Name: Sugar Cookie Protein Overnight Oats Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 5 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup (120 ml) old-fashioned rolled oats; ½ cup (120 ml) milk of choice (dairy, almond, oat, etc.); ¼ cup (60 ml) vanilla Greek yogurt (or plain with ½ teaspoon vanilla extract); 1 scoop vanilla protein powder; 1 teaspoon almond extract (or to taste); 12 teaspoons maple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness); 1 teaspoon chia seeds (optional, for thickness); 1 pinch salt; Crushed sugar-free cookies or graham crackers; Sprinkles (for a festive touch); Sliced almonds; 1 dollop whipped cream or extra yogurt

Sweet mornings start with this delightful sugar cookie protein overnight oats that combine comfort and nutrition in one bowl.

Waking up to a breakfast that feels like dessert but fuels your body with powerful nutrients.

Creamy oats infused with classic sugar cookie flavors will make you smile before the first bite.

protein powder adds a satisfying boost to keep you energized through busy mornings.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, promising a delicious and quick meal that feels like a treat.

Minimal prep means maximum flavor, perfect for anyone wanting a delectable breakfast without complicated steps.

You’ll love how these oats transform your morning routine with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Indulge in Sweet Protein Power: Transforms boring breakfast into a delightful sugar cookie-inspired morning treat packed with muscle-building protein and incredible flavor.
Effortless Meal Prep Magic: Requires minimal morning effort by preparing the night before, giving you a grab-and-go nutritious breakfast that saves precious time during busy mornings.
Customizable Flavor Adventure: Allows endless topping creativity with crushed cookies, sprinkles, or personal favorite additions, making each breakfast unique and exciting while maintaining a delicious sugar cookie theme.
Nutritional Powerhouse Disguised as Dessert: Combines healthy ingredients like Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and protein powder into a breakfast that tastes like a decadent dessert but fuels your body with essential nutrients.

Base Ingredients:

Oats: Hearty whole grain base that provides fiber and a classic breakfast texture.
Milk: Creamy liquid that helps soften oats and creates smooth consistency.
Greek Yogurt: Adds protein, tang, and creamy thickness to the mixture.

Protein and Sweetener Ingredients:

Protein Powder: Boosts protein content and helps create sugar cookie flavor profile.
Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener that enhances overall taste and provides smooth sweetness.

Flavor and Texture Enhancers:

Almond Extract: Brings delightful sugar cookie-like aroma and flavor.
Chia Seeds: Adds nutritional boost with omega-3s and helps thicken the mixture.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.

Topping Options:

Crushed Cookies: Provides crunchy texture and authentic sugar cookie experience.
Sprinkles: Adds festive visual appeal and extra sweetness.

Step 1: Whip Up the Dreamy Base

Grab your favorite mason jar or container. Toss in these yummy ingredients:

Rolled oats
Milk (dairy or plant-based)
Greek yogurt
Vanilla protein powder
Almond extract
Maple syrup
Chia seeds
Pinch of salt

Grab a spoon and mix everything until it’s super smooth and all ingredients are dancing together. Make sure the protein powder isn’t hiding in any lumps!

Step 2: Chill and Rest

Pop the lid on your container and slide it into the refrigerator. Let these magical oats hang out and get cozy overnight. Give them at least 6 hours to soak up all those sweet sugar cookie vibes.

Step 3: Create Your Morning Masterpiece

Wake up and pull out your overnight oats. Give them a good stir – they might look a bit thick. No worries! Splash in some extra milk if you want a lighter texture. Now for the fun part – dress up your oats like a sugar cookie dream:

Crumble some sugar cookies on top
Sprinkle some colorful jimmies
Add a swirl of whipped cream
Drizzle extra maple syrup

Enjoy your protein-packed breakfast that tastes like a dessert but fuels your morning like a champ!

Customize Protein Boost: Swap protein powder types like whey, casein, or plant-based to match your dietary needs and preferences while maintaining the creamy texture.
Perfect Consistency Trick: Adjust milk quantity slightly if mixture feels too thick or thin, ensuring a smooth, spoonable texture that mimics classic overnight oats.
Smart Sweetness Control: Replace maple syrup with stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or honey to lower sugar content without compromising delicious flavor profile.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare multiple jars in advance and store up to 4 days in refrigerator, creating quick grab-and-go breakfast options for busy mornings.
Texture Enhancement Hack: Add extra crunch by incorporating chopped nuts, granola, or additional cookie crumbles right before serving for exciting mouthfeel and flavor complexity.

Refrigerate in Airtight Container: Store leftover overnight oats in a sealed mason jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and ready to enjoy.
Gentle Reheating: Warm the oats gently in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway through to ensure even temperature and prevent clumping.
Add Liquid When Needed: If the oats seem dry after refrigeration, splash a little milk or yogurt and stir to restore the creamy texture before serving.
Check Quality Before Consuming: Always inspect the oats for any unusual smell or appearance before eating stored portions, discarding if any signs of spoilage are present.

Dunk with Dessert Coffee: Pair these protein-packed overnight oats with a creamy vanilla latte or caramel macchiato to enhance the sugar cookie flavor profile. The warm, sweet coffee will complement the almond extract and maple syrup notes perfectly.
Sprinkle with Sweet Companions: Add crushed sugar cookies, white chocolate chips, or colorful sprinkles as toppings to amplify the dessert-like breakfast experience. These crunchy additions will provide delightful texture and extra sweetness.
Mix with Morning Smoothie: Blend a light vanilla or sugar cookie-inspired protein smoothie alongside these oats for a protein-dense breakfast combination. The smooth, cold smoothie will balance the creamy, rich overnight oats texture.
Create Breakfast Sides: Serve with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries to introduce a bright, tangy contrast to the sweet oats. The fruit will cut through the richness and add a refreshing element to your morning meal.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Crunch: Swap almond extract with vanilla extract, add mini chocolate chips, and top with crushed chocolate chip cookies for a classic sweet treat.
Snickerdoodle Sensation: Replace almond extract with cinnamon, sprinkle ground cinnamon on top, and garnish with crumbled snickerdoodle cookies for a warm, spicy flavor profile.
Birthday Cake Blast: Mix in a few drops of vanilla extract, add colorful sprinkles, and top with crushed vanilla cake-flavored cookies to create a festive morning breakfast.
Peanut Butter Cookie Remix: Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter, use vanilla protein powder, and garnish with crushed peanut butter cookies for a nutty, protein-packed morning meal.

What makes these overnight oats taste like sugar cookies?

The almond extract and maple syrup create a classic sugar cookie flavor profile, mimicking the sweet, nostalgic taste of traditional sugar cookies while keeping the breakfast nutritious and protein-packed.

Can I use a different type of protein powder?

Absolutely! Vanilla or sugar cookie-flavored protein powders work best, but you can use any flavor. Just adjust the sweetness accordingly with maple syrup to maintain the sugar cookie taste.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! These overnight oats can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making them perfect for busy mornings and quick, healthy breakfasts throughout the week.

Are these overnight oats good for post-workout nutrition?

Definitely! With Greek yogurt and protein powder, these oats provide a balanced mix of protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential nutrients to support muscle recovery and sustained energy.

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing, Fusion Cuisine, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation.

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.