Eggnog Overnight Oats – Creamy, Festive & Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast
You know those mornings when you want something cozy but can’t be bothered to lift more than a spoon? Yep, this recipe is for that. These Eggnog Overnight Oats taste like Christmas in a jar — creamy, spiced, and just the right amount of indulgent — yet take about 5 minutes to prep. You make it at night, sleep like an angel, and wake up to festive breakfast perfection.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Let’s be honest — breakfast doesn’t always feel exciting. But this one? It’s a vibe. Here’s why you’ll want to make a batch (or five):
- Tastes like dessert, acts like breakfast. Think eggnog pudding meets hearty oats — sweet, creamy, and comforting.
- Totally make-ahead. You literally mix, chill, and forget about it until morning.
- Perfect balance. The eggnog adds richness, the oats and chia bring fiber, and the milk keeps it light.
- Customizable. Vegan? Gluten-free? Sugar-sensitive? No problem — swap and tweak away.
- Festive fuel. It’s cozy, filling, and pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or cocoa.
Basically, it’s the breakfast version of a Christmas sweater — warm, charming, and full of cheer.
Ingredients (and Notes)
Grab your mixing jar — here’s what you’ll need:
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats: Not instant oats! These soak perfectly and keep their texture.
- ¾ cup eggnog: Store-bought works great, but if you have homemade eggnog, use it. (It’s like cheating in flavor heaven.)
- ¼ cup milk (or plant-based milk): Helps balance the richness. Almond, oat, or coconut milk all work well.
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds: Thickens everything up and adds a nutrient boost.
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey: Optional, depending on how sweet your eggnog is.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances that cozy, creamy flavor.
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg: For that signature holiday spice.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness — don’t skip it.
Optional toppings (go wild):
- A sprinkle of cinnamon or extra nutmeg
- Toasted nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts)
- Whipped cream or Greek yogurt
- Sliced banana, pomegranate arils, or cranberries
- A drizzle of caramel or a few mini chocolate chips (no judgment)
How to Make Eggnog Overnight Oats
Easy enough to do in your sleep (almost). Here’s how to make it happen — and yes, each step has its own little heading for Pinterest-friendly clarity.
Step 1: Grab your jar or container
Any glass jar, Tupperware, or meal-prep cup with a lid will work. Mason jars are ideal — you can prep, chill, and eat all from one container.
Step 2: Add the dry ingredients
Dump in the oats, chia seeds, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir lightly to distribute the chia seeds (no one wants a clump at the bottom).
Step 3: Pour in the liquids
Add your eggnog, milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Stir or shake until everything’s mixed evenly. Make sure every oat gets coated — it helps with consistent soaking.
Step 4: Shake or stir again
Pop the lid on and give it a good shake. This is your 10-second insurance policy for creamy oats tomorrow. Need tips on getting that perfect mix? Our tutorial on How to Fold Ingredients Without Deflating Batter has mixing tips that apply to keeping your oats lump-free.
Step 5: Chill overnight
Place the jar in the fridge for at least 6 hours, but overnight is best. The oats soften, the chia thickens, and everything becomes silky and pudding-like.
Step 6: Stir and adjust in the morning
Take it out, give it a stir, and check the consistency. Too thick? Add a splash of milk. Too thin? Add a spoon of oats or chia and wait 10 minutes.
Step 7: Add toppings and enjoy
Here’s the fun part! Add fruit, nuts, yogurt, or whipped cream. Sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg if you’re feeling fancy.
That’s it. You’ve got creamy, dreamy, holiday-spiced oats — ready when you are.
Storage & Serving Tips
- Storage: Keeps beautifully for 3–4 days in a sealed container in the fridge.
- Batch it: Make multiple jars at once — they’ll hold up fine through the week.
- To serve warm: Microwave for 30–40 seconds (lid off), stir, and top as usual.
- To serve cold: Eat straight from the jar. Perfect for mornings when you can’t find motivation (or socks).
- Meal prep win: They travel great — take them to work, the gym, or your post-holiday detox walk.
Pro tip: Want an extra treat? Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or gingerbread cookie crumbs on top. It’s dessert disguised as breakfast — and nobody needs to know.
Variations & Substitutions
Flexibility is the magic of overnight oats. Here’s how to make this recipe yours:
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based eggnog (almond, oat, or coconut versions) and plant milk.
