Although the holidays are over, that doesn't mean your cravings are miraculously gone. And even though I want to get back on track, I still need my treats. I don't know about you, but I definitely still need cookies! That's why you're going to love these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Overnight Oats - they're healthy for you, but taste like an Oatmeal Raisin Cookie!
That is also the reason this oatmeal raisin overnight oats on-the-go breakfast is the ideal compromise: a quick, meal prep, make-ahead breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings when you need a grab-and-go breakfast. And because these overnight oats are made with naturally sweet raisins, you likely won’t need as much added sweetener. So, go ahead and indulge, guilt-free!
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🥘 Ingredients
And because these Raisin Cookie Overnight Oats are both healthy and easy to make, I’m sure that they’ll earn a place on your regular breakfast rotation, as they have on mine!
In addition to raisins, for this cinnamon raisin oatmeal recipe, you'll also need:
- uncooked rolled oats (old fashioned - not quick oats)
- brown sugar
- cinnamon
- chia seeds
- milk (I use 1%)
- vanilla extract
- butter extract
💭Health Benefits of Oats
This Healthy Overnight Oats recipe with California Raisins is healthy not only because oats are rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals, but because soaking oats helps the starches break down and reduces the phytic acid, helping your body utilize the oats’ nutrients much more efficiently.
This also makes them easier to digest than cooked oats, which is especially helpful for people with dietary sensitivities. Overnight oats absorb the liquid during the night, softening them in the same way cooking softens them, without the work of actually cooking them.
Even if you are trying to lose those few extra holiday pounds, it’s still important to eat breakfast. Overnight oats are a great breakfast option because they digest slowly, making you feel full longer. Oats are also a whole grain and are high in soluble fibre.
These easy Overnight Oats take about 10 minutes to prep and you can quickly throw them together while making lunches for the next day. And even if you’re working from home, they’re an ideal delicious breakfast or mid-morning snack. My kids quickly grab a jar out of the fridge before school in the morning or throw one in their lunch bag or they can even eat it on the way to the bus. Easy-peasy!
📖VARIATIONS & SUBSTITUTIONS
- Lactose or Dairy-free - you can use lactose-free milk or dairy-free milk like unsweetened vanilla almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk
- Chia seeds - you could use flax seeds instead
- Sweetener - you could substitute 2 tablespoon maple syrup or use white granulated sugar instead of brown sugar
- Raisins - you can use any type of raisin, but golden raisins or sultanas work best
- Add-ins - you can add a little protein powder for an extra boost of protein
🔪 INSTRUCTIONS
In each of the 4 small glass jars, place ½ cup of oats, ¾ tablespoon brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of chia seeds. Divide raisins evenly by 4 and add to jars.
In a measuring cup, add vanilla and butter extract to milk.
Pour milk over the oat/raisin mixture, then stir gently to mix. Cover and refrigerate overnight (about 8 hours).
The next morning, enjoy cold right out of the fridge, or remove lids and warm in microwave for about 30 seconds. Add extra raisins, if desired.
🍽 EQUIPMENT
This easy overnight oats recipe is an easy breakfast that will take you about 10 minutes to throw together and eating out of a jar is a lot more fun than a boring ol' bowl. I simply put them in the same type of mason jar I use for making jam (8 oz mason jarsI) and it totally elevates the breakfast eating experience! The jars make it easier to take them on the go too! However, you can use regular meal prep containers as well.
👪 SERVING SIZE
This cinnamon raisin overnight oats recipe makes 4 servings. However, you can half, double, or triple the recipe by clicking on the blue serving number and selecting the number of servings you'd like. The ingredient quantities will automatically adjust.
🦺FOOD SAFETY
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
- Never leave cooking food unattendedSee more guidelines at USDA.gov
⭐ COMMENTS & REVIEWS
Did you know that commenting and rating recipes is one of the best ways to support your favorite recipe creators? If you loved this recipe, please comment and rate it in the recipe card or share photos on social media using the hashtag #foodmeanderings or tagging @foodmeanderings !
