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Vanilla Cold Brew Overnight Oats Recipe for Creamy Morning Energy

Coffee and breakfast in one? These Vanilla Cold Brew Coffee Overnight Oats are an ideal morning meal—simple, healthy, and delicious fuel to start your day.

Overnight oatmeal in jar with coffee beans on top.

This recipe was originally published July 2017 and updated in May 2021.

Overnight oats are one of my most popular make-ahead breakfasts because they’re fast, versatile, and easy to customize. Adding coffee turns them into a combined breakfast-and-caffeine routine—perfect for busy mornings.

If you enjoy overnight oats, try other favorites like coconut cream pie oats, peanut butter banana protein oats, Nutella oats, or zucchini bread oats. There are so many variations to explore.

Why you will love these:

  • Quick prep: Ready in about five minutes—mix, refrigerate, and breakfast is waiting the next morning.
  • Meal prep friendly: Make several jars at once and keep them in the fridge for easy weekday breakfasts.
  • Great morning fuel: Whole oats plus coffee for sustained energy and flavor.
Overhead view of oatmeal in jar with cold brew in jar beside it and spoons laying on the other side.

I prefer cold brew for this recipe because it’s smooth and less acidic. It adds concentrated coffee flavor without bitterness. A touch of vanilla enhances the latte-like profile. Feel free to add chia seeds, extra protein powder, or other mix-ins to personalize your jar.

Ingredients and substitutions

  • Rolled oats: Regular or gluten-free. Quick oats work in a pinch; steel-cut oats are too chewy for overnight soaking.
  • Cold brew coffee: Use homemade or store-bought cold brew. If you don’t have cold brew, a stronger hot-brewed coffee will work.
  • Milk: Any milk you prefer. Vanilla almond milk highlights the vanilla notes; whole milk adds richness.
  • Vanilla extract for flavor.
  • Vanilla almond butter: Optional but adds creaminess and depth. Vanilla yogurt can substitute if needed.
  • Maple syrup or honey: Sweeten to taste.
  • Chia seeds: Optional for extra texture and nutrition.
  • Sea salt: A small pinch enhances flavor.

Want a protein boost?

Stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder. You may need to add a little extra liquid in the morning if the mixture thickens while chilling.

How to make cold brew coffee

  • Combine 1 1/2 cups cold water and 1/3 cup coarsely ground coffee in a sealed jar or container and steep for about 12 hours.
  • Strain through a fine mesh or cheesecloth to remove grounds.
  • Use straight, or dilute with equal parts water or milk when drinking or mixing into oats.

Notes and tips

  • Try a shot of espresso instead of cold brew for a true vanilla-latte flavor.
  • Mix-ins to try: chocolate chips, cacao nibs, shredded coconut, a drizzle of caramel, hemp seeds, or fresh fruit.
  • Choose a jar size that gives you room for stirring and toppings—small Weck jars can be cute but might feel tight when mixing.

This is a great overnight oat to start with—make several jars for easy meal prep and customize to your taste.

Coffee overnight oats with white spoon scooping into jar and coffee beans on top.

Enjoy these Vanilla Cold Brew Coffee Overnight Oats! If you try them, leave a comment to share how you customized your jar.

Other favorite oatmeal recipes

  • BANANA BREAD OVERNIGHT OATS
  • CINNAMON ROLL OVERNIGHT OATS
  • PEANUT BUTTER CHEESECAKE OVERNIGHT OATS
  • PUMPKIN PIE OVERNIGHT OATS
  • TRIPLE CHOCOLATE PROTEIN OVERNIGHT OATS
  • APPLE PIE OVERNIGHT OATS
  • PEANUT BUTTER BANANA PROTEIN OVERNIGHT OATS
  • CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER OVERNIGHT OATS

Vanilla Cold Brew Overnight Oats

Coffee and breakfast all in one—simple, healthy, and delicious.
Vanilla cold brew coffee overnight oats in jar with spoon beside it and napkin behind.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup rolled oats (regular or gluten free)
  • 2 tablespoons cold brewed coffee
  • 1/2 cup milk of choice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 teaspoons vanilla almond butter (or vanilla yogurt)
  • 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon chia seeds (optional)
  • Dash of sea salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to a bowl or jar that seals.
  2. Stir well to combine, then cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).
  3. Serve cold or warm, and garnish with cacao nibs or your favorite topping.

Notes

  • Vanilla yogurt can replace almond butter if you prefer a lower-cost option.
  • Espresso can be used for a stronger coffee flavor—think vanilla latte oats.
  • Try mix-ins like chocolate chips, coconut, caramel, or seeds to vary texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 358 kcal,
Carbohydrates: 47 g,
Protein: 12 g,
Fat: 13 g,
Fiber: 7 g

Nutrition information is an approximation.