- Vegan: Same as above — just skip honey and use maple syrup.
- Low-Sugar: Choose unsweetened eggnog and sweeten to taste. Monk fruit or stevia work great.
- Extra protein: Stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder after chilling (otherwise it might get too thick).
- Nut-free: Skip the nuts and go for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.
- Boozy version (for adults): Add a few drops of rum or bourbon extract, or even a teaspoon of real rum if you’re feeling festive.
- Crunch lovers: Top with granola or crushed cookies for texture contrast.
You can even make this a base recipe — swap the eggnog for chocolate milk, pumpkin spice milk, or any seasonal blend. Once you master the method, the possibilities are endless.
Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting
Because we’ve all been there (and we’re friends, so I’ll tell you the truth):
- Using quick oats: They turn into glue. Stick to rolled oats for chew and texture.
- Not stirring the chia: You’ll end up with clumpy pudding pockets — not cute.
- Adding too much sweetener: Remember, eggnog is already sweet. Taste first, adjust later.
- Forgetting the salt: It’s tiny but mighty — it brings the flavor to life.
- Letting it sit too short: Oats need time to soak. Minimum six hours or they’ll still taste raw.
- Adding toppings too early: Save fruit, nuts, or yogurt until just before eating — freshness matters!
- Leaving it out overnight: Don’t. This is dairy; it needs to chill. Literally.
If all else fails — stir, taste, and adjust. Overnight oats are very forgiving.
FAQ
1. Can I make this without eggnog?
Of course! Replace eggnog with milk and add ½ teaspoon rum extract, a pinch of cinnamon, and a dash of nutmeg. Boom — “faux-nog” oats.
2. How long do these last?
They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge. Perfect for meal prep!
3. Can I freeze overnight oats?
Not really recommended — the texture changes. They’re best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.
4. Are they safe for kids?
Totally — as long as your eggnog is pasteurized and alcohol-free. Kids love the creamy sweetness!
5. Can I double or triple the recipe?
Yes! Just multiply everything evenly and portion into separate jars for grab-and-go mornings.
6. What if I don’t like chia seeds?
No problem. Skip them and reduce the liquid slightly (use ½ cup eggnog + 2 tbsp milk). The oats will still thicken, just be a bit looser.
7. Can I make it more “desserty”?
Yes — stir in a bit of whipped cream or white chocolate chips before eating. It’s your breakfast; no judgment here.
Resources for Festive Breakfasts
- High Protein Gingerbread Overnight Oats
- How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Overnight Oats
- Tasty Baked Breakfast Tacos: Crispy, Cheesy, and Totally Life-Changing
Final Notes & Encouragement
There you have it — your Eggnog Overnight Oats, a holiday breakfast that’s equal parts cozy, quick, and craveable. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel festive without needing to bake, blend, or whisk before coffee.
Make it once, and you’ll see why it’s a Pinterest darling — perfectly creamy, endlessly customizable, and ready when you are. Whether you’re rushing to work or lounging in holiday pajamas, this recipe delivers Christmas cheer by the spoonful.
So tonight, grab a jar, mix a few things, and let your fridge handle breakfast. Tomorrow morning, you’ll wake up to something so good it’ll make getting out of bed feel… almost easy.
Now pin it, make it, and enjoy your merry little morning in a jar.
Eggnog Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¾ cup eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup milk (any type—dairy or plant-based)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, to taste)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg (plus more for topping)
- Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced banana or berries
- Toasted nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts)
- A sprinkle of cinnamon or extra nutmeg
- Greek yogurt or whipped cream
- Crushed gingerbread cookies or granola
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In a mason jar or container, mix oats, chia seeds, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
- Add liquids: Pour in eggnog, milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Stir or shake to combine.
- Mix well: Ensure chia seeds and oats are evenly distributed—no dry pockets!
- Refrigerate: Seal the jar and chill overnight (at least 6 hours).
- Stir and serve: In the morning, stir to check texture. Add a splash of milk if too thick.
- Top and enjoy: Add fruit, nuts, or your favorite toppings. Serve cold or warm it up in the microwave for 30 seconds.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 servingsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 310Total Fat: 10gCarbohydrates: 42gFiber: 6gSugar: 14gProtein: 8g
