A Healthy Holiday Breakfast You’ll Actually Look Forward To
I love holiday mornings, but I never want to start the day feeling overly full or sluggish. Between all the cookies, big dinners, and sweet treats, I like my breakfast to feel comforting but still light and nourishing.
That’s why Christmas-themed overnight oats have become a favorite in my kitchen. They’re easy to prep ahead, packed with cozy flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, cranberries, and even a little peppermint, and they make mornings feel calm instead of rushed.
What I love most is how customizable they are. You can keep things light and fruity, go rich and dessert-inspired, or add nuts and seeds for something extra filling.
These 12 Christmas overnight oats recipes are perfect for slow holiday mornings, brunch with family, or grabbing straight from the fridge when you want something festive and healthy.
Why Overnight Oats Are Perfect for the Holidays
The holidays are hectic—between shopping, decorating, and cooking, mornings can get rushed. Overnight oats are a lifesaver because they’re:
- Quick and easy – just mix the ingredients the night before.
- Healthy and filling – packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins to fuel your day.
- Customizable – swap in your favorite flavors, fruits, and toppings to match the season.
- Portable – perfect for on-the-go breakfasts or gifts in mason jars for friends and family.
Plus, they let you enjoy festive flavors like pumpkin spice, gingerbread, and peppermint without the sugar overload of traditional holiday desserts.
Also Check Out – Crockpot Christmas Jam – Sweet, Festive, and Perfect for Gifting
Tips for Making the Best Christmas Overnight Oats
- Choose the right oats – rolled oats work best for a creamy texture.
- Add protein – Greek yogurt, protein powder, or nut butter keeps you full until lunch.
- Sweeten naturally – use maple syrup, honey, or mashed bananas for healthier sweetness.
- Experiment with toppings – fruits, nuts, seeds, or festive sprinkles make your oats look as good as they taste.
- Prep ahead – layer ingredients in mason jars for easy grab-and-go meals.
Gingerbread Overnight Oats
Why It Works:
This one tastes just like gingerbread in a jar.
The warm spices, ginger, cinnamon, and a touch of molasses create that cozy holiday flavor I always crave, all without turning on the oven.
It’s comforting, festive, and perfect for slow winter mornings.
Ingredients & What You’ll Need:
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tsp molasses
- ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp ginger, ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp maple syrup (optional)
- Mason jar or airtight container
Steps:
- Combine oats, almond milk, molasses, spices, chia seeds, and maple syrup in a mason jar.
- Stir well to combine.
- Seal the jar and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).
- In the morning, stir again and top with crushed gingerbread cookies, chopped nuts, or a dash of cinnamon.
How to Style & Serve:
Layer in a mason jar, garnish with nuts or cookie crumbs for a festive look. Serve with a warm mug of tea.
Peppermint Mocha Overnight Oats
Why It Works:
Coffee lovers get the best of both worlds with this one.
You get that rich, chocolatey coffee flavor paired with a hint of peppermint, all wrapped up in a breakfast that actually keeps you feeling good and energized.
It feels indulgent, but it’s still a healthy way to start your day.
Ingredients & What You’ll Need:
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup brewed coffee, cooled
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- Sweetener of choice
- Mason jar
Steps:
- Mix oats, coffee, almond milk, cocoa powder, peppermint extract, and sweetener in a jar.
- Stir until evenly combined.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- Top with dark chocolate shavings or crushed peppermint in the morning.
How to Style & Serve:
Serve in clear jars for layering effect. Add a peppermint stick for a festive touch.
Also Check Out – 12 Best Overnight Oats Recipes and The Best Pumpkin Cheesecake Overnight Oats for Fall Mornings!
Cranberry Orange Overnight Oats
Why It Works:
The bright citrus and tart cranberries make this one feel fresh and festive at the same time.
I love how the flavors balance each other, and the pop of color makes it look just as cheerful as it tastes. It’s perfect when you want something light but still holiday-inspired.
Ingredients & What You’ll Need:
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp dried cranberries
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Mason jar
Steps:
- In a jar, combine oats, orange juice, Greek yogurt, cranberries, orange zest, and honey.
- Stir well and refrigerate overnight.
- Add fresh orange slices or extra cranberries before serving.
How to Style & Serve:
I like to finish this one with a few fresh mint leaves for a clean, elegant holiday look. It’s a small touch, but it instantly makes the jar feel special and a little more festive.
Heres a Smoothie recipe you will love – Healthy Pineapple Orange Smoothie
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Why It Works:
This one has that warm, cozy flavor that reminds me of classic holiday desserts. It feels comforting and familiar, like something you’d enjoy on a slow winter morning with a cup of coffee nearby.
Ingredients & What You’ll Need:
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup milk of choice
- ½ grated apple
- ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp chopped walnuts
- Mason jar
Steps:
- Mix oats, milk, grated apple, cinnamon, nutmeg, and walnuts in a jar.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- Stir and top with apple slices and a pinch of cinnamon sugar in the morning.
How to Style & Serve:
I like to serve this in a mason jar or a simple bowl, depending on the morning.
A sprinkle of extra walnuts on top right before eating adds the perfect crunch and makes it feel a little more special.
Eggnog Overnight Oats
Why It Works:
This recipe captures that classic holiday eggnog flavor in an easy, make-ahead breakfast.
It gives you all the cozy, spiced vibes you love, without feeling heavy, and it’s perfect for busy holiday mornings.
