Cookies and Cream Overnight Oats

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Introduction

Cookies and Cream Overnight Oats are the perfect blend of indulgence and convenience. This simple yet satisfying recipe combines creamy oats with the delightful crunch and sweetness of crushed cookies, creating an irresistible treat that’s perfect for breakfast or a quick snack. Each spoonful is filled with the familiar, comforting flavor of cookies and cream, but with the added benefit of a nutritious, make-ahead meal that can be enjoyed on busy mornings or any time you’re craving a sweet yet wholesome dish.

What I love most about these overnight oats is how they come together with just a few simple ingredients. The beauty of overnight oats is the ability to prep them the night before and wake up to a ready-to-eat breakfast. It’s the kind of easy, no-fuss recipe that helps you stay on track without sacrificing flavor. The cookies provide a crunchy texture, and the oats soak up the creamy, rich flavor, creating a perfect harmony between indulgence and nutrition.

What’s even better is how versatile this recipe is. You can adjust the type of cookie you use—chocolate sandwich cookies, vanilla cookies, or any variation you prefer. And if you’re in the mood for a little extra sweetness, adding chocolate chips or a drizzle of honey will enhance the flavor to your liking. Once you try Cookies and Cream Overnight Oats, you’ll find they quickly become your go-to, whether for a quick breakfast, a filling snack, or a sweet dessert in a bowl!

Perfect for:

  • Busy mornings
  • Meal prepping for the week
  • Sweet yet healthy breakfast options
  • After-school snacks
  • Treating yourself with a chocolate fix

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Chocolatey Goodness: Indulge in the familiar taste of cookies and cream in every spoonful.
  • No Cooking Required: Just mix, refrigerate, and enjoy in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
  • Healthy Ingredients: Oats, yogurt, and milk provide fiber, protein, and essential nutrients.
  • Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or add extra toppings, such as fruits or nuts.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch at the start of the week for easy grab-and-go breakfasts.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 5 minutes of preparation, plus 6-8 hours of refrigeration
  • Preparation Time: 5 minutes
  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories

Ingredients

For the Oats:

  • ½ cup rolled oats
  • ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt (or regular yogurt)
  • 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • 4-6 chocolate sandwich cookies (such as Oreos), crushed
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for added thickness and fiber)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Rolled Oats: A great source of fiber and protein, making this a filling and nutritious breakfast.
  • Greek Yogurt: Adds protein and a creamy texture, while also helping to thicken the oats.
  • Chocolate Sandwich Cookies: The ultimate treat for a classic cookies and cream flavor.
  • Chia Seeds: Provide added omega-3 fatty acids and fiber while giving the oats a thicker texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Overnight Oats:

  1. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mason jar or airtight container, combine the milk and yogurt. Stir until smooth.
  2. Add Oats and Sweetener: Stir in the rolled oats and honey or maple syrup if you like your oats a bit sweeter.
  3. Add Chia Seeds: (Optional) Stir in chia seeds for a thicker texture and extra nutrients.
  4. Crush Cookies: Break up the chocolate sandwich cookies into small pieces or crush them in a sealed bag with a rolling pin.
  5. Add Cookies: Gently fold half of the crushed cookies into the oat mixture for that cookies and cream flavor.
  6. Chill Overnight: Seal the container and place it in the refrigerator for at least 6–8 hours or overnight to let the oats absorb the liquid.

Serve and Enjoy:

  1. Top with Extra Cookies: Before serving, top your oats with the remaining crushed cookies for an extra crunch and flavor.
  2. Serve Chilled: Spoon into bowls or enjoy directly from the jar.

How to Serve

  • Chilled Breakfast: Serve the oats as-is, straight from the fridge, for a cool and creamy breakfast.
  • Topped with Fruits: Add sliced strawberries, blueberries, or bananas for a fruity contrast to the chocolate flavor.
  • Nutty Topping: Garnish with chopped nuts such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts for added texture and protein.
  • Add a Drizzle: Drizzle more honey, nut butter, or even chocolate syrup on top for extra flavor.
  • Portable: Pack individual servings in mason jars for an easy and quick breakfast or snack while on-the-go.

Additional Tips

  • Vegan Option: Swap the yogurt for a plant-based yogurt and use non-dairy milk for a dairy-free treat.
  • Sugar-Free: Skip the sweeteners or use a sugar substitute to make this a low-sugar breakfast.
  • Creamier Oats: Use full-fat yogurt or milk for a richer taste and texture.
  • Flavor Variations: Try different cookie flavors such as mint chocolate or peanut butter cookies for a twist on the classic flavor.
  • Keep It Fresh: If preparing for a few days ahead, store the oats in individual servings to keep everything neat and portion-controlled.

