There’s something delightfully cozy about waking up to a fridge-ready breakfast that tastes like a holiday treat. This High Protein Gingerbread Overnight Oats Recipe perfectly balances warm spices and hearty nutrition, making your mornings both indulgent and satisfying.

The image shows a glass jar filled with a thick, brown, and textured drink, resembling a spiced drink or smoothie with small dark specks all through it. On top, there is a swirl of white whipped cream sprinkled with brown spice powder. A medium brown gingerbread cookie shaped like a smiling person with white icing details is placed upright in the drink on the right side. The jar sits on a white plate with a round shape, and two more gingerbread cookies lie on the plate at the bottom left. The background features small green Christmas tree decorations against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make High Protein Gingerbread Overnight Oats Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve High Protein Gingerbread Overnight Oats Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
High Protein Gingerbread Overnight Oats Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I’ve made plenty of overnight oats, but this High Protein Gingerbread Overnight Oats Recipe stands out because it doesn’t feel like “just oats.” The molasses and warming spices bring a festive twist, while the protein keeps me full well past lunch.

Rich, Gingerbread Flavor: The combo of cinnamon, ginger, and molasses creates cozy seasonal vibes without being overpowering.
High Protein Content: With 27 grams of protein per serving, it’s a breakfast that powers you through a busy morning.
Super Easy to Prep: Just toss everything in a jar at night, and you’re good to go by morning—no cooking required.
Customizable and Nutritious: You can tweak the milk or protein powder and add your favorite toppings to suit your taste and needs.

The image shows a clear glass jar filled with a thick, creamy mixture in light brown with dark specks throughout, suggesting a textured pudding or overnight oats. On top of the jar is a swirl of white whipped cream sprinkled with brown powder. Next to the whipped cream is a small, round cluster of crunchy granola in golden brown. Behind the jar, a gingerbread cookie shaped like a smiling person with white icing details is partially dipped into the mixture. The jar is placed on a white plate with a white marbled texture surface beneath, and blurry green conical shapes resembling small Christmas trees are seen in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this High Protein Gingerbread Overnight Oats Recipe plays a key role in the texture and flavor harmony. I’ve found that using quality protein powder and molasses really lifts the dish beyond your typical oats, while chia seeds add a lovely thickening touch.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of old fashioned rolled oats, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy milk, a small white ceramic bowl filled with smooth molasses, a small white ceramic bowl of pure maple syrup, a small white ceramic bowl of tiny black chia seeds, a small white ceramic bowl of fine ground cinnamon, a small white ceramic bowl of ground ginger, a small white ceramic bowl with pale vanilla protein powder, a small white ceramic bowl of clear vanilla extract, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a dollop of fresh whipped cream on a simple white ceramic dish, and a small plain gingerbread cookie on a simple white ceramic dish, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Milk of choice: I usually go for Fairlife 2% because it’s creamy and packs extra protein, but almond or oat milk work well too for a dairy-free version.
Old fashioned rolled oats: They absorb the liquid beautifully overnight without turning mushy—steel-cut oats won't soften enough in this recipe.
Vanilla protein powder: This is my secret weapon for making these oats filling and sweetly flavored; it boosts the protein without any chalky taste.
Molasses: Adds deep, authentic gingerbread flavor and a subtle natural sweetness—don’t skip it, it’s what sets this recipe apart!
Pure maple syrup: For a smooth sweetness that complements the molasses perfectly.
Chia seeds: These create a pudding-like texture as they absorb moisture, plus they add fiber and healthy omega-3s.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
Ground cinnamon & ground ginger: The essential spices that give this overnight oats its unmistakable gingerbread vibe.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’m a big fan of personalizing these overnight oats depending on the season or what’s in my pantry. Switching up protein powders and toppings can make the breakfast feel new every time.

Dairy-Free Option: I’ve swapped out cow’s milk for almond or oat milk with great results—just pick your favorite plant-based protein powder to keep it high protein.
Nutty Twist: Adding a tablespoon of almond or peanut butter stirred in adds richness and an extra protein punch.
Fruit Add-Ins: Sometimes I mix in diced apples or grated pear with a sprinkle of nutmeg for a cozy combo that reminds me of gingerbread house decorating days.
Texture Play: For crunch, I top with toasted pecans or a sprinkle of granola just before eating—adds a fun contrast to the creamy oats.