❔ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You can, BUT they are going to result in a chewier and denser overnight oat. Old-fashioned oats are ideal because they are creamier and smoother.
Quick oats will get too soggy when they are soaked in milk overnight and if you try to use instant oats, that will get even soggier.
Yes, the names are used interchangeably. This type of oat is flat and flakey. It also absorbs more liquid and cooks faster than steel-cut oats.
And if you love raisins like I do, be sure to check out my other raisin recipes:
Oatmeal Raisin Edible Cookie Dough
Raisin Sushi (Cinnamon Raisin Tortilla Pinwheels)
And if you're looking for other oatmeal recipes, be sure to try my Bananas Foster Overnight Oats. It's also an easy breakfast idea!
📋 Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Overnight Oats Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked rolled oats - old fashioned (not quick)
- 3 tablespoon brown sugar (¾ tablespoon per each jar)
- 2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 teaspoon chia seeds
- ¾ cup California raisins
- 2 and ¾ cups low-fat milk * I use 1 % milk
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon butter extract
Instructions
NOTE: The photos in this recipe card will NOT print unless you set them to print by selecting "recipe image"
- In each of the 4 small glass jars, place ½ cup of oats, ¾ tablespoon brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of chia seeds. Divide raisins evenly by 4 and add to jars.
- In a measuring cup, add vanilla and butter extract to milk.
- Pour milk over the oat/raisin mixture.
- Stir gently to mix.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight (about 8 hours)
- In the morning, enjoy cold right out of the fridge, or remove lids and warm in microwave for about 30 seconds.
NANCY
I love the idea of adding raisins!! Especially when i can make this breakfast ahead of time to make mornings easier!
NANCY
i love the addition of raisin in overnight oats! So tasty!
Terri Gilson
Thanks, Nancy! Yes, they really plump up overnight and add such a great natural sweetness!
Kristen
Love a make ahead breakfast recipe, makes our mornings so much easier! This looks fantastic, can't go wrong with cinnamon raisin.
Terri Gilson
Thanks, Kristen! I agree - cinnamon raisin all the way!!!
Jennifer
Can you use quick oats for this if it is all you have on hand?
Terri Gilson
Hi Jennifer,
You can, but I wouldn't recommend it. Here's what The Kitchn (https://www.thekitchn.com/5-mistakes-to-avoid-when-making-overnight-oats-248176) has to say:
"Leave instant oats behind when making overnight oats. Since they are so small, they’ll actually just end up almost dissolving in the liquid. Steel-cuts oats can be used but expect them to very chewy and fairly dense."
Personally, I've never used quick oats, but IF I did, I'd leave them for less time (6 hours max.) or they will get way too mushy. I have tried Steel Cut and they were way too chewy and dense (though they softened up a lot more after 2 days in the fridge and I added a bit of extra liquid)!
Hope that helps!
Terri
Follow this tip: Old-fashioned rolled oats are the best when it comes to the variety to use for overnight oats. They’ll give you that creamy, smooth texture with just the right amount of chew
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady
I absolutely love overnight oats, they are so convenient to have in the fridge. Loving your fun twist on them!
Terri Gilson
Thanks, Cinde!
Bernice Hill
I've been craving oatmeal lately and have thought about trying out overnight oats. Thing is, I prefer my oats to be warm so I really appreciate the rewarming tip.
Terri Gilson
Enjoy, Bernice! 🙂
Sharon
These overnight oats are perfect for meal prep - I LOVE already having breakfast made in the morning. 🙂 Even better when it tastes like cookies!
Vanessa
I love overnight oats and I love raisins so this is the perfect combo for me. Thanks for the easy breakfast idea!
Terri Gilson
You're welcome, Vanessa! Enjoy!
Mike Lafleur
This looks wonderful and easy to do! As I'm an "out the door first thing in the morning" person, having something easy to grab on the way out fits into my routine well! Thanks for another great idea...!!
Terri Gilson
Thanks, Mike! Hope you enjoy it 🙂
Edith
This sounds really yummy, Can't wait to try it, bonus that it's easy and healthy!
Terri Gilson
I hope you enjoy it, Edith!