Recipe Variations

  1. Peanut Butter and Cookies: Add a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter to the mixture for a peanut butter and cookies flavor twist. The peanut butter infuses the oat base with a rich, nutty taste that blends seamlessly with the sweetness of the cookies, offering an indulgent twist on a classic cookie flavor.
  2. Add Fruit: Incorporate fresh or dried fruit like raspberries, cherries, or cranberries into the oats for an added burst of flavor and natural sweetness. These fruits provide a delicious contrast to the richness of the oat mixture while adding vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants to the treat. The combination of fruit and oats makes for a balanced, fruity, and nutritious snack.
  3. Coconut Delight: Elevate the bars with a tropical flair by mixing shredded coconut into the oats or sprinkling it on top before chilling. The coconut’s sweet and chewy texture complements the other ingredients, while its natural flavor brings a refreshing island-inspired twist. You can also toast the coconut for added flavor and crunch.
  4. Nutty Oats: Fold in chopped nuts like pecans, almonds, or walnuts for a satisfying crunch in every bite. These nuts not only add a hearty texture to the bars but also boost their flavor, creating a more complex and rich taste experience. You can experiment with different nut varieties to customize the flavor to your liking.
  5. Vanilla Version: For a more classic, creamy flavor profile, swap the crushed cookies with vanilla-flavored wafers instead of chocolate ones. This provides a lighter flavor, which pairs well with the oats and gives the dessert a more neutral, vanilla-forward taste. You can also add a bit of vanilla extract for extra aromatic depth.
  6. Chocolate Chip Delight: Stir in chocolate chips for those who prefer an extra layer of chocolate. The melted chocolate mingles beautifully with the oat mixture, creating pockets of creamy, melted chocolate in each bite for that perfect, gooey satisfaction.
  7. Cinnamon Spice: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the oat base to infuse a cozy, warm flavor into the bars. The cinnamon brings a touch of spice that complements both the sweetness of the oats and any added fruit or nuts, creating a well-rounded and comforting treat.
  8. Chia and Flaxseed Boost: For an additional health boost, add chia seeds or flaxseeds to the mixture. These ingredients provide a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, elevating the nutritional value of the bars while maintaining their chewy and hearty texture.
  9. Caramel Swirl: Drizzle or swirl caramel sauce into the oat mixture before baking to add a luscious, buttery sweetness to the bars. The caramel provides a rich, gooey component that contrasts with the crisp texture of the oats, creating an irresistible combination.
  10. Maple Nut Version: Incorporate maple syrup instead of honey and mix in roasted pecans or almonds for a rich, nutty, and sweet variation. The warm flavor of maple syrup pairs beautifully with the nuts, creating a comforting, autumn-inspired version of the recipe.
  11. Banana and Chocolate: Add banana slices or dried banana chips into the oats and layer chocolate chips on top for a banana-chocolate fusion. The bananas infuse the bars with moisture and natural sweetness, while the chocolate chips add that classic sweet touch. This combination is a fun and delicious twist on a traditional flavor pairing.

Freezing and Storage

  • Storage: Store the oats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze leftover oats by portioning them into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare several servings and store them in individual jars or containers to make breakfast easy for the whole week.

Special Equipment

  • Mason Jars: Perfect for storing and serving overnight oats in an easy, grab-and-go manner.
  • Mixing Bowl: For stirring together the oats and liquid ingredients.
  • Rolling Pin or Food Processor: For crushing the cookies into small pieces.
  • Spatula: To gently fold the cookies into the oat mixture.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use instant oats?
    Instant oats tend to absorb liquid much faster and may result in a mushier texture, so it’s best to stick with rolled oats for the perfect texture.
  2. How can I make these oats less sweet?
    Skip the sweeteners, or use a small amount of stevia or monk fruit instead of sugar or honey.
  3. Can I add milk after chilling the oats?
    Yes, if the oats are too thick for your liking, add a splash of milk and stir to adjust the consistency.
  4. Can I eat these oats immediately?
    While they’re best after chilling overnight, you can eat them after just a couple of hours if you’re in a pinch. The texture will just be slightly different.
  5. Can I make a bigger batch?
    Absolutely! You can easily double or triple the ingredients to make larger quantities. Just store them in multiple containers or jars for easy individual servings.

Conclusion

Cookies and Cream Overnight Oats is a delicious and satisfying breakfast that combines the beloved flavors of cookies and cream with the goodness of nutritious oats. This quick and easy recipe offers a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet elements, making it a favorite for both kids and adults alike. The oats are soaked overnight, giving them a soft, pudding-like texture that’s both filling and comforting.

These overnight oats are not only simple to make, but they’re also customizable. Feel free to experiment with different milk options or toppings such as chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or a drizzle of honey to elevate the flavor. Whether you enjoy them as an easy breakfast or a sweet treat, they’re sure to please your taste buds and keep you energized throughout the day.

Prepare a jar of Cookies and Cream Overnight Oats tonight, and enjoy a decadent yet healthy start to your day tomorrow. Don’t forget to snap a photo of your creation and share it on Instagram—tag me so we can celebrate your delicious success! Happy eating!

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