Introduction: Can Breakfast Taste Like Cookie Dough and Still Be Healthy?
Craving a breakfast that feels like a dessert but is packed with protein and wholesome ingredients? Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Overnight Oats combine the creamy, cookie-dough-like flavor of cottage cheese or Greek yogurt with the sweet crunch of chocolate chips, all prepped ahead for a grab-and-go meal. Perfect for busy mornings, meal prep, or a nutritious snack, these oats are easy to make and endlessly customizable. Ready to mix up a jar of indulgent goodness? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Overview: Why Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Overnight Oats Are a Morning Win
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Overnight Oats are loved for their creamy texture, cookie-dough-inspired flavor, and high protein content, making them a satisfying and healthy breakfast or snack. Here’s what makes them special:
- Time Requirement: About 10 minutes to prep, plus overnight chilling (no cooking required).
- Difficulty Level: Very easy—requires blending or mixing and chilling, perfect for beginners.
- Why It’s Special: Cottage cheese or Greek yogurt adds protein and a cookie-dough-like creaminess, while chocolate chips bring sweet indulgence. This recipe yields 2 servings, ideal for meal prep or sharing.
Perfect for busy mornings, healthy snacks, or a dessert-like treat, these overnight oats are sure to become a favorite.
Essential Ingredients
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Overnight Oats use simple ingredients to create a creamy, flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need for 2 servings:
- 1 cup rolled oats: Provides a hearty, fiber-rich base.
- 1 ½ tablespoons chia seeds: Adds thickness and nutrition (fiber, omega-3s).
- ¼ cup vanilla protein powder: Boosts protein and adds cookie-dough flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon salt (omit if using cottage cheese): Balances sweetness (skip for cottage cheese to avoid excess saltiness).
- ½ cup cottage cheese or plain Greek yogurt: Creates a creamy, protein-packed texture.
- 1–1 ½ cups milk: Adjusts consistency (use dairy or non-dairy like almond, oat, or soy).
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup: Sweetens naturally, adjustable to taste.
- 1-2 tablespoons almond butter or cashew butter: Adds nutty, cookie-dough richness.
- 1-2 tablespoons chocolate chips: Provides sweet, indulgent bursts.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Cottage Cheese/Greek Yogurt: Adds protein and a creamy, cookie-dough-like texture.
- Chia Seeds: Thicken the oats and add nutritional benefits.
- Protein Powder: Enhances protein content and cookie-dough flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Deliver the sweet, indulgent taste of cookie dough.
Substitutions and Variations
- Cottage Cheese/Greek Yogurt: Use plant-based yogurt or cottage cheese for a vegan option.
- Rolled Oats: Substitute with quick oats for a softer texture (reduce milk slightly); avoid steel-cut oats.
- Protein Powder: Omit and add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup or use a plant-based protein powder for vegan diets.
- Milk: Use any milk (dairy or non-dairy); adjust quantity for desired thickness.
- Maple Syrup: Replace with honey, agave nectar, or a sugar-free sweetener.
- Nut Butter: Swap with peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, or omit for a lighter version.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based yogurt or cottage cheese, non-dairy milk, and vegan chocolate chips.
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats and ensure protein powder is gluten-free.
- Nut-Free: Replace nut butter with tahini or omit; use nut-free chocolate chips.
- Fruit Boost: Add ¼ cup diced strawberries or bananas for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Overnight Oats is a quick and easy process with two methods (blender or regular) for flexibility. Let’s get prepping!
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats, 1 ½ tablespoons chia seeds, ¼ cup vanilla protein powder, ¼ teaspoon salt (omit for cottage cheese), ½ cup cottage cheese or Greek yogurt, 1–1 ½ cups milk, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1-2 tablespoons almond or cashew butter, and 1-2 tablespoons chocolate chips.
- Choose 2 jars or containers (8-12 oz each) with lids for storage.
Tip: Use full-fat cottage cheese or Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture; drain cottage cheese if watery.
Method #1: Blender Method
- Blend Ingredients:
- In a blender, combine 1 cup rolled oats, 1 ½ tablespoons chia seeds, ¼ cup vanilla protein powder, ½ cup cottage cheese or Greek yogurt, 1–1 ½ cups milk, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and 1-2 tablespoons almond or cashew butter. Omit salt if using cottage cheese.
- Blend until smooth, about 30-60 seconds, scraping down sides as needed.
- Add Chocolate Chips:
- Pour the blended mixture into a bowl and fold in 1-2 tablespoons chocolate chips with a spatula.
- Divide and Chill:
- Divide the mixture evenly between 2 jars or containers.
- Add lids and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours) to soften and thicken.
- Serve:
- In the morning, stir and add a splash of milk if needed to adjust consistency.
