I’ll never forget the first time I stumbled onto the idea of Cookies and Cream Protein Overnight Oats. It was a chilly Sunday morning, and I was rifling through my pantry, hunting for something that felt a little indulgent but wouldn’t derail my goal to eat a bit healthier. My childhood was filled with the magic of classic cookies and cream ice cream—those swirls of chocolate and vanilla always felt like a celebration, even on an ordinary night.

As I eyed a half-empty sleeve of Oreos and a dusty canister of oats, the concept for this recipe sparked: why not transform my favorite dessert flavor into a breakfast that actually fuels my day?

I’ve always believed breakfast should feel like a hug, especially on the busiest mornings. When I first mixed up these overnight oats, I was skeptical—could something so simple, with just five ingredients, really taste like the cookies and cream treats I cherished? The answer came the next morning, when I cracked through the magic shell of white chocolate and took a spoonful. The creamy oats, the crunch of crushed cookies, and that familiar sweet aroma brought me right back to my childhood kitchen, but with a grown-up, protein-packed twist. Suddenly, I had a breakfast that was both nostalgic and nourishing—one that could power me through a hectic day or refuel me after a workout.

What I love most about Cookies and Cream Protein Overnight Oats is how it bridges the gap between the comfort of dessert and the practicality of meal prep. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, especially when I’m craving something sweet but want to stay on track with my goals. I’ve shared jars of these oats with friends during busy weeks and even packed them for family road trips—always to rave reviews. If you’re new to overnight oats, don’t worry if your jar looks a little messy; that’s just character (and a sign that the cookies are doing their job). For another nostalgic twist, I also love these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bars and Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats for those mornings when you need a little extra sweetness.

How To Make It

(Mix & Ingredients)

Let’s get cozy with the building blocks of Cookies and Cream Protein Overnight Oats, because this recipe is as much about the mix as it is the magic that happens overnight. You’ll start by gathering your five core ingredients: old fashioned rolled oats (for that classic, chewy texture), chia seeds (for a little pudding-like thickness), your favorite vanilla or cookies and cream protein powder, a splash of almond milk, and—of course—the star of the show: crushed Oreo cookies.

I love that this recipe doesn’t require a pantry raid or a trip to a specialty store; everything is straightforward, and you can swap in what you have. For example, if you’re out of almond milk, any milk will do—oat, dairy, or even coconut. If you’re looking to bump up the protein further, Greek yogurt makes a wonderful addition. It’s all about making these overnight oats work for your morning.

The real fun begins with the

mixing. In a medium bowl or a mason jar (my personal favorite for easy grab-and-go breakfasts), combine your oats, chia seeds, protein powder, almond milk, and those irresistible Oreo crumbles. If you’re using a jar, just pop on the lid and give it a good shake—no fancy tools needed. The oats and chia seeds soak up the liquid overnight, creating a creamy, spoonable treat by morning. Don’t worry if the mixture looks a bit thin at first; those oats and seeds are thirsty and will plump up beautifully as they rest.

Now, for the extra dessert-for-breakfast twist: the “magic shell” topping. This is where Cookies and Cream Protein Overnight Oats truly feel like a treat. Melt together a bit of Lily’s white chocolate cookies and cream bar with coconut oil in short microwave bursts, then pour that glossy shell over the chilled oats. It hardens almost instantly, adding a crackly, sweet layer that’s a joy to break through with your spoon. Finish with a sprinkle of extra crushed cookies for good measure. If you want to try other overnight oat flavors, check out my Peanut Butter Cup Overnight Oats or Birthday Cake Protein Oats for more inspiration. Each step here is simple, forgiving, and designed to make breakfast something you look forward to—even on the busiest mornings.

Make-Ahead & Storage

One of my favorite things about Cookies and Cream Protein Overnight Oats is how beautifully they lend themselves to meal prep. If you’re juggling busy mornings, these oats will be your new best friend. You can make several jars at once—just line up your mason jars, scoop the oats, chia seeds, protein powder, crushed Oreos, and almond milk into each, then shake or stir. Stack them in the fridge, and you’ve got breakfast (or a post-workout snack) for up to 4 days.