Step-by-Step: How I Make High Protein Gingerbread Overnight Oats Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Measure Ingredients

I start by gathering everything on the counter—it just feels easier to measure when I have everything out in front of me. For this recipe, I use a medium-sized glass jar; it’s perfect for mixing and storing overnight.

Step 2: Combine All Ingredients Thoroughly

Into the jar, I add my oats, protein powder, molasses, maple syrup, chia seeds, vanilla, cinnamon, and ginger, then pour in the milk. I like to stir really well with a spoon or small whisk—making sure everything is evenly combined so you don’t end up with clumps of protein powder or dry oats.

Step 3: Refrigerate Overnight or at Least 6 Hours

This is the magic time where the oats soak up all those naughty-good flavors and thicken beautifully. I usually prepare these the night before so my morning routine can be smooth and tasty.

Step 4: Garnish and Enjoy!

Right before digging in, I love topping mine with a dollop of whipped cream and a tiny gingerbread cookie—it’s totally optional, but feels like a special treat—that extra touch really makes this feel like dessert for breakfast.

Top Tip

From my mornings making this High Protein Gingerbread Overnight Oats Recipe, I’ve learned a few things that helped me perfect it fast and keep it from being just “okay.”

Use a Smooth Protein Powder: Some powders can be gritty—vanilla whey or plant-based blends tend to mix best and taste great with the spices.
Don’t Skip the Molasses: At first, I thought molasses was optional, but it really defines the gingerbread taste that makes this recipe special.
Stir Before Serving: Sometimes oats settle unevenly overnight, so give them a gentle stir or shake before topping and eating.
Adjust Thickness with Milk: If you prefer creamier oats, add a splash of milk in the morning for perfect consistency.

How to Serve High Protein Gingerbread Overnight Oats Recipe

gingerbread overnight oats - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I adore topping mine with a little whipped cream for a creamy, lush finish. A mini gingerbread cookie not only reinforces the theme but adds a satisfying crunch. Fresh sliced pears or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can be fantastic too if you want something simple and natural.

Side Dishes

Sometimes I pair this breakfast with a cup of spiced herbal tea or black coffee—something warm that complements the gingerbread spices. If you want a little extra boost, grab a boiled egg or a piece of fruit to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a holiday breakfast gathering, I’ve layered this overnight oats recipe in clear glass jars with dollops of yogurt and a sprinkle of crushed ginger snaps in between layers—looks festive and tastes amazing! You could also top with edible gold sprinkles or cinnamon sticks for a fancy touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Since this recipe is designed for one serving, I often prep individual jars for a week of breakfasts ahead of time. Store jars tightly sealed in the fridge, and they keep great for up to 4 days without losing flavor or texture.

Freezing

I usually don’t freeze overnight oats because the texture changes once thawed; chia seeds can swell unpredictably. But if you want to freeze, try freezing the dry mix separately, then add liquids fresh before refrigerating overnight.

Reheating

I actually prefer these oats cold or at room temperature straight from the fridge—it’s refreshing! If you want to warm it up, microwave for about 30 seconds, adding a splash of milk to loosen the oats gently.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different protein powders in this recipe?

Absolutely! I recommend vanilla-flavored whey or plant-based powders for the best flavor blend with gingerbread spices, but feel free to experiment as you like.

Can I prepare this recipe without molasses?

Molasses is key to achieving the classic gingerbread taste and depth, so I don’t recommend skipping it — but if you must, try adding a little extra cinnamon and maple syrup for sweetness.

How long can I store High Protein Gingerbread Overnight Oats in the fridge?

They stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days when kept in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

With a few swaps like using plant-based protein powder and non-dairy milk, this recipe can definitely be vegan-friendly. Just be sure your protein powder doesn’t contain dairy ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This High Protein Gingerbread Overnight Oats Recipe is my go-to cozy breakfast that nails both flavor and function. It’s like having a little holiday cheer waiting for you in the fridge every morning, without the guilt. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself looking forward to breakfast like never before. Give it a whirl and make it your own—you won’t regret it!