- Add optional toppings like extra chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit, and enjoy cold or at room temperature.
Tip: Blend until smooth for a cohesive, cookie-dough-like texture; use 1 cup milk for thicker oats or 1 ½ cups for a looser consistency.
Method #2: Regular Overnight Oats
- Blend Cottage Cheese (if using):
- Blend ½ cup cottage cheese until smooth, about 30 seconds. Skip this step if using Greek yogurt.
- Mix Ingredients:
- Divide 1 cup rolled oats, 1 ½ tablespoons chia seeds, ¼ cup vanilla protein powder, ¼ teaspoon salt (omit for cottage cheese), ½ cup cottage cheese or Greek yogurt, 1–1 ½ cups milk, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1-2 tablespoons almond or cashew butter, and 1-2 tablespoons chocolate chips evenly between 2 jars.
- Stir well in each jar to combine.
- Chill:
- Add lids and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours) to soften and thicken.
- Serve:
- In the morning, stir and add a splash of milk if needed to adjust consistency.
- Add optional toppings like extra chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit, and enjoy cold or at room temperature.
Tip: Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute ingredients; adjust milk based on preferred thickness.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
Making Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Overnight Oats is all about creating a creamy, indulgent breakfast with minimal effort. Here’s how to make them shine:
- Base: Blend (Method #1) for a smoother, cookie-dough-like texture or mix by hand (Method #2) for a chunkier feel.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in or sprinkle on top for sweet bursts in every bite.
- Layering: Add toppings just before serving to maintain texture and freshness.
- Presentation: Use clear jars to showcase the creamy oats and chocolate chips.
Presentation Tips
- Garnish with extra chocolate chips, a drizzle of nut butter, or fresh berries for a vibrant look.
- Serve with coffee, tea, or a smoothie for a complete breakfast.
- Present in mason jars or clear containers for a portable, eye-catching meal.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Overnight Oats are designed for meal prep and convenience.
- Storage:
- Store in airtight jars or containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir and add a splash of milk before serving if too thick.
- Not recommended for freezing, as the texture may become grainy; prepare fresh for best results.
- Make-Ahead:
- Prep and assemble jars up to 4 days in advance; store in the fridge.
- Blend cottage cheese mixture (if using Method #1) up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate.
- Add chocolate chips and toppings just before serving to maintain texture.
Tip: Prepare multiple jars for a week’s worth of quick breakfasts or snacks.
Recipe Variations
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Overnight Oats are versatile and easy to customize. Here are some fun twists:
- Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Oats: Use peanut butter instead of almond or cashew butter for a classic flavor.
- Berry Cookie Dough Oats: Add ¼ cup diced strawberries or blueberries with the chocolate chips.
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats and protein powder.
- Vegan Oats: Use plant-based yogurt or cottage cheese, non-dairy milk, and vegan chocolate chips.
- Mocha Oats: Add 1 teaspoon instant coffee or espresso powder to the mixture for a coffee kick.
Conclusion: Savor the Cookie Dough Delight!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Overnight Oats are the breakfast that brings creamy, indulgent comfort to every bite. With their protein-packed cottage cheese or yogurt base, sweet chocolate chips, and cookie-dough flavor, they’re perfect for busy mornings, meal prep, or a healthy dessert. Quick to prep with a big flavor payoff, these oats are sure to become a favorite. So, grab your jars, mix up this delicious treat, and enjoy a bowl of wholesome indulgence. We’d love to hear how your oats turn out—share your creations in the comments or on social media!
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Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
Description
Craving a breakfast that feels like a dessert but is packed with protein and wholesome ingredients? Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Overnight Oats combine the creamy, cookie-dough-like flavor of cottage cheese or Greek yogurt with the sweet crunch of chocolate chips, all prepped ahead for a grab-and-go meal.
Ingredients
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Overnight Oats use simple ingredients to create a creamy, flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need for 2 servings:
- 1 cup rolled oats: Provides a hearty, fiber-rich base.
- 1 ½ tablespoons chia seeds: Adds thickness and nutrition (fiber, omega-3s).
- ¼ cup vanilla protein powder: Boosts protein and adds cookie-dough flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon salt (omit if using cottage cheese): Balances sweetness (skip for cottage cheese to avoid excess saltiness).
- ½ cup cottage cheese or plain Greek yogurt: Creates a creamy, protein-packed texture.
- 1–1 ½ cups milk: Adjusts consistency (use dairy or non-dairy like almond, oat, or soy).
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup: Sweetens naturally, adjustable to taste.
- 1–2 tablespoons almond butter or cashew butter: Adds nutty, cookie-dough richness.
