Imagine waking up to the taste of a soft, spiced gingerbread cookie, but instead of a sugar crash, you get a protein-packed breakfast that keeps you fueled for hours. That’s exactly what these High Protein Gingerbread Overnight Oats deliver. By combining rolled oats, chia seeds, and a rich blend of molasses and spices with a high-protein liquid base, you create a creamy, no-cook breakfast in just 5 minutes of prep. It’s the perfect way to enjoy holiday flavors while sticking to your macro goals.

It is a festive highlight in my comprehensive guide to high protein breakfast ideas, proving that seasonal treats can still be part of your meal plan. If you love cozy, spiced breakfasts like our High Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal, this festive jar is going to be your new obsession.
Table of Contents
Why These High Protein Gingerbread Overnight Oats Are Your New Holiday Staple

Dessert for Breakfast (That’s Actually Healthy)
Let’s face it: gingerbread cookies are amazing, but they aren’t exactly a balanced meal. This recipe captures that deep, warm flavor profile—thanks to real molasses, ginger, and cinnamon—but packages it in a nutrient-dense format. It’s a healthy gingerbread oatmeal that feels like an indulgence. You get the satisfaction of a sweet treat with the fiber and protein your body needs to start the day right.
The Ultimate “Lazy” Meal Prep
The beauty of gingerbread oats overnight is the convenience. You mix everything in a jar the night before, let the fridge do the work, and grab it on your way out the door. No cooking, no pans to scrub, just a ready-to-eat breakfast. It’s as easy as our High Protein Loaded Cereal Bowl, but with a comforting, seasonal twist.
Packed with Protein for Weight Loss
Standard oatmeal can sometimes leave you hungry an hour later. By fortifying these oats with protein powder, Greek yogurt, or high-protein milk, we boost the satiety factor significantly. This high protein gingerbread overnight oats for weight loss recipe keeps you full, stabilizes blood sugar, and prevents mid-morning snacking.
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High Protein Gingerbread Overnight Oats
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 Jar 1x
Description
A festive, protein-packed breakfast that tastes like a gingerbread cookie! Creamy, spiced, and ready in 5 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
- 1 scoop Vanilla or Unflavored Protein Powder
- 1 tbsp Chia Seeds
- 1/2 cup High-Protein Milk (Fairlife or Soy)
- 1 tbsp Molasses
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Ground Ginger
- 1/8 tsp Cloves or Allspice
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Dry Mix: In a jar, whisk together oats, protein powder, chia seeds, and spices.
- Wet Mix: In a small cup, whisk milk, molasses, and vanilla until dissolved.
- Combine: Pour the wet mix into the jar. Stir well to combine, ensuring no dry powder remains at the bottom.
- Chill: Seal jar and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Serve: Stir and enjoy! Top with whipped cream or a mini cookie if desired.
Notes
- Storage: Keeps in the fridge for 5 days.
- Texture: If too thick in the morning, add a splash of milk.
- Vegan: Use plant-based protein and milk.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: per jar
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 30 g
The “Cookie Dough” Texture Secret: Protein + Chia
How to Avoid “Soupy” Oats
The biggest complaint about overnight oats is the texture. Nobody wants cold oat soup. The secret to a thick, spoonable, cookie-dough-like consistency is the combination of protein powder and chia seeds. Chia seeds absorb up to 10 times their weight in liquid, creating a gel-like structure. When combined with the thickening power of whey or casein protein, you get a rich, creamy texture that feels substantial. According to Healthline, chia seeds are also loaded with fiber and omega-3s, making them a nutritional powerhouse.
Choosing the Right Protein Powder
For this recipe, a Vanilla or Unflavored protein powder works best. Whey protein tends to be thinner, while Casein protein creates a very thick, pudding-like texture (which is amazing for this recipe!). If you use a plant-based powder, you may need to add a splash more liquid as they are very absorbent. This is the key to a perfect protein powder overnight oats recipe.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Spice Blend

The Oats: Rolled vs. Quick
Always use Old Fashioned Rolled Oats for overnight oats. They soften perfectly while maintaining a bit of chew. Quick oats can become mushy and slimy after sitting overnight, and steel-cut oats remain too hard unless specifically cooked first.
The Flavor Maker: Molasses
You cannot make molasses overnight oats without the real deal. A tablespoon of Blackstrap or Unsulphured Molasses provides that iconic, deep, slightly bitter sweetness that screams “gingerbread.” It’s also a surprising source of iron and calcium!
The Spices: Warmth in a Jar
Don’t be shy with the spices. We use a heavy hand of ground ginger, cinnamon, and a pinch of cloves or allspice. This trio creates that spicy warmth that balances the sweetness. A splash of vanilla extract ties it all together. Cinnamon protein overnight oats are great, but the ginger is what makes this festive.
The Liquid: Maximizing Protein
To hit that 30g protein goal, skip the water. Use a high-protein ultra-filtered milk (like Fairlife) or soy milk. You can even use a pre-made vanilla protein shake as your liquid for a double-dose of protein.
Step-by-Step Guide: Mixing Your Overnight Oats
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In your jar or container, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, chia seeds, and spices. Whisking them together while dry ensures the protein powder doesn’t clump up later.
Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate small bowl or measuring cup, whisk the milk, molasses, and vanilla extract. Molasses can be thick and sticky, so it’s important to dissolve it into the milk before adding it to the oats. If your kitchen is cold, you might want to use room-temperature milk to help the molasses mix in.
Step 3: Combine and Soak

Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir well with a spoon, making sure to dig into the bottom corners of the jar so no dry powder is left behind. Seal the jar and place it in the fridge.
Step 4: The Waiting Game

Let the oats soak for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight (8 hours). This allows the oats to soften fully and the chia seeds to do their thickening magic. In the morning, give it a good stir. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk. Top with gingerbread overnight oats m and ‘s (a fun holiday touch!) or crumbled gingerbread cookies. If you prefer a savory meal prep, check out our High Protein Pancake Sausage Mini Muffins.
High Protein Gingerbread Overnight Oats Without Protein Powder?
Using Greek Yogurt for a Protein Boost

If you don’t use protein powder, you can still make high protein gingerbread overnight oats without protein. Simply replace 1/4 cup of the milk with 1/4 cup of plain Non-Fat Greek Yogurt. This adds about 5-6g of protein and makes the oats incredibly creamy and tangy, resembling a cheesecake flavor.
Cottage Cheese: The Secret Weapon
For an even higher protein kick, blend 1/2 cup of cottage cheese with the milk and molasses before adding to the oats. This adds about 14g of protein! It creates a super rich, velvety texture similar to our High Protein Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake, but in a cold, sweet format.
Variations: From “Snickerdoodle” to “Apple Pie”
Snickerdoodle Protein Overnight Oats

Want a simpler flavor? Omit the molasses and ginger. Double the cinnamon and add a pinch of cream of tartar (for that classic tang). Use a vanilla or snickerdoodle flavored protein powder. This high protein snickerdoodle overnight oats version is like a sugar cookie in a jar. If you prefer a warm, baked version of this flavor profile, try my Sugar Cookie Protein Baked Oats.
Apple Pie Overnight Oats

For a fruity twist, stir in 1/2 cup of diced apples and a pinch of nutmeg. The apples soften slightly in the liquid, giving you a texture like apple pie filling. High protein apple pie overnight oats are perfect for early autumn.
Chocolate Gingerbread

Add 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry mix. Chocolate and ginger is an underrated, sophisticated flavor combination that tastes decadent.
The ‘Holiday Duo’: If you want to prep two festive flavors for the week, pair this recipe with my creamy High Protein Eggnog Overnight Oats for the ultimate seasonal meal prep.
Meal Prep & Storage Guide

Jar Selection and Shelf Life
Mason jars (16oz or pint size) are the gold standard for overnight oats. They seal tightly and stack well. These oats will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days, making them ideal for Sunday meal prep. The texture actually gets better (creamier) on days 2 and 3.
Freezing Overnight Oats?
Yes, you can! Mix the oats in a freezer-safe jar (leave some headspace for expansion) and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before eating.
Vegan Gingerbread Overnight Oats
To make vegan gingerbread overnight oats, simply use a plant-based protein powder (soy, pea, or rice), maple syrup instead of honey (if using), and a plant-based milk like soy or almond. It’s just as delicious! For a hot vegan-friendly option, consider adapting our savory High Protein McGriddle Bites.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About High Protein Gingerbread Overnight Oats
Are overnight oats good for a high protein diet?
Yes, especially when “loaded” with protein powder, Greek yogurt, or chia seeds. A standard bowl might only have 5-6g protein, but this recipe packs 25-30g, making it excellent for muscle maintenance and satiety.
Is it okay to put protein powder in overnight oats?
Absolutely. It is one of the best ways to use protein powder. The oats and liquid dissolve the powder, preventing the gritty texture you sometimes get in shakes.
What not to put in overnight oats?
Avoid adding crunchy toppings (like granola, nuts, or cookies) the night before, as they will get soggy. Add them right before eating. Also, avoid highly acidic fruits like citrus, which can curdle dairy milk over time.
How to get 30g protein in oats?
Use 1 scoop of protein powder (20-25g), use high-protein milk (8-10g per cup), and add chia seeds (3-4g). This combination easily pushes you over the 30g threshold.
What is the 30/30/30 rule for weight loss?
The rule suggests eating 30 grams of protein within 30 minutes of waking up, followed by 30 minutes of low-intensity exercise. This breakfast is the perfect tool to help you hit that first “30”!
Is it OK to eat overnight oats every day?
Yes! Oats are a fantastic source of beta-glucan fiber, which is great for heart health and digestion. As long as you watch the added sugars, it’s a healthy daily habit.
Conclusion: Dessert for Breakfast
A Festive Way to Fuel Your Day
This High Protein Gingerbread Overnight Oats recipe proves that you don’t have to choose between holiday flavor and your health goals. It’s creamy, spicy, sweet, and satisfying—a true “have your cake and eat it too” moment. The molasses provides a rich source of minerals, which the USDA highlights as a good source of iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Your Morning Routine Upgrade
Prep a few jars tonight. When your alarm goes off, you’ll have a delicious, stress-free breakfast waiting for you. And when you’re ready for a comforting, protein-packed dinner to round out your day, try our Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes.