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Creamy cookie dough overnight oats no peanut butter served in a glass jar with chocolate chips on top

Cookie Dough Overnight Oats (No Peanut Butter) – Creamy & Nut-Free

June 3, 2025 BY: Katherine

Craving cookie dough for breakfast without the guilt—or peanut butter? You’re in for a treat. In this article, we’ll walk through how to make cookie dough overnight oats with no peanut butter, yet packed with all the creamy, sweet, cookie-dough flavor you love. It’s an allergy-friendly twist on a viral favorite, and it’s perfect for meal-prepping your mornings. You’ll get the full recipe, flavor swaps, texture tips, and answers to your top FAQs. Whether you’re gluten-free, nut-free, or just oat-obsessed, this post is your go-to for a simple and satisfying breakfast with no compromise.

My Story & Why These Cookie Dough Overnight Oats (No Peanut Butter) Matter

How a Childhood Favorite Inspired a Peanut-Free Breakfast Win

Hey y’all, I’m Katherine—a Southern girl through and through—and cookie dough was one of those little joys my grandma and I would sneak by the spoonful when no one was looking. Fast-forward a few decades, and while my love for cookie dough never faded, my needs have changed. I’ve got friends (and students in my local cooking classes) who avoid peanuts altogether. That’s how these cookie dough overnight oats without peanut butter were born.

No culinary school taught me how to make oats taste like dessert—it took burnt batches, flat flavors, and lots of spoon tests. But this one? It hits just right. Creamy, naturally sweet, and peanut-free, it’s my go-to breakfast when I want to feel like I’m treating myself without the sugar crash or nut allergy risk.

These oats keep well in the fridge, making them perfect for busy mornings. And bonus? They’re protein-packed and customizable. The key? A peanut-free “cookie dough” base made with almond-free butter, chia seeds for texture, and mini chocolate chips. You’ll never miss the peanut butter—I promise.

Why ditch the peanut butter? Besides allergies, not everyone loves that strong nutty taste. This version of cookie dough overnight oats delivers that soft, doughy, vanilla-and-chocolate flavor in every bite without relying on peanut butter’s overwhelming richness. By using alternatives like sunflower seed butter or oat butter, you can keep it nut-free or cater to different dietary needs.

You’ll still get that cookie dough vibe: creamy, slightly chewy oats, tiny chocolate chips melting just a little, and that soft sweetness that makes it hard to wait until morning to dive in. This recipe brings comfort and nostalgia—without allergens or stress. And that’s worth waking up for.

The magic of these cookie dough overnight oats without peanut butter lies in the blend of creamy, dairy-free milk, hearty rolled oats, and a few clever flavor boosters. You don’t need a long list—just the right ones.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Rolled oats (old-fashioned work best for texture)
  • Dairy-free milk (almond, oat, or soy all work—go nut-free as needed)
  • Maple syrup or agave for natural sweetness
  • Vanilla extract for that cookie dough flavor
  • A pinch of salt to enhance taste
  • Sunflower seed butter or oat butter (for peanut-free creaminess)
  • Chia seeds for that thick, spoonable texture
  • Mini chocolate chips (dairy-free if needed)

It’s a pantry-friendly, peanut-free combo that feels indulgent but fuels you up right. This base recipe makes room for swaps too. Want extra protein? Add a scoop of vanilla plant-based protein powder. Avoiding all seeds? Skip the chia and reduce the milk slightly.

Here’s a quick reference:

Ingredient Amount
Rolled oats ½ cup
Dairy-free milk ½ cup
Maple syrup 1 tbsp
Sunflower seed butter 1 tbsp
Chia seeds 1 tsp
Vanilla extract ¼ tsp
Mini chocolate chips 1 tbsp


Making these overnight oats is a breeze. In a jar or bowl, stir together the oats, milk, chia seeds, sunflower seed butter, vanilla, syrup, and a pinch of salt. Mix well so the butter breaks down fully. Add the chocolate chips last, stirring gently to keep them whole.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours—overnight is best. In the morning, the oats will be soft, the chia seeds will have expanded, and the whole thing will be creamy, cookie-dough-like, and ready to eat. You can eat them cold straight from the fridge, or microwave for 30 seconds if you prefer them warm.

The texture mimics real cookie dough: soft, a bit chewy, slightly thick from the chia, and dotted with sweet chocolate bits. It’s indulgent without being heavy—just right to start your day with something delicious and peanut-free.

Cookie dough overnight oats no peanut butter in a jar topped with chocolate chips and oats
Nut-free cookie dough overnight oats with mini chocolate chips, served chilled

Creative Ways to Customize Your Overnight Oats

One of the best things about cookie dough overnight oats with no peanut butter is how flexible the recipe is. Don’t feel stuck in one flavor lane—this recipe invites you to mix it up and make it your own. Whether you want more protein, a dairy-free option, or a hint of spice, it’s all on the table.

For a protein boost, stir in a scoop of vanilla or cookie dough-flavored protein powder. If you’re avoiding all seeds, skip the chia and reduce the liquid by two tablespoons. Want something warmer? Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy fall-inspired twist.

Not into chocolate chips? Try mini white chocolate chips or chopped dried fruit. If you’re after crunch, top your oats with crushed graham crackers or granola just before serving. You can also swap in oat milk, soy milk, or flax milk depending on your dietary needs—all still peanut-free.

Here’s a few creative combos:

  • Birthday Dough: Add rainbow sprinkles + a dash of almond extract (if no allergy)
  • Mocha Chip: Stir in instant espresso powder and chocolate chips
  • Salted Caramel: Use date syrup and a pinch of sea salt
  • Coconut Cookie Dough: Add shredded coconut and a splash of coconut milk

These tweaks let you enjoy the essence of cookie dough overnight oats with no peanut butter in entirely new ways—without losing that nostalgic charm.

Storing & Prepping for the Week Ahead


Meal prep lovers, rejoice—this recipe keeps like a dream. Whip up a batch (or two) on Sunday, portion into jars, and you’ve got ready-to-go breakfasts for the week. These oats will stay fresh for up to 4–5 days in the refrigerator.

Store them in lidded mason jars or airtight containers. Want to prep dry ingredients ahead of time? Mix oats, chia, salt, and chocolate chips in small jars and add the wet stuff the night before. That’s next-level convenience for busy mornings.

If you’re packing lunch for school or work, these peanut-free overnight oats are safe for nut-free zones and can even double as a healthy dessert option. Just give it a stir before eating, and maybe add an extra splash of milk to loosen it up.

Is this recipe eaten straight from the refrigerator?
Yes! These cookie dough overnight oats without peanut butter are designed to be enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. That’s part of what makes them such a quick and easy breakfast. The texture is soft and creamy, almost like chilled cookie dough. If you prefer warm oats, pop the jar in the microwave for 30 seconds to take the chill off—it’s delicious either way.

Could this breakfast be gluten-free?
Absolutely. To make this recipe gluten-free, just be sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats. Most other ingredients—like chia seeds, sunflower seed butter, and plant-based milk—are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always smart to check labels for hidden gluten or cross-contamination if you’re sensitive or celiac.

How long do these cookie dough overnight oats last in the fridge?
These oats stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Store them in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent the oats from becoming overly mushy. For best texture, give them a stir before eating and add a splash of milk if needed.

What can I use instead of sunflower seed butter?
If you’re avoiding all seeds, try oat butter or coconut butter. If you’re not allergic to tree nuts, almond butter or cashew butter work too—but always check with guests if you’re serving them to others. The goal here is peanut-free, so any spread without peanuts that’s creamy and mild will do the job beautifully.


So there you have it—cookie dough overnight oats with no peanut butter, and no compromise. This recipe brings all the flavor and fun of cookie dough in a wholesome, allergy-conscious way. Whether you’re rushing to work, feeding picky kids, or just craving something that tastes like dessert before 9 a.m., this one delivers.

As a home cook who’s learned from burnt pans and bold experiments, I’m thrilled to share this with you. This recipe is proof that you don’t need peanuts—or a culinary degree—to make breakfast something special.

Stay tuned, y’all—more delicious, down-to-earth recipes coming soon.

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Creamy cookie dough overnight oats no peanut butter served in a glass jar with chocolate chips on top

Cookie Dough Overnight Oats (No Peanut Butter) – Creamy & Nut-Free


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  • Author: Katherine
  • Total Time: 5 minutes (plus chilling)
  • Yield: 1 serving 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These cookie dough overnight oats without peanut butter are the perfect allergy-friendly breakfast for busy mornings. Creamy, sweet, and satisfying, this recipe swaps peanut butter for sunflower seed butter and delivers all the nostalgic cookie dough flavor—without the nuts. It’s quick to prep, ideal for meal planning, and fully customizable for gluten-free and dairy-free diets. Whether you’re packing school lunches or meal prepping breakfast, this no-cook option will keep you full and energized.


Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • ½ cup rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)

  • ½ cup unsweetened oat milk (or any plant-based milk)

  • 1 tablespoon sunflower seed butter

  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

  • 1 teaspoon chia seeds

  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

Mix-ins

  • 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips (dairy-free if desired)


Instructions

  1. Combine dry ingredients
    In a small jar or bowl, mix the rolled oats, chia seeds, and salt together to evenly distribute everything.

  2. Add wet ingredients
    Pour in oat milk, maple syrup, sunflower seed butter, and vanilla extract. Stir well until the sunflower seed butter is fully blended into the mixture.

  3. Add chocolate chips
    Gently fold in the chocolate chips last to keep them from melting into the oats during mixing.

  4. Chill overnight
    Cover the jar or container with a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best texture.

  5. Serve
    Enjoy straight from the fridge, or warm slightly in the microwave if preferred. Stir before eating and add extra milk if needed.

Notes

  • Always check that your oats are certified gluten-free if you’re preparing this for someone with celiac disease.

  • Sunflower seed butter is a great nut-free substitute, but you can also use oat butter or coconut butter.

  • For extra protein, add a scoop of your favorite vanilla plant-based protein powder.

  • These oats keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days—great for meal prep!

  • Add-ins like shredded coconut, cinnamon, or almond extract (if no allergy) can create fun flavor variations.

  • If the oats become too thick in the fridge, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk before serving to loosen the texture.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Overnight Oats Recipes
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 jar (about 1 cup)
  • Calories: 375
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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