Indulge in Minutes: The Ultimate Easy Cookie Dough Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Transform your breakfast routine with this incredible Cookie Dough Baked Oatmeal – a delightful twist that tastes like edible cookie dough, ready in less than 5 minutes!

Oatmeal has long been a breakfast staple for countless individuals, revered for its heartiness and versatility. However, even classics can become a bit monotonous over time. If you’re looking to inject some excitement into your morning meal, you’ve come to the right place! Our Cookie Dough Baked Oatmeal recipe is a truly unique and delicious spin on traditional oatmeal that you’re guaranteed to fall in love with. It’s perfect for those bustling mornings when time is short, but the craving for something genuinely satisfying and a little bit indulgent is strong.

The Story Behind Our Cookie Dough Baked Oatmeal

This beloved recipe journey began over a decade ago, back when I first embarked on my blogging adventure. The initial inspiration came from a vegan recipe found on Chocolate Covered Katie. While the original was fantastic, I’ve since adapted and refined it significantly over the years to better suit my pantry staples and achieve that perfect, authentic cookie dough flavor profile I was truly aiming for. The result is a quick and incredibly easy breakfast that you can whip up in under 5 minutes, ensuring you always have a filling, delicious, and comforting start to your day, no matter how busy it gets.

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Oatmeal Twist

Beyond its fantastic taste, there are so many reasons why this Cookie Dough Baked Oatmeal will become a regular in your breakfast rotation:

Unbelievably Quick & Easy: Seriously, “baked” oatmeal in just a few minutes, thanks to the magic of the microwave. Ideal for hectic weekday mornings.
Tastes Like a Treat: Who doesn’t want to eat cookie dough for breakfast? This recipe delivers on that promise, satisfying your sweet cravings without the guilt.
Customizable & Versatile: Easily adapt the ingredients to fit your dietary needs or flavor preferences. We’ll cover plenty of variations!
Hearty & Filling: Packed with oats and peanut butter, it keeps you full and energized throughout the morning.
Healthier Indulgence: It offers the comforting taste of cookie dough, but with the nutritional benefits of a wholesome oatmeal breakfast.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry already, making it a convenient option.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cookie Dough Baked Oatmeal

For the exact measurements and a convenient printable version, be sure to scroll down to the full recipe card below.

Here’s a closer look at the key components that bring this cookie dough magic to life:

Old Fashioned Oats: These are my go-to for their hearty texture and ability to hold up well during cooking, giving the oatmeal a satisfying chew. While quick-cooking oats can be used in a pinch, old fashioned oats truly deliver the best “baked” feel. We’ll discuss the difference in cooking times later.
Apple Sauce: Unsweetened applesauce acts as a natural sweetener, adds moisture, and helps bind the ingredients, creating that dough-like consistency without the need for eggs. It’s a fantastic healthy alternative.
Milk: The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility! I typically use skim milk because it’s what I keep on hand, but feel free to use any milk you prefer. Almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or even whole milk will work wonderfully, each contributing slightly different flavors and textures. Whole milk will yield a creamier result, while plant-based milks are great for a vegan option or to reduce calories.
Creamy Peanut Butter: This is a star ingredient, delivering that unmistakable “cookie dough” flavor and rich texture. Opt for creamy peanut butter for the smoothest result. If you have nut allergies or prefer another flavor, don’t worry – there are great alternatives available!
Sweetener (Agave, Honey, Maple Syrup, Stevia, Sugar): Your choice of sweetener is entirely up to you and what you have on hand. Agave is my usual pick, but honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, or even stevia or monk fruit sweetener will work. Adjust the amount to your sweetness preference.
Vanilla Extract: Crucial for that authentic cookie dough aroma and taste. Don’t skip it! It elevates the flavor profile significantly.
Salt: A pinch of salt is essential to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors, making them pop.
Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips are my favorite here, as they distribute more evenly throughout the oatmeal, ensuring a chocolatey bite in every spoonful. Dark, milk, or semi-sweet varieties all work perfectly.

Ingredients for Cookie Dough Baked Oatmeal laid out on a counter

How To Make Cookie Dough Baked Oatmeal in Minutes

Preparing this decadent breakfast is incredibly straightforward. Here’s how you can enjoy cookie dough for breakfast in just a few simple steps:

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small, microwave-safe bowl, combine your old fashioned oats and salt. Give them a good stir to ensure they are evenly mixed.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl or directly into your dry ingredients if your bowl is large enough, stir together the milk, creamy peanut butter, applesauce, your chosen sweetener (agave, honey, maple syrup, etc.), and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine & Prepare: If using two bowls, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix everything thoroughly until the oats are fully coated and the mixture is well combined. Lightly spray your microwave-safe bowl with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared bowl. Gently stir in about 1 tablespoon of your mini chocolate chips.
Cook & Serve: Microwave on high for 2 minutes (for old fashioned oats). Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your microwave, so keep an eye on it. Once cooked, carefully remove the hot bowl. Top with the remaining chocolate chips, allowing them to melt slightly from the residual heat. Serve immediately and enjoy your warm, gooey cookie dough oatmeal!

Recipe Tips, Tricks, & Delicious Variations

This recipe is incredibly forgiving and adaptable. Here are some ideas to make it truly your own:

Liquid Flexibility: Any liquid works! While I prefer milk for creaminess, water can be used for a lighter version. For a richer, thicker consistency, opt for whole milk or a creamy plant-based milk like oat or full-fat coconut milk. Almond milk is an excellent choice if you’re looking to reduce calories.
Nut Butter Alternatives: If you have a peanut allergy or simply prefer a different flavor, feel free to substitute with other nut butters like almond butter, cashew butter, or even a seed butter like sunflower seed butter (SunButter) or soy butter (Wowbutter) if you need a tree-nut-free option. Each will slightly alter the flavor, but still deliver that delightful richness.
Shake Up the Flavor:
- Apple Pie Oatmeal: Instead of chocolate chips, stir in finely chopped apple pieces and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Berry Burst: Add fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries) for a fruity twist.
- Tropical Delight: Stir in shredded coconut and a few pineapple chunks.
- Mocha Dream: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder or cocoa powder for a subtle coffee or chocolate kick.
- PB&J Inspiration: For another fantastic twist, try my Peanut Butter & Jelly Baked Oatmeal – it’s a childhood favorite in breakfast form!
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
Sweetener Swaps: As mentioned, your choice of sweetener is entirely flexible. Brown sugar adds a lovely molasses note, while honey or maple syrup provide distinct natural sweetness. For low-carb or sugar-free diets, stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener are excellent alternatives. Always adjust to your personal taste.
Oven Baking Option: While designed for the microwave, you can bake this oatmeal if you prefer. Pour the mixture into an oven-safe ramekin or small dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until set and lightly golden. This is great if you’re making multiple servings.
Add a Protein Boost: For an extra dose of protein, consider stirring in a scoop of your favorite protein powder (vanilla or unflavored work best) with the wet ingredients. You might need to add a touch more liquid to maintain the desired consistency.

How To Store and Reheat Leftover Baked Oatmeal

This recipe makes a rather generous single serving, which is perfect for a truly satisfying breakfast. If you find it’s too much, you can easily divide the mixture into two smaller microwave-safe bowls before cooking to create two smaller portions or save one for later. Any leftovers should be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply microwave for about a minute or until it’s thoroughly warmed through. Add a splash of milk if it seems too thick after refrigeration.

Close up of delicious Cookie Dough Baked Oatmeal, perfect for Pinterest sharing

Choosing the Right Oats for Your Baked Oatmeal

The type of oats you use can significantly impact the final texture and cooking time of your baked oatmeal. Here’s a breakdown:

Old Fashioned Oats (Rolled Oats): These are my top recommendation for this recipe. They undergo a steaming and flattening process that gives them a robust texture which stands up well to cooking, resulting in a hearty and satisfying “baked” consistency. They provide a good chew that truly contributes to the cookie dough experience.
Quick Cooking Oats: If old fashioned oats aren’t available or if you prefer an even softer, quicker-cooking oatmeal, quick cooking oats can be used. They are cut into smaller pieces and steamed longer than old fashioned oats, meaning they cook faster. If using quick cooking oats, reduce the microwave time to just 1 minute to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Steel Cut Oats: While incredibly nutritious, steel cut oats are not suitable for this microwave baked oatmeal recipe. They are whole oat groats cut into pieces and require significantly longer cooking times (typically 20-30 minutes on the stovetop) and more liquid to become tender.

