If you love the cozy combo of coffee and peppermint, you’re gonna be obsessed with these Peppermint Mocha Overnight Oats.
They taste like a holiday drink but are made for busy mornings.
I’ve made these for meal prep during December and honestly look forward to waking up just to eat them.
You can make them in 5 minutes, stash ’em in the fridge, and boom — breakfast is ready.
They’re creamy, chocolatey, a little minty, and full of that mocha goodness.
What You’ll Need
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ tsp instant espresso powder
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp mini chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
- 1 tbsp crushed peppermint candy (optional, for topping)
- Pinch of salt
Why I Love This Recipe
This one’s a staple during the holiday season when I’m craving cozy flavors but still need a fast breakfast. I’ve been making it for years around Christmas time, and it always hits the spot.
- All the cozy vibes of peppermint mocha — in breakfast form
- No cooking needed
- Preps in 5 minutes
- Keeps in the fridge for 3–4 days
- High in protein and fiber
- Feels like dessert, but it’s breakfast
Servings and Time
Serves: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 6 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: 5 minutes hands-on, 6+ hours rest
Macros (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 295
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 39g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 13g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Oats absorb liquid as they sit, softening overnight and turning creamy without cooking. The yogurt adds protein and gives it a thick texture. Cocoa and espresso give a deep mocha flavor, while peppermint extract brings that classic holiday twist. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Common Mistakes
- Using quick oats – They get mushy. Stick with old-fashioned rolled oats.
- Too much peppermint – It can taste like toothpaste if you go overboard. ½ tsp is plenty.
- Skipping salt – It’s tiny, but it makes the chocolate and coffee flavors pop.
- Not chilling long enough – Let it sit at least 6 hours to fully soak and soften.
What to Serve With
- A hot cup of coffee or peppermint tea
- Fresh berries on the side
- A hard-boiled egg for extra protein
- A mini holiday muffin
FAQ
Can I use steel-cut oats?
Not for overnight oats — they don’t soften enough without cooking.
Do I have to use almond milk?
Nope! Any milk works — oat, dairy, soy, whatever you’ve got.
What if I don’t like peppermint?
You can skip the extract and just do mocha oats! Still delicious.
Is it served hot or cold?
It’s meant to be eaten cold, but you can microwave it for 30–45 seconds if you like it warm.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use regular milk or oat milk instead of almond
- Swap Greek yogurt for a dairy-free version
- Use honey or agave instead of maple syrup
- Add chia seeds for extra fiber
- Skip peppermint and add a dash of cinnamon for a mocha cinnamon twist
Make Ahead Tips
- Make a double or triple batch and portion into jars for the week
- Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Add crunchy toppings like peppermint candy or chocolate chips right before eating
How to Make Peppermint Mocha Overnight Oats
Step 1: Add Oats, Yogurt, and Milk
In a jar or bowl, add ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats, ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt, and ½ cup unsweetened almond milk.
Step 2: Add Cocoa, Espresso, and Salt
Add 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 1½ tsp instant espresso powder, and a pinch of salt to the jar.
Step 3: Add Peppermint Extract and Maple Syrup
Pour in ½ tsp peppermint extract and 1 tbsp maple syrup.
Step 4: Mix It All Together
Stir everything together really well until the cocoa and espresso are dissolved and the oats are fully coated.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips
Stir in 1 tbsp mini chocolate chips.
Step 6: Cover and Refrigerate
Cover the jar or container and place it in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Step 7: Serve and Top
In the morning, give it a stir and top with a few more mini chocolate chips and 1 tbsp crushed peppermint candy if using.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Keep toppings separate until ready to eat
- Can be eaten straight from the jar or transferred to a bowl
Wrap Up
There you go — cozy, creamy Peppermint Mocha Overnight Oats that taste like your favorite seasonal drink in breakfast form. They’re simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy mornings. If you give it a try, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out, or if you added your own twist!