Ingredients & What You’ll Need:
- ½ cup oats
- ½ cup eggnog or plant-based alternative
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp raisins or cranberries (optional)
- Mason jar
Steps:
- Combine oats, eggnog, vanilla, nutmeg, and raisins in a jar.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- Stir before serving and garnish with nutmeg or cinnamon stick.
How to Style & Serve:
Top with extra dried fruit for color.
Chocolate Hazelnut Overnight Oats
Why It Works:
This one is rich and chocolatey but still feels light and nourishing.
It’s perfect when you’re craving a little holiday indulgence but still want a breakfast that makes you feel good afterward.
Ingredients & What You’ll Need:
- ½ cup oats
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp hazelnut butter
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- Optional: crushed hazelnuts or dark chocolate
- Mason jar
Steps:
- Mix oats, milk, cocoa powder, hazelnut butter, and maple syrup.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- Top with crushed hazelnuts or chocolate before serving.
How to Style & Serve:
I like to finish this one with a few chocolate curls or a drizzle of nut butter on top. It makes the oats feel extra festive and indulgent without going overboard.
Caramel Pecan Overnight Oats
Why It Works
Caramel and toasted pecans give this overnight oats a sweet, nutty holiday twist. I love how the flavors feel indulgent yet comforting, perfect for a festive breakfast that still feels wholesome.
Ingredients & What You’ll Need
- ½ cup oats
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tbsp caramel syrup or date syrup
- 1 tbsp chopped pecans
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Mason jar
Steps
- Combine oats, milk, caramel, pecans, and cinnamon in a jar.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- Garnish with extra pecans or a drizzle of caramel before serving for that extra festive touch.
Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats
Why It Works
Caramel and toasted pecans give this overnight oats a sweet, nutty holiday twist. I love how the flavors feel indulgent yet comforting, making it a festive breakfast that still feels wholesome.
Ingredients & What You’ll Need
- ½ cup oats
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tbsp caramel syrup or date syrup
- 1 tbsp chopped pecans
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Mason jar
Steps
- Combine oats, milk, caramel, pecans, and cinnamon in a jar.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- Garnish with extra pecans or a drizzle of caramel before serving for that extra festive touch.
White Chocolate Cranberry Overnight Oats
Why It Works
The sweet and tart combination of cranberries and white chocolate tastes just like holiday desserts in a healthy, make-ahead breakfast. I love how it feels indulgent without being heavy.
Ingredients & What You’ll Need
- ½ cup oats
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp dried cranberries
- 1 tbsp white chocolate chips
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Mason jar
Steps
- Combine oats, milk, cranberries, chocolate chips, and vanilla in a jar.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- Top with extra white chocolate chips or cranberries before serving for added flavor and festive flair.
Spiced Pear Overnight Oats
Why It Works
Soft pear and warm spices create a sophisticated holiday breakfast that feels both cozy and elegant. I love how the pear adds natural sweetness while the cinnamon and cardamom bring gentle holiday warmth.
Ingredients & What You’ll Need
- ½ cup oats
- ½ cup milk
- ½ diced pear
- ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp cardamom
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- Mason jar
Steps
- Mix oats, milk, pear, spices, and maple syrup in a jar.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- Top with sliced pear or a sprinkle of crushed nuts before serving for extra texture and flavor.
Chai Latte Overnight Oats
Why It Works
Infused with chai spices, this overnight oats recipe brings holiday warmth in every bite. I love how the cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves make it feel cozy without being heavy.
Ingredients & What You’ll Need
- ½ cup oats
- ½ cup milk
- ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp cardamom, ¼ tsp ginger, ¼ tsp cloves
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Mason jar
Steps
- Combine oats, milk, spices, and sweetener in a jar.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving and enjoy the warm, festive flavors.
Holiday Trail Mix Overnight Oats
Why It Works
Packed with nuts, dried fruit, and a touch of chocolate, this one is a festive and filling breakfast that keeps you energized through busy holiday mornings.
Ingredients & What You’ll Need
- ½ cup oats
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tbsp mixed nuts
- 1 tbsp dried cranberries or raisins
- 1 tsp chocolate chips
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- Mason jar
Steps
- Mix oats, milk, nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips, and maple syrup in a jar.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- Stir and top with extra trail mix before serving.
What to Avoid When Making Christmas Overnight Oats
I’ve learned the hard way that too many toppings can overwhelm the oats and turn them mushy overnight. Keep it simple so the flavors stay balanced.
You’ll also want to avoid adding crunchy toppings like nuts, granola, or crushed candy canes too early. I always add those right before eating so you still get that texture you’re craving.
Another thing to skip is oversweetening. With holiday flavors like cranberries, vanilla, and spices, you really do not need much extra sugar. Taste before you add more.
Conclusion: Festive, Healthy, and Effortless Holiday Breakfasts
Christmas overnight oats are not just festive—they’re nutritious, customizable, and downright fun to make. From warming gingerbread spice to cozy pumpkin flavors, these recipes bring all the best holiday tastes to your breakfast table without any stress.
One of the best things about overnight oats is how versatile they are. You can prep jars ahead of time, layer in fruits, nuts, or chocolate, and create a breakfast that’s both visually stunning and delicious.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup, and you have Instagram-worthy mornings that are healthy, satisfying, and perfect for the holiday season.
Whether you’re rushing out the door, hosting a holiday brunch, or looking for a cozy breakfast to enjoy by the tree, these Christmas overnight oats let you celebrate the season while keeping things simple and nourishing.
