Hot Cocoa Overnight Oats

Our easy overnight oats recipe only needs 2 ingredients, oats and chocolate milk! A healthy and simple breakfast for busy mornings when you’re in a hurry. Eat it warmed up or straight out of the fridge!

Breakfast Rut

I’m kind of in a meal funk lately. Dinners aren’t the problem though. It’s breakfast and lunch. Which is actually unfair because I’ve always loved breakfast! As a kid I loved something as simple as Cheerios (with more sugar than I care to admit) or as complex as omelets, french toast or muffins.

Nowadays I tend to rotate between eggs, cottage cheese with toppings (see my high protein Cottage Cheese Bowl, or Savory Oats which are a major favorite) protein shakes, or simply avocado toast. But lately…

Lately nothing sounds good and nothing satisfies me.

Anyone else in a rut?

On a whim I threw together these Hot Cocoa Overnight Oats made with a limited edition TruMoo Chocolate Marshmallow chocolate milk and we ended up making them multiple times in a week!

What are Overnight Oats?

Overnight oats are a no-cook breakfast made by soaking raw rolled oats in a liquid, like milk or yogurt, in the refrigerator overnight. The soaking process softens the oats, creating a creamy, chilled dish similar to a pudding or porridge that can be eaten cold in the morning without any cooking. You can also give them a quick zap in the microwave if cold oatmeal isn’t your vibe. They are healthy make-ahead breakfast that are totally customizable to whatever your family loves.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need 2 ingredients for this easy overnight oats recipes!

• Chocolate Milk: Adds rich cocoa flavor and sweetness while making the oats extra creamy.
• Old Fashioned Oats: Soak up the milk perfectly for a soft, creamy texture that’s never mushy.

How to Make Chocolate Overnight Oats

1. Combine: Add the milk and oats to a mixing bowl and stir to combine.
2. Divide into Servings: Spoon into the containers you plan to use.
3. Refrigerate: Store in the fridge overnight. They will be ready to eat in the morning.
4. Garnish (Optional): Top with whipped topping, marshmallows and mini chocolate chips the next morning. Serve warm or cold. Feel free to stir in other add-ins! See section below.

Reader Fave Add-ins & Flavor Combos

If you need some more ideas for mix-ins or other flavors, here are some reader favorites:

• Nuts: sliced almonds, chopped pecans or walnuts, peanuts
• Fresh Fruit: raspberries, bananas, strawberries, blueberries
• Candy: cacao nibs, mini M&M’s, crushed peppermint candy
• Drizzles: peanut butter, Nutella, maple syrup, honey
• Spices: cinnamon, nutmeg
• Other: chia seeds, scoop of protein powder

Tips for Making the Best Overnight Oats

1. Make it inside of a jar or a mason jar This way you can add the tight fitting lid and store all week in the fridge. Plus, it’s easier to take on the go!
2. Use plain old fashioned rolled oats, NEVER quick oats. Quick oats become very soggy and unappetizing. Also do not use steel cut oats which won’t soften enough, unfortunately.
3. Warm it up on cold mornings. Although overnight oatmeal is typically served cold, you can definitely eat them warmed. Just place them in the microwave for one minute (make sure it’s microwave safe!)
4. Meal Prep. Because overnight oats typically last in the fridge for up to 5 days, try making a batch at the beginning of the week so you have breakfast in the fridge for the whole week. Add fruit only on the day you actually eat it.
5. Milk-to-oats ratio is key! Sometimes the oats don’t absorb or absorb too much. If they look dry on top, add a splash more milk!
6. Chill for at least 4 hours. The longer the soak time the more the flavors have time to meld together better.

Carrian’s Trouble Shooting Tips

There’s nothing better than waking up on a chilly morning to a breakfast that’s already waiting for you. If you’ve ever wondered how to make overnight oats, this version couldn’t be easier—or cozier! With just two ingredients, you can turn your favorite hot cocoa flavor into a creamy, chocolatey bowl of oats that tastes like a winter treat but fuels your morning.

More Easy Breakfast Recipes:

• Blueberry Breakfast Cake
• Eggs and Cottage Cheese Bowl
• Breakfast Egg Casserole
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies
• Apple Fritter Baked Oatmeal
• French Toast Muffins

Watch How to Make These 2 Ingredient Overnight Oats