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.