This eggnog overnight oats recipe is the easiest way to bring holiday flavor to your breakfast table. It takes just 5 minutes of prep, makes 1 to 2 servings, and comes in at around 380 calories per jar. You mix everything the night before and wake up to a creamy, spiced breakfast that tastes like dessert.

Eggnog gives the oats a rich, custardy flavor without any cooking. The warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon make every bite feel cozy and festive. This recipe works great for meal prep during the busy holiday season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No cooking needed: Everything comes together in one jar overnight.
• Holiday flavor: Real eggnog makes these oats taste warm and special.
• Quick prep: You only need about 5 minutes the night before.
• Meal prep friendly: Make several jars at once for the whole week.
• Kid approved: The sweet, spiced flavor is a huge hit with kids.
• Customizable: Easy to adjust sweetness, toppings, and mix-ins.

Ingredients

Here is everything you need to make one serving of eggnog overnight oats. Most of these are pantry staples you probably already have on hand.

• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant oats, which get too mushy)
• 1/2 cup eggnog (full-fat works best for creaminess; use dairy-free eggnog to keep it vegan)
• 1/4 cup milk of choice (whole milk, almond milk, or oat milk all work)
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (adds protein and creaminess; skip for dairy-free)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (helps thicken the oats; can substitute flaxseed meal)
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (eggnog is already sweet, so adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (the key spice for that classic eggnog flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (adds warmth and depth)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances all the other flavors)

Optional toppings: whipped cream, a pinch of fresh grated nutmeg, granola, chopped pecans, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

How to Make Eggnog Overnight Oats

This recipe could not be simpler. Just follow these easy steps and breakfast will be ready when you wake up.

1. Grab a jar or container: A mason jar or any airtight container with a lid works perfectly. A 16-ounce jar gives you plenty of room to stir and add toppings.
2. Add the dry ingredients: Pour in the rolled oats and chia seeds. Give them a quick stir so they are evenly mixed before adding the liquids.
3. Add the wet ingredients: Pour in the eggnog, milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together really well so nothing is dry at the bottom.
4. Add the spices: Sprinkle in the nutmeg and cinnamon. Stir again until the spices are fully mixed in and the oats are coated.
5. Seal and refrigerate: Put the lid on your jar and place it in the refrigerator. Let it sit for at least 6 hours or overnight for the best texture.
6. Stir and check consistency: In the morning, give the oats a good stir. If they look too thick, add a splash of milk or eggnog and stir until you get the texture you like.
7. Add your toppings: Top with whipped cream, a pinch of nutmeg, granola, or whatever sounds good to you. Enjoy cold straight from the jar or warm it up in the microwave for 60 to 90 seconds.

Pro Tips for Perfect Eggnog Overnight Oats

These small tips make a big difference in the final result. Keep them in mind for the best possible bowl of overnight oats.

Use rolled oats, not quick oats. Quick oats get too soft and turn the texture into mush. Old-fashioned rolled oats hold their shape and give you a nice, chewy bite.

Do not skip the chia seeds. Chia seeds absorb liquid and help the oats get thick and creamy. Without them, the oats can turn out watery and thin.

Full-fat eggnog is worth it. Low-fat eggnog has a lot of water added, which can make the oats less creamy. Full-fat eggnog gives you that rich, custardy taste.

Taste before adding sweetener. Eggnog is already pretty sweet on its own. Start with just a teaspoon of maple syrup and taste before adding more.

Freshly grated nutmeg is a game changer. If you have whole nutmeg and a microplane, freshly grated nutmeg has a much more vibrant flavor than pre-ground.

Let it chill at least 6 hours. The longer the oats soak, the creamier and better they get. Making them the night before is ideal, but 6 hours minimum gives good results.

Flavor Variations

Once you love the base recipe, try one of these fun twists to keep things interesting all season long.

Gingerbread Eggnog Oats: Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger and a pinch of cloves along with the cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir in a teaspoon of molasses for a deep, gingerbread flavor.

Pumpkin Spice Eggnog Oats: Swap out 2 tablespoons of the eggnog for 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree. Add 1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice and you have got a fall and holiday mashup.

Chocolate Eggnog Oats: Stir in 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder and a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a mocha-meets-holiday vibe. Top with mini chocolate chips.

Boozy Eggnog Oats (for adults): Add a teaspoon of bourbon or spiced rum to the jar before refrigerating. The alcohol flavor mellows out overnight and gives a subtle warmth. Keep this version away from the kids.

Protein-Packed Eggnog Oats: Stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder along with the dry ingredients. You may need to add a little extra milk to keep the consistency right.

Storage Tips

Eggnog overnight oats store well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep them in a sealed jar or airtight container so they do not pick up any other smells from your fridge.

Do not add toppings like granola or whipped cream until you are ready to eat. These toppings get soggy if stored with the oats.

You can make a batch of 4 to 5 jars at the start of the week for easy grab-and-go breakfasts all week long. Just stir each jar before eating and add fresh toppings.

These oats are not ideal for freezing. The texture changes a lot after freezing and thawing, so stick to refrigerator storage only.

Nutrition Information

The following nutrition info is for one serving of the base recipe without optional toppings. Exact values may vary slightly based on the brands of eggnog and yogurt you use.

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Protein: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugar: 18g (mostly from the eggnog)

This recipe is a good source of fiber from the oats and chia seeds, and it delivers a solid amount of protein thanks to the Greek yogurt and eggnog. It is a filling breakfast that will keep you satisfied until lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dairy-free eggnog in this recipe?

Yes, absolutely. Dairy-free eggnog made from oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk works really well in this recipe. The flavor is slightly different from traditional eggnog, but the result is still creamy and delicious. Just swap in your favorite dairy-free yogurt too if you want the whole recipe to be dairy-free.

Can I eat eggnog overnight oats warm?

Yes, you can warm them up if you prefer a hot breakfast. Transfer the oats to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 60 to 90 seconds, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of milk if they look too thick after heating. The flavor is great both cold and warm.

How long does it take for overnight oats to be ready?

The minimum soaking time is about 4 to 6 hours. Overnight is ideal because the oats fully absorb the liquid and the texture becomes thick and creamy. If you are in a hurry, you can speed things up by using quick oats and soaking for at least 2 hours, but the texture will be softer.

Can I make eggnog overnight oats without chia seeds?

Yes, but the texture will be a little thinner without them. You can try using 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal as a substitute. Another option is to reduce the total liquid slightly, using just 1/3 cup of eggnog and 2 tablespoons of milk instead of the full amounts listed.

Is this recipe safe for kids?

Yes, as long as you use non-alcoholic eggnog, this recipe is totally kid-friendly. Kids generally love the sweet, spiced flavor. Just make sure the eggnog you buy is pasteurized, which most store-bought options are. Skip the boozy variation for little ones.

Give This Recipe a Try

This eggnog overnight oats recipe is one of the best ways to enjoy holiday flavors without spending much time in the kitchen. It is creamy, spiced, and satisfying in all the right ways. The prep takes just 5 minutes, and the fridge does all the work while you sleep.

Whether you are making one jar for yourself or prepping a whole batch for the week, this recipe is a holiday breakfast win. Try it once and it just might become your favorite December morning tradition.