These Snickerdoodle Overnight Oats taste just like the classic cookie but are made with wholesome ingredients you can feel good about. Creamy rolled oats are mixed with warm cinnamon, a hint of vanilla, Greek yogurt, and the secret ingredient—cream of tartar—for that signature snickerdoodle tang. Prep everything in five minutes the night before and wake up to a grab-and-go breakfast that's packed with fiber and protein, and keeps you full for hours.
Add the rolled oats, chia seeds, ground cinnamon, cream of tartar, and salt to your jar or container. Give everything a quick stir with a spoon to distribute the spices evenly throughout the oats.
Pour in the milk of your choice, making sure it covers all the oats. Add the Greek yogurt, drizzle in the maple syrup or honey, and add the vanilla extract.
Stir vigorously with a spoon or small whisk for about 30 seconds until the yogurt is fully incorporated and there are no dry oat patches at the bottom. Scrape down the sides of the jar.
Place the lid tightly on your jar or container, give it one final shake, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, though overnight (8-12 hours) is ideal.
Remove from the refrigerator and give the oats a good stir. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar generously over the top, add any additional toppings, and eat cold or warm for 30-45 seconds in the microwave.
Notes
Don't skip the cream of tartar—it gives snickerdoodles their distinctive tang. Without it, you just have cinnamon oats.
Use old-fashioned rolled oats; quick oats turn mushy and steel-cut oats stay too firm even after soaking overnight.
Adjust the liquid ratio to your preference: reduce milk to ⅓ cup for thicker oats, or add an extra tablespoon or two for thinner oats.
Let them sit at least 6 hours, but 8-12 hours gives the best texture.
Taste the mixture before refrigerating and add more sweetener or cinnamon if needed.
Stir before eating—the oats settle overnight, so a good stir redistributes everything.
For best texture, enjoy within the first 2 days, though they'll keep for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Do not freeze—overnight oats become grainy when thawed.
Wait to add fresh fruit, nuts, and cinnamon sugar until right before eating; store cinnamon sugar separately for freshness.
If oats seem too thick after a few days, stir in a tablespoon of fresh milk.
Make it vegan by using plant-based yogurt and milk and swapping honey for maple syrup; use certified gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version.