The Milk & Cookies Baked Oats Recipe is an absolute game-changer for breakfast lovers who crave something warm, comforting, and deliciously indulgent yet wholesome. Imagine the nostalgic flavors of your favorite cookies baked right into creamy oats, creating a perfect blend of soft texture and melty chocolate goodness that makes every bite feel like a hug. This recipe takes simple pantry staples and transforms them into a delightful morning treat or a cozy snack that’s both satisfying and surprisingly nutritious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a crucial role in bringing the Milk & Cookies Baked Oats Recipe to life. From the natural sweetness of ripe banana to the chocolate chips that add a decadent touch, every element enhances the taste, texture, or color of this comforting dish.
- Rolled oats (1/2 cup): The hearty base providing fiber and that perfect chewy bite.
- Milk of choice (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and helps blend the oats into a smooth batter.
- Small ripe banana (1): Offers natural sweetness and moisture, giving the final bake a luscious texture.
- Maple syrup (1 tablespoon): A subtle layer of sweetness with a hint of caramel depth.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lightens the oat mixture so it bakes up fluffy, not dense.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the dish with warm, fragrant aroma and flavor.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
- Chocolate chips (2 tablespoons): The star treat that melts into little pockets of joy throughout the oats.
How to Make Milk & Cookies Baked Oats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ramekin
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, lightly grease a small ramekin—this step ensures your baked oats won’t stick and makes for easy serving. Having your cooking space prepped helps everything flow smoothly once you mix your ingredients.
Step 2: Blend Your Ingredients
Combine the rolled oats, milk, ripe banana, maple syrup, baking powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a blender. Blend everything until the mixture turns smooth and creamy. This blending process is what gives the Milk & Cookies Baked Oats Recipe that luscious, custard-like texture that’s so irresistible.
Step 3: Pour the Batter into the Ramekin
Gently pour your blended oat mixture into the greased ramekin. This step is where you start to see the transformation—what looks like a simple oat mixture is going to become a warm, golden-baked slice of comfort in no time.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Chips
Sprinkle chocolate chips generously on top. If you’re feeling adventurous, gently stir some into the batter for extra chocolate pockets throughout. These melty gems are the reason the recipe earns its “milk & cookies” name and will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the ramekin in your preheated oven and let it bake for 15 to 18 minutes. You’re looking for a golden top and a center that’s just set—not too firm, so it stays delightfully soft. The baking process pulls all the flavors together and creates that iconic baked oats crust you’ll want to dive into immediately.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve Warm
Once out of the oven, let your Milk & Cookies Baked Oats Recipe cool for a minute. It’s best enjoyed warm when the chocolate is still gooey, and the oats have that melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels like a warm blanket on a chilly morning.
How to Serve Milk & Cookies Baked Oats Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips or add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an irresistible finishing touch. Fresh berries or a dusting of cinnamon can also brighten up the flavor and presentation, making each serving look as enticing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair this baked oats recipe with a side of fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a banana for a balanced breakfast. A small glass of cold milk or a warm cup of your favorite coffee perfectly complements the rich, comforting flavors of the oats.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your baked oats in mason jars or mini cast-iron skillets for a rustic vibe at brunch. Drizzle with extra maple syrup or peanut butter for added richness. You could even layer with yogurt and granola to create a dreamy parfait experience inspired by the Milk & Cookies Baked Oats Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The oats will soften a bit more, making them perfect for a quick grab-and-go breakfast or snack.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion into individual containers or ramekins with lids, and freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat straight from frozen.
Reheating
Reheat your Milk & Cookies Baked Oats Recipe in the microwave for about 45 seconds to 1 minute until warm and cozy. Alternatively, pop it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to refresh the baked texture and melt the chocolate just right.
FAQs
Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
While instant oats are finer and cook faster, rolled oats give better texture and structure to this baked recipe. For the best results, stick with rolled oats to maintain that perfect chewiness.
Is this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets?
Absolutely! Just use your favorite plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or coconut milk, and this Milk & Cookies Baked Oats Recipe remains just as delicious and creamy.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply swap the milk for a plant-based alternative and replace maple syrup if preferred with agave or another vegan sweetener. The bananas and oats naturally keep it moist and flavorful.
What if I don’t have a blender?
You can mash the banana very well with a fork, then whisk all the ingredients together thoroughly. It won’t be quite as smooth, but the flavor will still shine through beautifully.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg would add lovely layers of texture and flavor. Just fold them into the batter before baking.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Milk & Cookies Baked Oats Recipe that makes every morning feel like a comforting treat. Easy to prepare, wholesome to eat, and decadent enough to satisfy cookie cravings, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your breakfast rotation. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite way to start the day, warm and happy.
Print
Milk & Cookies Baked Oats Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 20-23 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a wholesome and delicious Milk & Cookies Baked Oats recipe that’s quick to prepare and perfect for a comforting breakfast or snack. This baked oats dish combines creamy milk, ripe banana, and sweet maple syrup with chocolate chips for a cookie-inspired treat that’s naturally sweetened and satisfying.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk of choice
- 1 small ripe banana
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a ramekin to prevent sticking.
- Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine the rolled oats, milk, ripe banana, maple syrup, baking powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour Mixture: Pour the blended oats mixture into the prepared ramekin, ensuring an even layer.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top of the mixture, gently stirring some into the surface if desired for extra gooeyness.
- Bake: Place the ramekin in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the top is golden and the center is just set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the baked oats cool for a minute to firm up slightly, then serve warm for a cozy treat.
Notes
- You can use any milk of choice such as dairy, almond, oat, or soy milk depending on your preference.
- For a vegan version, ensure the milk and chocolate chips are plant-based.
- The banana adds natural sweetness; for a sweeter outcome, add a little extra maple syrup.
- Feel free to substitute chocolate chips with nuts or dried fruit for variations.
- If you don’t have a blender, mash the banana well and mix all ingredients thoroughly by hand.
- Check baking time after 15 minutes as ovens vary; the oats should be just set and not overly dry.
