This chocolate hazelnut overnight oats recipe is the breakfast you didn’t know you were missing. It tastes like a jar of Nutella transformed into a creamy, satisfying morning meal. Best of all, you make it the night before so breakfast is ready the moment you wake up.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a student rushing to class, or just someone who loves a no-fuss morning, this recipe has you covered. It’s rich, chocolatey, and surprisingly good for you.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Chill Time: 8 hours (overnight)
• Servings: 1
• Estimated Calories: 420 per serving

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to add this recipe to your weekly rotation. Here’s why it stands out from the crowd:

• Ready in the morning with zero effort. You do all the work the night before, and breakfast waits for you.
• Tastes like dessert. Chocolate and hazelnut together create a rich, indulgent flavor that feels like a treat.
• Packed with nutrients. Oats, chia seeds, and nut butter deliver fiber, protein, and healthy fats to keep you full.
• Easy to customize. Swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or what your taste buds are craving.
• Meal prep friendly. Make several jars at once and have breakfast sorted for the whole week.
• No cooking required. Just mix, refrigerate, and enjoy. No stove or oven needed.

Ingredients

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to pull this together. Most of these are probably already in your pantry.

• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (do not use instant oats, they get too mushy)
• 2/3 cup milk of your choice (dairy milk, oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk all work great)
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (adds creaminess and a protein boost; skip for a dairy-free version)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (helps thicken the oats and adds omega-3s)
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (use Dutch-process for a deeper chocolate flavor)
• 2 tablespoons chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella; use a natural hazelnut butter for a less sweet option)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (adjust to your preferred sweetness level)
• Pinch of salt (this enhances all the other flavors)

Optional toppings: Sliced banana, crushed hazelnuts, dark chocolate chips, a drizzle of hazelnut spread, or fresh berries.

How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Overnight Oats

This process is simple and takes less than five minutes. Follow these steps and you’ll have a perfect jar waiting for you in the morning.

1. Grab a jar or container. A mason jar with a lid works perfectly. Make sure it holds at least 12 ounces to give the oats room to expand.
2. Add the dry ingredients first. Scoop in the rolled oats, chia seeds, cocoa powder, and pinch of salt. Stir them together so the cocoa is evenly distributed.
3. Add the wet ingredients. Pour in the milk, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Stir in the hazelnut spread. Add the chocolate hazelnut spread and mix until it’s fully incorporated. It helps to warm the spread for 10 seconds in the microwave if it’s thick and hard to mix.
5. Seal and refrigerate. Put the lid on your jar and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 6 hours, but overnight (8 hours) gives the best texture.
6. Stir and add toppings. In the morning, give the oats a good stir. If they seem too thick, splash in a little extra milk and stir again. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Perfect Chocolate Hazelnut Overnight Oats

A few small tricks can take your oats from good to absolutely amazing. Keep these tips in mind every time you make this recipe.

• Use old-fashioned rolled oats. They soak up liquid overnight and keep a pleasant, slightly chewy texture. Quick oats become too soft, and steel-cut oats won’t soften enough.
• Don’t skip the chia seeds. They absorb liquid and turn the oats into a thick, pudding-like consistency. If you leave them out, your oats may turn out runny.
• Adjust sweetness in the morning. It’s easier to add a little extra syrup after tasting than to fix overly sweet oats. Start with one tablespoon and go from there.
• Add a banana for natural sweetness. Mashing half a ripe banana into the mixture before chilling adds sweetness without any added sugar and gives the oats an extra creamy texture.
• Warm them up if you prefer. Overnight oats don’t have to be served cold. Microwave your jar for 60 to 90 seconds and enjoy a warm, comforting bowl on chilly mornings.

Flavor Variations

Once you master the base recipe, it’s fun to mix things up. Try these delicious twists to keep breakfast exciting all week long.

• Mocha Hazelnut: Stir in one teaspoon of instant espresso powder along with the cocoa. The coffee flavor pairs beautifully with chocolate and hazelnut.
• Strawberry Chocolate Hazelnut: Layer fresh or frozen strawberries on top. The bright berry flavor cuts through the richness of the chocolate perfectly.
• Banana Hazelnut: Mash one small ripe banana into the mixture before chilling. Reduce the maple syrup since the banana adds plenty of natural sweetness.
• Double Chocolate: Stir in a tablespoon of mini dark chocolate chips before refrigerating. They soften slightly overnight and add little pockets of melted chocolate.
• Coconut Hazelnut: Replace half the milk with full-fat coconut milk and top with toasted coconut flakes. It gives the oats a tropical, creamy richness.

Storage Tips

One of the best things about overnight oats is how well they keep. Here’s how to store them properly so nothing goes to waste.

In the Refrigerator: Store your prepared oats in a sealed jar or airtight container. They stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge. This makes them ideal for weekly meal prep. Just make five jars on Sunday and grab one each morning.

Adding Toppings: Keep fresh fruit toppings separate until you’re ready to eat. Soft toppings like banana slices can get mushy if left on the oats for more than a day. Add crunchy toppings like crushed hazelnuts right before eating so they stay crisp.

In the Freezer: Yes, you can freeze overnight oats! Spoon the prepared oats (without toppings) into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir well before eating. The texture may be slightly softer but still delicious.

On the Go: Mason jars with screw-top lids are perfect for eating on the go. Just grab your jar from the fridge, toss it in your bag, and enjoy it at work, school, or wherever the day takes you.

Nutrition Information

Here is the estimated nutrition per serving based on the base recipe using 2% dairy milk and Greek yogurt. Toppings and substitutions will change these numbers.

Nutrition estimates are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

You can, but the texture will be much softer and more porridge-like. Old-fashioned rolled oats hold up better overnight and give you that satisfying, slightly chewy bite. Stick with rolled oats for the best results.

How long do chocolate hazelnut overnight oats last in the fridge?

They stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in a sealed jar or airtight container. This makes them a great option for meal prepping a full week of breakfasts in one shot.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the dairy milk for oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk. Leave out the Greek yogurt or replace it with a dairy-free coconut yogurt. Use maple syrup instead of honey to keep it fully vegan.

My oats turned out too thick. What should I do?

Just stir in a splash of milk in the morning, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your preferred consistency. Oats thicken quite a bit as they soak, so a little extra liquid in the morning is completely normal and easy to fix.

Do I have to eat overnight oats cold?

Not at all! If you prefer a warm breakfast, just remove the lid and microwave your jar for 60 to 90 seconds, stirring halfway through. They taste just as good warm as they do cold, so go with whatever sounds most appealing to you that morning.

Ready to Make Your New Favorite Breakfast?

This chocolate hazelnut overnight oats recipe proves that a healthy breakfast can taste totally indulgent. With minimal prep, no cooking, and a flavor that feels like a treat, it’s hard to find a reason not to make it tonight.

Try it once and we’re pretty confident it’ll become a regular in your weekly breakfast lineup. If you give it a go, leave a comment below and tell us how it turned out. We’d love to hear your favorite toppings and variations!