Mint Chocolate Chip Overnight Oats are a tasty and healthy breakfast. With creamy oats, refreshing mint, and chocolate chips, they make mornings feel special!
These oats are so easy to prepare. I love making them the night before and waking up to a yummy treat. Plus, who doesn’t love chocolate for breakfast? 🍫💚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats are great for overnight oats because they absorb the liquid well. If you need a gluten-free option, make sure to choose certified gluten-free oats. Quick oats can be used, but they result in a mushier texture.
Milk: You can use any milk you prefer. Almond, soy, or oat milk work wonderfully for a dairy-free version. Coconut milk will add a nice flavor too!
Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess and protein. You can swap it with regular yogurt or a plant-based substitute. Silken tofu blended until smooth is also a great dairy-free alternative.
Peppermint Extract: This gives that fresh mint flavor. Adjust to your preference; start with less if you’re unsure. If you don’t have extract, a few crushed fresh mint leaves can work, but will change the texture slightly.
Chocolate Chips: I love using mini chocolate chips for a sprinkle of sweetness in each bite. Dark chocolate or carob chips can be a tasty substitute. Feel free to leave them out if you want a lighter version.
How Do I Make Sure My Overnight Oats Are Creamy and Delicious?
To achieve creamy overnight oats, it’s important to ensure good mixing and soaking time. Follow these tips:
- Combine oats and liquid well to avoid clumps. Stir thoroughly.
- Incorporate the chia seeds for thickness and creaminess, as they swell and create a gel-like texture.
- Let the mixture sit overnight or at least 4 hours so the oats fully absorb the liquid, making them soft and flavorful.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness based on your taste. Enjoy these oats cold or, if you prefer, warm them up in the morning! They’re versatile and super easy to customize – add fruits or nuts if you like!
Mint Chocolate Chip Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (or to taste)
- 1-2 teaspoons sweetener (maple syrup, honey, or agave)
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
- Optional: a dollop of whipped cream or additional yogurt for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare. After that, you’ll want to let it chill in the fridge overnight or at least for 4 hours. This means you can make it the night before and have a lovely breakfast ready to go in the morning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base:
In a jar or bowl, combine the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, and chia seeds. Stir everything together really well to make sure it’s nicely mixed.
2. Flavor It Up:
Add the peppermint extract and your sweetener of choice. Mix again until everything is combined smoothly. The minty flavor will start to come through!
3. Add the Chocolate:
Gently fold in 1 tablespoon of the mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, making sure they’re evenly distributed. Save the rest for topping later.
4. Refrigerate:
Cover the jar or bowl tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. Pop it into the fridge and let it chill overnight, or for at least 4 hours. This will let the oats absorb the liquid and get soft and creamy.
5. Serve with Toppings:
When you’re ready to enjoy your oats, give the mixture a gentle stir. Top with the leftover chocolate chips or chopped chocolate for a special touch.
6. Add a Finishing Touch:
If you like, you can add a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of extra yogurt on top for a bit of creaminess. Finally, garnish with fresh mint leaves to make it look as lovely as it tastes!
7. Enjoy:
Serve your Mint Chocolate Chip Overnight Oats chilled. Dig in and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors!
Can I Use Steel-Cut Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
While you can use steel-cut oats, they require a longer soaking time to soften. For the best results, soak them overnight in additional liquid (about 1 cup) to ensure they’re creamy by morning.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply use a plant-based yogurt and choose a vegan-friendly sweetener like maple syrup or agave. Ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free as well!
Can I Add Other Ingredients or Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your oats with additional fruits like bananas or berries, nuts, or even a spoonful of nut butter for added creaminess and flavor. Just make sure the overall liquid balance remains the same if adding extra ingredients!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The oats may thicken over time; just add a splash of milk or water before serving to loosen them up again.