The oats actually get creamier after the first night, and the cookies soften into the most delightful, cake-like texture. If you’re prepping for the week, wait to add the magic shell and extra cookie crumbles until just before serving, so you keep that irresistible crunch.

For storage, keep your Cookies and Cream Protein Overnight Oats tightly sealed in the refrigerator. I recommend using glass jars with lids or airtight containers. This keeps the oats fresh and prevents them from picking up any stray fridge odors—no one wants garlicky oats, trust me! If you ever find the mixture has thickened too much after a day or two, just stir in an extra splash of almond milk before eating. The magic shell topping is best enjoyed fresh, but if you’re determined to prep it ahead, pour it on the night before and store the jar upright; just know the shell will lose a bit of its snap by morning.

If you’ve fallen in love with make-ahead breakfasts like these, you might also enjoy my Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats or Strawberry Cheesecake Chia Pudding—both keep just as well. Whether you’re meal prepping for yourself or your whole family, these Cookies and Cream Protein Overnight Oats are a lifesaver for busy weeks. You’ll always have a dessert-like breakfast waiting, without sacrificing a single bit of freshness or flavor.

Best Ingredients & Party Variations

When it comes to making Cookies and Cream Protein Overnight Oats, starting with the right ingredients is half the fun—and all the flavor. I always reach for old fashioned rolled oats because they soak up just the right amount of liquid, turning creamy but not mushy by morning. For the protein boost, a good vanilla or cookies and cream protein powder is key. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a chocolate protein powder for a deeper, brownie-like richness. I love using unsweetened almond milk, but oat or dairy milk work beautifully too; just know that each swap brings its own subtle twist.

And of course, the showstopper: a couple of crushed Oreo cookies (or your favorite chocolate sandwich cookie) stirred in for that classic cookies-and-cream magic. Don’t skip the chia seeds—they create a pudding-like texture and add a sneaky dose of fiber. If you want to go all out, the magic shell topping made from Lily’s white chocolate cookies and cream bar and a touch of coconut oil adds a playful crunch.

These oats are endlessly customizable, making them perfect for breakfast meal prep or a crowd-pleasing brunch table. Hosting a brunch party? Set up a DIY overnight oats bar with bowls of toppings like crushed cookies, mini chocolate chips, toasted coconut, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt. Swap in gluten-free sandwich cookies for guests with sensitivities, or use a plant-based protein powder and non-dairy milk to keep things vegan.

For a birthday breakfast twist, sprinkle in a few rainbow sprinkles and swap the Oreos for birthday cake-flavored sandwich cookies—kids love it, and so do grownups with a sweet tooth. If you’re prepping for a post-workout crowd, double up on the protein powder and top with a handful of roasted nuts for extra staying power. For more inspiration, check out my Brownie Batter Overnight Oats or Easy Banana Bread Oatmeal for fun flavor swaps. The best part? These Cookies and Cream Protein Overnight Oats let everyone build their own breakfast adventure—no two jars ever have to be the same.

 

FAQ’s About Cookies and Cream Protein Overnight Oats

Conclusion

There’s something so comforting about waking up to a jar of Cookies and Cream Protein Overnight Oats waiting in the fridge—a little gift to yourself (or your loved ones) that promises a sweet start to the day. I still remember the first time my niece peeked into the refrigerator and squealed with delight at her “breakfast dessert.” That simple moment turned into a morning filled with laughter, spoonfuls of creamy oats, and stories shared across the kitchen table. Sometimes, it’s these small, thoughtful recipes that help us slow down and savor time together.

If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels special without any fuss, these overnight oats are your ticket. They’re easy enough for busy weekdays, but fun and nostalgic enough to make Saturday mornings feel like a celebration. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making an extra jar or two—these oats have a way of drawing a crowd, whether it’s family, roommates, or a friend stopping by for coffee.

I hope you’ll give this Cookies and Cream Protein Overnight Oats recipe a try, and let it sprinkle a little joy into your mornings. If you do, I’d love to hear about your breakfast memories or see your creations! For more cozy, creative recipes, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Pinterest!

Print