- 1–2 tablespoons chocolate chips: Provides sweet, indulgent bursts.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Cottage Cheese/Greek Yogurt: Adds protein and a creamy, cookie-dough-like texture.
- Chia Seeds: Thicken the oats and add nutritional benefits.
- Protein Powder: Enhances protein content and cookie-dough flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Deliver the sweet, indulgent taste of cookie dough.
Substitutions and Variations
- Cottage Cheese/Greek Yogurt: Use plant-based yogurt or cottage cheese for a vegan option.
- Rolled Oats: Substitute with quick oats for a softer texture (reduce milk slightly); avoid steel-cut oats.
- Protein Powder: Omit and add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup or use a plant-based protein powder for vegan diets.
- Milk: Use any milk (dairy or non-dairy); adjust quantity for desired thickness.
- Maple Syrup: Replace with honey, agave nectar, or a sugar-free sweetener.
- Nut Butter: Swap with peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, or omit for a lighter version.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based yogurt or cottage cheese, non-dairy milk, and vegan chocolate chips.
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats and ensure protein powder is gluten-free.
- Nut-Free: Replace nut butter with tahini or omit; use nut-free chocolate chips.
- Fruit Boost: Add ¼ cup diced strawberries or bananas for extra flavor
Instructions
Making Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Overnight Oats is a quick and easy process with two methods (blender or regular) for flexibility. Let’s get prepping!
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats, 1 ½ tablespoons chia seeds, ¼ cup vanilla protein powder, ¼ teaspoon salt (omit for cottage cheese), ½ cup cottage cheese or Greek yogurt, 1–1 ½ cups milk, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1-2 tablespoons almond or cashew butter, and 1-2 tablespoons chocolate chips.
- Choose 2 jars or containers (8-12 oz each) with lids for storage.
Tip: Use full-fat cottage cheese or Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture; drain cottage cheese if watery.
Method #1: Blender Method
- Blend Ingredients:
- In a blender, combine 1 cup rolled oats, 1 ½ tablespoons chia seeds, ¼ cup vanilla protein powder, ½ cup cottage cheese or Greek yogurt, 1–1 ½ cups milk, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and 1-2 tablespoons almond or cashew butter. Omit salt if using cottage cheese.
- Blend until smooth, about 30-60 seconds, scraping down sides as needed.
- Add Chocolate Chips:
- Pour the blended mixture into a bowl and fold in 1-2 tablespoons chocolate chips with a spatula.
- Divide and Chill:
- Divide the mixture evenly between 2 jars or containers.
- Add lids and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours) to soften and thicken.
- Serve:
- In the morning, stir and add a splash of milk if needed to adjust consistency.
- Add optional toppings like extra chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit, and enjoy cold or at room temperature.
Tip: Blend until smooth for a cohesive, cookie-dough-like texture; use 1 cup milk for thicker oats or 1 ½ cups for a looser consistency.
Method #2: Regular Overnight Oats
- Blend Cottage Cheese (if using):
- Blend ½ cup cottage cheese until smooth, about 30 seconds. Skip this step if using Greek yogurt.
- Mix Ingredients:
- Divide 1 cup rolled oats, 1 ½ tablespoons chia seeds, ¼ cup vanilla protein powder, ¼ teaspoon salt (omit for cottage cheese), ½ cup cottage cheese or Greek yogurt, 1–1 ½ cups milk, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1-2 tablespoons almond or cashew butter, and 1-2 tablespoons chocolate chips evenly between 2 jars.
- Stir well in each jar to combine.
- Chill:
- Add lids and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours) to soften and thicken.
- Serve:
- In the morning, stir and add a splash of milk if needed to adjust consistency.
- Add optional toppings like extra chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit, and enjoy cold or at room temperature.
Tip: Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute ingredients; adjust milk based on preferred thickness.
FAQs
1. Why are my oats too thick/thin?
Adjust milk quantity: use 1 cup for thicker oats or 1 ½ cups for a looser consistency. Stir in extra milk before serving if needed.
2. Can I use low-fat cottage cheese or yogurt?
Yes, but full-fat versions yield a creamier, richer texture.
3. Are these oats gluten-free?
Not automatically, but use certified gluten-free rolled oats and protein powder for a gluten-free version.
4. Can I skip the protein powder?
Yes, omit and add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup or a touch of vanilla for flavor.
5. Can I make these ahead?
Yes, prep up to 4 days in advance and refrigerate; add toppings before serving.
6. Can I use quick oats?
Yes, but reduce milk slightly (start with 1 cup) as quick oats absorb less liquid.
7. What are the health benefits of this dish?
Cottage cheese/yogurt and protein powder provide protein, chia seeds add fiber and omega-3s, and oats offer sustained energy—enjoy with balance due to chocolate and sweetener.