Chocolate Chip Overnight Oats

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Have chocolate for breakfast with these chocolate chip overnight oats. They’re easy to prep and pack in a good amount of protein from the Greek yogurt and peanut butter.

I’ve made (and shared) so many different overnight oat variations, but this one has been a staple recently because it’s such a classic. It’s based off my easy overnight oats recipe, but we’re adding chocolate chips into the mix and topping it off with a peanut butter drizzle.

Chocolate chip overnight oats in a mason jar. Topped with chocolate chips and a peanut butter drizzle.

Chocolate and peanut butter is the ultimate combo and these overnight oats are perfect especially if you’re looking for something with a little less chocolate than what my peanut butter cup overnight oats provide.

Ingredients for chocolate chip overnight oats in a white bowl before mixing.

Ingredients Needed for Chocoalte Chip Overnight Oats

  • old fashioned rolled oats – rolled oats are the best for overnight oats. Instant/quick oats and steel cut oats don’t work the same because they don’t absorb liquid the same way rolled oats do
  • almond milk – I like using unsweetened vanilla almond milk, but any type of milk will work
  • Greek yogurt – yogurt gives overnight oats an extra creamy texture while adding a bit of protein. I personally like using plain Greek yogurt since it’s the highest in protein and lowest in sugar. To make this recipe vegan or dairy-free you can use a non-dairy yogurt or skip the yogurt all together and use additional milk
  • maple syrup – pure maple syrup is the perfect natural sweetener to use because it’s liquid so it blends in nicely with the oat mixture and I personally love the flavor. Honey or another natural liquid sweetener will work here. If you want to reduce the sugar in this recipe, feel free to use a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit
  • chia seeds – these little seeds add a bit of fiber, protein and omega-3 fatty acids and they help absorb some of the liquid which gives the oats a thicker consistency.
  • vanilla extract
  • sea salt – a pinch of sea salt is the perfect flavor enhancer and brings out the nutty flavor of the oats
  • chocolate chips – I like using Lily’s dark chocolate chips because they’re sugar-free and low in carbs, but you can use whatever chocolate chips you have on hand
  • peanut butter – I love peanut butter on these oats, but any nut butter that you enjoy would work for this recipe
Overhead shot of chocolate chip overnight oats in a mason jar. Topped with chocolate chips and peanut butter.

Overnight Oats Ratio

The base “recipe” for overnight oats is so simple! The hardest part is getting the right ratio of oats to liquid, but if you follow my recipes you’ll be set!

I aim for a 1:1 ratio of rolled oats to milk, plus half as much yogurt. So for 1 cup of oats, I use 1 cup of milk + 1/2 cup of yogurt (or an additional 1/2 cup of milk). This seems to give the oats the perfect consistency, not too thick, but not soupy. For the liquid, I usually go for non-dairy milk like almond milk, but you can use whatever milk you have on hand and if you really want to experiment you can try using different liquids like fruit juice.

How Long Do Overnight Oats Need to Soak?

Given the name, you’d assume overnight oats need to soak overnight, but you can actually make them in 2-4 hours if you’re in a rush. While it does take some time for the oats to absorb the liquid, they don’t necessarily have to be soaked overnight. I recommend at least 8 hours for true overnight oats, but there have been mornings where I decide I want overnight oats for breakfast even though I didn’t prep them the night before. When this happens I’ll make them the morning of and let the oats soak for just 2-4 hours. With this quick soak, they’re not as soft as overnight oats that have soaked longer and they’re a bit more liquidy, but they’re still delicious.

How Long Do Overnight Oats Last?

When stored in an airtight container in the fridge overnight oats should last for up to 5 days. They will soften more the longer they sit so I find they’re best on days 1-3, but they’re still safe to eat on days 4 and 5. With this said, overnight oats are great for meal prep. Feel free to make a whole batch for the week on Sunday. I like prepping them in wide mouth 16 oz mason jars.

Can You Eat Overnight Oats Hot?

