Christmas is probably the only holiday my parents celebrated every single year.
My mom would go out of the way to cook us elaborate meals. And I carry on the tradition even now for my partner and my pets.
The smell of cinnamon, ginger, chocolate, and peppermint floating through the kitchen feels like a hug in a bowl.
And honestly, oats are the best blank canvas, you can turn them into gingerbread, hot cocoa, or even peppermint mocha magic.
These festive recipes are simple, comforting, and ridiculously photogenic (so you can snap a Pinterest-worthy pic before digging in).
So grab your spoon, light a candle, and let’s dive into these Christmas oat recipes that taste like the holidays.
1. Gingerbread Oats
A Christmas classic, warming spices, molasses, and oats come together for the ultimate holiday breakfast.
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (or almond milk)
- 1 tbsp molasses
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- Toppings: whipped cream, crushed gingerbread cookies
Instructions:
Cook oats with milk on the stove until creamy. Stir in molasses, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and maple syrup. Spoon into bowls and top with whipped cream and crushed gingerbread cookies.
2. Peppermint Mocha Overnight Oats
Think Starbucks holiday drink, but in oat form. Perfect for meal prep.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: None
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup brewed coffee, cooled
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder (optional)
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract
- Toppings: crushed candy canes, dark chocolate shavings
Instructions:
Mix oats, coffee, milk, cocoa, protein powder, and peppermint extract in a jar. Refrigerate overnight. Top with candy canes and chocolate in the morning.
3. Eggnog Oats
Creamy, spiced, and oh so festive.
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 ½ cups eggnog (regular or dairy-free)
- ½ cup milk
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Toppings: whipped cream, extra nutmeg
Instructions:
Cook oats with eggnog and milk until creamy. Stir in nutmeg and cinnamon. Serve warm with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
4. Hot Cocoa Oats
Like hot chocolate, but thicker and spoonable.
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- Toppings: mini marshmallows, chocolate drizzle, candy cane stick
Instructions:
Cook oats with milk until thick. Stir in cocoa, maple syrup, and vanilla. Top with marshmallows, chocolate drizzle, and a candy cane.
5. Cranberry White Chocolate Oats
Sweet and tart with a little holiday sparkle.
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup white chocolate chips
- Zest of ½ orange
Instructions:
Cook oats in milk, then stir in cranberries and orange zest. Remove from heat, add white chocolate chips, and stir until melty.
6. Sticky Toffee Pudding Oats
Inspired by the British dessert, rich and cozy.
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 12 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk
- 4 dates, chopped
- 1 tbsp molasses
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp caramel sauce (plus more for topping)
Instructions:
Simmer oats with milk, dates, molasses, and cinnamon until thick. Stir in caramel sauce. Drizzle with more caramel before serving.
7. Snickerdoodle Protein Oats
Sweet, cinnamon-sugary, and filling.
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 8 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp coconut sugar
- Toppings: cinnamon sugar sprinkle
Instructions:
Cook oats in milk, then stir in protein powder, cinnamon, and coconut sugar. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before serving.
8. Christmas Morning Baked Oats
Cake for breakfast? Yes, please.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Toppings: red & green sprinkles
Instructions:
Blend oats into flour. Mix with milk, egg, cocoa, maple syrup, peppermint, and baking powder. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. Top with sprinkles.
9. Fruitcake Oats (But Pretty)
Cozy but Instagram-ready.
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk
- ¼ cup golden raisins
- ¼ cup dried cherries
- 2 tbsp chopped pistachios
- 2 tbsp candied orange peel
Instructions:
Cook oats in milk. Stir in raisins and cherries. Top with pistachios and candied orange.
10. Oatmeal Cookie Energy Bites (Christmas Edition)
Snackable oats in festive form.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: None
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 2 tbsp holiday sprinkles
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Roll into small balls and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before eating.
Conclusion
Oats don’t have to be boring. With just a few festive flavors—peppermint, gingerbread, cranberries, white chocolate—you can transform them into cozy Christmas breakfasts and snacks that look gorgeous and taste like the holidays. Whether you’re prepping overnight oats or serving baked oats for Christmas morning, these recipes are Pinterest gold.
