the dry mixture. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined.
- Divide the mixture into four jars or bowls. Use airtight containers to keep the oats fresh.
- Cover the containers tightly and place them in the refrigerator. Allow the oats to chill overnight or at least three hours.
- When ready to eat, stir the oats and enjoy cold or warm in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Top with fresh fruits, nut butters, seeds, nuts, cacao nibs, or whipped cream as desired.