Short answer, yes! You can definitely warm up overnight oats, but the whole point of overnight oats is to eat them cold like muesli. Even if you think cold oats sound strange, I recommend giving it shot before you write them off. Of course, if you simply can’t do the cold oats you can always heat them up. Just pop the overnights oats in your microwave, cooking in 30 second increments until the oats are warm throughout and enjoy.

Chocolate chip overnight oats in a mason jar. Topped with chocolate chips and a peanut butter drizzle.

More Oatmeal Recipes to Try

More Overnight Oats Recipes

Check out all of the overnight oats recipes as well as the full collection of oatmeal recipes on EBF!

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4.12 from 52 votes

Chocolate Chip Overnight Oats

Have chocolate for breakfast with these chocolate chip overnight oats. They’re easy to prep and pack in a good amount of protein from the Greek yogurt and peanut butter.
Prep Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours
Servings: 2

Ingredients  

Instructions 

  • Add oats, almond milk, yogurt, maple syrup, chia seeds, vanilla, sea salt and 1 Tablespoon of chocolate chips into a bowl. Stir well to combine. Divide oat mixture into two containers (I like using mason jars), seal with a lid and place in the fridge overnight.
  • Take one container out of the fridge the next morning and stir the mixture.
  • Top with chocolate chips, drizzle peanut butter on top and enjoy!
  • Overnight oats will keep for up to 5 days in the fridge in a sealed container.

Notes

  • Variation: if you like banana, feel free to add in a mashed banana for more flavor and touch of sweetness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 324kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 236mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 8g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Breakast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chocolate chip overnight oats
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About Brittany

Hey there, I’m Brittany, the creator of Eating Bird Food, cookbook author, health coach and mama of two littles. Here you’ll find quick and easy recipes that make healthy fun and enjoyable for you and your family!

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21 Comments

  1. I’ve been making considerable changes to my nutrition, and I’m excited to try this recipe. How would you substitute steel cut oats for the old fashioned oats?

    1. Hey Shauna, I haven’t experimented with steel cut overnight oats and I don’t recommend subbing them 1:1 with old fashioned oats. If you’re looking for a specific overnight oats recipe here‘s one you could try.

  2. 5 stars
    This is the best overnight oats recipe ever! I have had this for breakfast everyday for 3 weeks! Thank you for this recipe!

    1. Ahh that makes me so happy to hear, Jessica! I’m so glad you’ve been loving this overnight oats recipe. Thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a comment + star rating. I so appreciate it. 🙂

  3. 5 stars
    I haven’t had overnight oats before and I really enjoy it! I want to try with other ingredients and flavors! Thanks a lot!

    1. So glad you enjoyed these overnight oats, Maribel. Thanks for giving them a try and for coming back to leave a review. I so appreciate it!

  4. 5 stars
    Such a great recipe. I love this for a base and I got a little creative and added 1/4 tsp almond extract and 3 tbsp shredded toasted coconut, then topped it with sliced almonds to make an almond joy inspired take. Thank you Brittany for all of the overnight oats ideas. I love them so much, I have even been eating them all winter!

  5. Do I absolutely have to put chia seeds in this? I don’t have any at home, but would love to make this.

  6. 5 stars
    Love waking up to my breakfast ready to go! This chocolate chip version of overnight oats is amazing! Who doesn’t like dessert for breakfast?!😉

    1. Woo!! So glad you enjoyed these chocolate chip overnight oats, Cheryl! Thanks for making them and coming back to leave a review. I really appreciate it!

  7. 5 stars
    This was so delicious, easy and creamy! I made one serving and added a banana on top. I forgot the peanut butter but I bet that would have been amazing. Thanks for the recipe as always!

    1. I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe, Melissa! Thanks so much for making it and coming back to leave a review. I really appreciate it!

    1. Totally!! As long as your protein powder tastes good, it won’t make it taste weird.

    1. Yay!! So glad you loved this recipe, Samantha! Thanks for the review. I so appreciate it!