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Overnight oats are great. But chocolate overnight oats? Even better.

A little cocoa powder gives them that rich, chocolatey vibe, and if you toss in some mini chocolate chips, you get tiny pockets of crunch and sweetness in every bite.

I also talk about how to make that viral chocolate shell, if you’re feeling fancy.

Recipe Info

This recipe is:

Rich and chocolatey. Cocoa powder gives these oats a deep, not-too-sweet chocolate flavor. Want it extra decadent? Add mini chocolate chips.
Just as easy as the classic. Five minutes of prep, no cooking required.
Perfectly customizable. Keep it basic or dress it up with toppings like banana slices, peanut butter, or toasted coconut. Or add in Greek yogurt for a protein boost.

Making chocolate overnight oats for the first time? Read the ingredients notes, step-by-step instructions, and tips. If you’re familiar with the recipe, feel free to jump to the recipe card.

Extra Learning

Before we jump in, here are a few handy resources to help you nail this recipe:

Overnight oats 101. Our overnight oats base recipe that covers ingredient swaps, tips on adjusting the recipe, and how to fix common issues.

Ingredients and Substitutes

Rolled oats. Your best bet for that ideal soft-but-not-mushy texture.
Milk of choice. Regular or plant-based—use what you love (I prefer dairy or oat milk). If it’s already sweetened, consider skipping or reducing the added sweetener.
Chia seeds. Optional, but they help thicken things and bring a little fiber and omega-3 power to the table.
Cocoa powder. Adds that rich chocolate flavor. Start with 1/2 tablespoon per serving, but go up to a full tablespoon if you like it extra cocoa-y.
Salt. Just a pinch to balance the flavor and make the chocolate pop.
Liquid sweetener. Maple syrup or honey both work great. Adjust to taste if using a sweetened milk.
Vanilla extract. Optional, but adds a lovely depth and pairs well with chocolate.
Mini chocolate chips. Totally optional, but they add a fun texture and a hit of sweetness. I typically use semi sweet chocolate chips, but it’s up to you. Also, you can sub in chopped chocolate.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Chocolate Overnight Oats

Mix dry ingredients. In a bowl or jar, stir together the rolled oats, chia seeds, cocoa powder, chocolate chips (if using), and salt.

Dry ingredients — Stir together the rolled oats, chia seeds,

Dry ingredients mixed — Stir together the rolled oats, chia seeds,

Add wet ingredients and mix. Pour in your milk of choice, sweetener, and vanilla extract (if using). Stir really well—make sure that cocoa gets fully mixed in.

Add wet ingredients — Mix the milk, sweetener, vanilla extract, and

Ingredients mixed — Mix the milk, sweetener, vanilla extract, and

Refrigerate overnight. Cover and pop the jar or bowl in the fridge for at least 6 hours.

Chocolate overnight oats in a jar — Refrigerate for at least 6 hours

Top and eat. Give it a good stir and add your favorite toppings—banana, peanut butter, or a little extra chocolate if you’re feeling it.

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Variations

High Protein

The base recipe is pretty heavy on the carbs and light on the protein. Here’s how to balance that out:

Add Greek yogurt. Stir in 1/4 cup (60g) of non-fat Greek yogurt for an extra 6g of protein. It also makes the oats creamier.
Add protein powder. Mix a scoop of your protein powder (neutral, vanilla, and chocolate should all work well) into the milk before pouring it over the oats—about 20g of extra protein right there. If your powder is sweetened, cut the liquid sweetener in half to start.

If you’re really after protein, simply add both.

	Protein per serving (g)
Regular	11.2
Regular + Greek yogurt	17.2
Regular + protein powder	31.2
Regular + Greek yogurt + protein powder	37.2

Chocolate overnight oats topped with fresh raspberries and chocolate chips

Vegan

Making chocolate overnight oats vegan-friendly is super simple. Keep the following in mind:

Use a milk alternative. I like oat milk, but use your favorite option.
Use a vegan-friendly sweetener, such as maple syrup.
If adding chocolate chips, make sure they’re vegan. In general, that means you’ll be using dark or semi sweet chocolate chips. Same thing if subbing in chopped chocolate.
If you want to make these high in protein and still vegan, use plant-based protein powder.

Meal Prep

Meal-prepping these is a breeze. All you need is to multiply the ingredients by how many servings you need and make the oats.

You can either make everything in a big bowl and then portion it or measure everything separately for each jar or container. Dealer’s choice.

Tips

Try the viral chocolate shell topping. Want to take things up a notch? Add a crackly chocolate shell on top of your oats. Just melt 2 squares of chocolate (about 10–15 grams) with 1/2 teaspoon refined coconut oil—either in the microwave or over a hot water bath—and stir until smooth. Pour it over your oats after they’ve chilled for at least 6 hours to form a thin layer. Pop the jar back in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes to let it set. Then crack and enjoy!

Storage

Chocolate overnight oats last 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Keep them sealed and stored cold—they’re great for prepping a few breakfasts at once.

Sweet and protein-packed chocolate overnight oats

Similar Recipes to Try

Looking for more? Check out the following recipes:

Overnight Oats 101. The classic base recipe, plus tons of topping ideas and helpful tips for getting started.
PB Banana Overnight Oats. A super satisfying combo of peanut butter and banana stirred right in—perfect if you’re into creamy, nutty flavors.