Remember these microwave cooking times:
Using Quick Cooking Oats: Microwave for 1 minute
Using Old Fashioned Oats: Microwave for 2 minutes

The Amazing Health Benefits of Oatmeal

Beyond being delicious, incorporating oatmeal into your diet offers a plethora of health advantages. It’s not just a tasty breakfast; it’s a powerhouse of nutrition:

Rich in Fiber: Oats are an excellent source of soluble fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which is known to help lower cholesterol levels and promote healthy digestion. This fiber content also contributes to a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight management.
Sustained Energy Release: As a complex carbohydrate, oatmeal provides a slow and steady release of energy, preventing those mid-morning energy crashes often associated with sugary breakfasts.
Nutrient-Dense: Oats are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
Antioxidant Power: They contain unique antioxidants called avenanthramides, which have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce blood pressure.
Heart Health: Regular consumption of oats has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease due to its cholesterol-lowering effects.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cookie Dough Baked Oatmeal

Q: Can I make this Cookie Dough Baked Oatmeal vegan?: A: Absolutely! The original inspiration for this recipe was vegan-friendly. Simply ensure you use a plant-based milk (like almond, oat, or soy milk), a vegan sweetener (agave or maple syrup are excellent choices), and confirm your chocolate chips are dairy-free (most dark chocolate chips are). All other ingredients are typically vegan.
Q: I don’t have applesauce. What can I use instead?: A: Mashed ripe banana is a fantastic substitute for applesauce, adding natural sweetness and moisture while also contributing to the “baked” texture. Pumpkin puree or even a small amount of extra milk and sweetener could also work, but mashed banana is generally the best alternative for texture.
Q: Can I prepare this recipe the night before?: A: Yes, you can! To prep ahead, combine the dry ingredients (oats and salt) in one container and the wet ingredients (milk, peanut butter, applesauce, sweetener, vanilla) in another. Store them separately in the fridge overnight. In the morning, simply combine the wet and dry mixtures, stir in chocolate chips, and microwave as directed. This saves precious minutes during busy mornings.
Q: How can I make this recipe even healthier?: A: To boost the health factor, you can reduce the amount of sweetener or use a sugar-free alternative. Opt for unsweetened plant-based milk, and consider adding a tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseeds to the mixture for extra fiber and omega-3s. You can also reduce the amount of chocolate chips or use dark chocolate for its antioxidant benefits.
Q: Can I bake this in a regular oven instead of the microwave?: A: Yes, you can! If you prefer oven-baked oatmeal, pour the mixed ingredients into a small, oven-safe ramekin or baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-baking, as ovens can vary.

More Easy & Delicious Breakfast Recipes

If you loved this Cookie Dough Baked Oatmeal, you’re sure to enjoy these other quick and easy breakfast ideas from our kitchen:

Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Nutritious Breakfast Bowls
Convenient Baked Oatmeal Cups
Refreshing Mixed Berry Smoothie
Savory Avocado Scrambled Eggs
Fueling Protein Pancakes
Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal

4.58 from 7 votes

Cookie Dough Baked Oatmeal

By

Erin Sellin

This quick and easy Cookie Dough Baked Oatmeal recipe delivers all the deliciousness of cookie dough in a hearty breakfast form, ready in less than 5 minutes!

Prep:

5 minutes

Cook:

2 minutes

Total:

7 minutes

Servings:
1

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Ingredients

▢

1/2
cup

old fashioned oats
▢

1/4
cup
unsweetened apple sauce
▢

1/4
cup
skim milk (or your preferred milk)
▢

1
Tablespoon

creamy peanut butter
▢

1
Tablespoon
agave, honey, maple syrup or other sweetener to taste
▢

1/2
teaspoon

vanilla extract
▢

1/4
teaspoon

salt
▢

1 1/2
Tablespoons
mini chocolate chips, divided

Instructions

Combine oats and salt in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Stir well to mix the dry ingredients.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk, peanut butter, applesauce, your chosen sweetener, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients in the microwave-safe bowl. Mix everything thoroughly until the oats are well coated. Gently stir in 1 tablespoon of the mini chocolate chips.
Microwave on high for 2 minutes (if using old fashioned oats; 1 minute for quick oats). Carefully remove from the microwave. Top with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of chocolate chips, allowing them to melt into the warm oatmeal. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Erin Sellin

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cook Time:

2 minutes

Total Time:

7 minutes

Course:
Breakfast Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
1

Calories:
379

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