Hazelnut Chocolate Overnight Oats: The Ultimate Nutella-Inspired Breakfast

If you love the taste of chocolate and hazelnuts together, these hazelnut chocolate overnight oats are going to become your new favorite breakfast. They taste like dessert but are packed with nutrients to keep you full and energized all morning long. The best part is that you put them together in just five minutes the night before, and breakfast is ready when you wake up.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No cooking required. Just mix, refrigerate, and enjoy in the morning.
• Tastes like Nutella in a jar. That rich chocolate and hazelnut combo is absolutely irresistible.
• Meal prep friendly. Make up to five jars at once for the whole week.
• Naturally filling. Oats and protein keep hunger away until lunchtime.
• Kid approved. Even picky eaters will ask for this one again and again.
• Easy to customize. Swap ingredients based on what you have at home.

Ingredients

Here is everything you need to make one serving of hazelnut chocolate overnight oats. All of these ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store.

• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (do not use instant oats, they get too mushy)
• 1/2 cup milk of your choice (dairy milk, oat milk, almond milk, or cashew milk all work great)
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (adds creaminess and protein, swap for dairy-free yogurt if needed)
• 2 tablespoons Nutella or hazelnut spread (use a natural hazelnut butter for a less sweet option)
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (deepens the chocolate flavor without extra sugar)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional but helps thicken the oats and adds omega-3s)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (adjust to your sweetness preference)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (brings all the flavors together)
• 2 tablespoons chopped hazelnuts (for topping, adds a satisfying crunch)
• A pinch of salt (balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor)

Substitution tip: If you are nut-free, replace the hazelnut spread with sunflower seed butter and use sunflower seeds instead of hazelnuts. You will still get a chocolatey, creamy result.

How to Make hazelnut chocolate overnight oats Overnight Oats

1. Grab a jar or container. A wide-mouth mason jar works perfectly. Any container with a lid that holds at least 1.5 cups will do the job.
2. Add the dry ingredients first. Pour in your rolled oats, chia seeds, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Give them a quick stir to combine.
3. Add the wet ingredients. Pour in your milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
4. Stir in the hazelnut spread. Add your Nutella or hazelnut butter and mix everything together until the hazelnut spread is fully blended in. A small whisk works really well here.
5. Seal the jar and refrigerate. Place the lid on your jar and put it in the fridge for at least 6 hours. Overnight is ideal, which is usually 8 to 10 hours.
6. Check the consistency in the morning. Give the oats a stir. If they look too thick, add a splash of milk and stir again until you reach your perfect texture.
7. Add your toppings. Sprinkle the chopped hazelnuts on top and add any extra toppings you love. Enjoy straight from the jar, cold or at room temperature.

Pro Tips for Perfect hazelnut chocolate overnight oats Overnight Oats

• Use rolled oats, not quick oats. Old-fashioned oats hold their texture overnight while quick oats turn into a paste. Steel-cut oats also work but need at least 12 hours to soften.
• Warm the hazelnut spread slightly. If your Nutella is stiff, microwave it for 10 seconds before stirring it in. It blends much more evenly when warm.
• Balance sweetness carefully. Hazelnut spreads are already sweet, so taste before adding extra maple syrup. You might not need it at all.
• Layer for a pretty presentation. Instead of mixing everything together, layer the oat mixture and hazelnut spread in stripes for a beautiful swirled look.
• Toast your hazelnuts. Toasted hazelnuts add a much deeper, nuttier flavor compared to raw ones. Just toast them in a dry pan for 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat.
• Make a big batch. This recipe scales up easily. Make four or five jars on Sunday and enjoy stress-free breakfasts all week.

Flavor Variations

Once you master the base recipe, try these fun twists to keep things interesting throughout the week.

Banana Hazelnut Chocolate Overnight Oats: Mash half a ripe banana into the oat mixture before refrigerating. The banana adds natural sweetness and a creamy texture. Top with banana slices in the morning for a beautiful finish.

Strawberry Chocolate Hazelnut Overnight Oats: Stir in a tablespoon of strawberry jam with the other wet ingredients. Top with fresh sliced strawberries in the morning. The berry and chocolate combination is absolutely dreamy.

Espresso Hazelnut Chocolate Overnight Oats: Add half a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients. It brings out the deep chocolate flavor even more and gives you an extra little caffeine kick. This one is perfect for Monday mornings.

Coconut Hazelnut Chocolate Overnight Oats: Swap regular milk for full-fat coconut milk and add two tablespoons of shredded coconut. Top with toasted coconut flakes in the morning for a tropical twist on the classic chocolate hazelnut combo.

Storage Tips

These overnight oats are built for meal prep and store really well in the refrigerator. Here is everything you need to know about keeping them fresh.

Store your jars in the refrigerator for up to five days. Keep the toppings like chopped hazelnuts and fresh fruit separate until you are ready to eat. This keeps the nuts crunchy and the fruit fresh.

Do not freeze overnight oats that contain yogurt or fresh fruit. The texture becomes unpleasant once thawed. If you want to freeze them, leave out the yogurt and add it fresh after thawing.

Always keep the oats in an airtight container. This prevents them from absorbing other smells in your refrigerator and keeps the flavor fresh and delicious.

Nutrition Information

Here is the estimated nutrition for one serving of hazelnut chocolate overnight oats made with the base recipe above. Values may vary depending on the specific brands and milk you use.

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 52 grams
• Fat: 17 grams
• Fiber: 7 grams
• Sugar: 22 grams
• Calcium: 20% daily value
• Iron: 15% daily value

This is a balanced breakfast that provides a good mix of complex carbs, healthy fats, and protein. The fiber from the oats and chia seeds helps keep you feeling full and satisfied until your next meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

You can, but the texture will be much softer and mushier. Quick oats break down faster because they are more processed. If you prefer a thicker, chewier texture, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats. They hold their shape much better overnight.

Do hazelnut chocolate overnight oats need to be eaten cold?

Not at all. Most people enjoy them cold straight from the fridge, but you can warm them up if you prefer. Just remove the lid and microwave for 60 to 90 seconds, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of milk before heating if the oats look too thick.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, easily. Use a plant-based milk like oat milk or almond milk, swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free coconut or almond yogurt, and use maple syrup instead of honey. Most commercial hazelnut spreads are already vegan, but check the label to be sure.

Why are my overnight oats too thick in the morning?

Chia seeds and oats absorb a lot of liquid overnight. If your oats are too thick, simply stir in a splash of your favorite milk until you reach the consistency you like. Some people prefer thick oats and some prefer them more pourable, so adjust to your taste.

Can I use natural hazelnut butter instead of Nutella?

Absolutely. Natural hazelnut butter is a great choice if you want less sugar and a more intense nutty flavor. Just keep in mind that it is not as sweet as Nutella, so you may want to add a little extra maple syrup or honey to balance the flavor.

Conclusion

These hazelnut chocolate overnight oats are truly one of the best breakfast recipes you can add to your routine. They are quick to prepare, deeply satisfying, and taste like a treat you should feel guilty about but definitely do not. The combination of rich chocolate, creamy hazelnut spread, and hearty oats creates something truly special in just five minutes of effort.

Whether you are meal prepping for a busy week or just want a no-fuss morning breakfast, this recipe delivers every single time. Try one of the fun flavor variations to keep things exciting, and do not skip the toasted hazelnuts on top because that crunch is everything.

Give this recipe a try tonight and wake up to the best breakfast of your week. If you make it, we would love to hear how it turned out for you in the comments below!