This Gingerbread Oatmeal is the coziest breakfast option! Loaded with warming spices and real molasses, this is a hearty and delicious meal to wake you up! Stovetop, microwave and overnight oats instructions included below!
Oatmeal has always been a meal that is close to my heart. From the instant oatmeal packs when I was younger (maple and brown sugar flavor for life), or the oatmeal bowls I made myself everyday in college topped with granola and fresh fruit…to all of the oatmeal recipes I’ve posted over the years here on OBB.
Oatmeal was the very first recipe i shared on Our Balanced Bowl back in November 2017. I’m not sure I want to link it due to the very dim and dark photos, but feel free to go back all the way for yourselves! Since then I have shared many on here, and this Cozy Gingerbread Oatmeal is absolutely my favorite.
Why I Love this Gingerbread Oatmeal:
It’s loaded with LOTS of ginger. I feel like a lot of the times in sweet ginger recipes, people can try and overload cinnamon instead of ginger. This definitely has gingerbread spice all throughout!
Speaking of gingerbread, it also has both molasses, brown sugar and vanilla extract in it! All three of these ensure that you get that sticky, delicious and cozy taste of gingerbread.
This Cozy Gingerbread Oatmeal is made with whole milk which makes it super creamy. You can, of course, substitute non-dairy milk – for that, I would recommend vanilla oat milk or vanilla cashew milk.
I love the toppings of the oatmeal – from the super cute gingerbread men cookies to the crushed pecans. The cookies are the perfect addition for the holidays – just a reminder that you can treat yourself every once in a while. The pecans make a perfectly sweet nutty crunch to the oatmeal that’s needed considering its insanely creamy texture.
This oatmeal is deliciously thick. Not too sweet, has a spicy kick from the ginger and will keep you warm all morning long. Pro tip? Add about ½ tbsp of melted salted butter on top at the end. You can thank my husband, who is obsessed with butter, for that tip. Lifechanging!
So let’s get into how to make it!
Ingredients You Need for Cozy Gingerbread Oatmeal:
- quick rolled oats
- cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and all spice
- brown sugar
- molasses
- vanilla extract
- pecans, gingerbread men for topping (optional)
How to Make Cozy Gingerbread Oatmeal:
In a medium size pot, add 1 cup of oats with 2 cups of milk. Stir to combine. Place on stovetop and cook on low-medium heat for about 3-4 minutes. Stir every once in a while.
When it starts to thicken, place on low heat. It should look something like this:
Next, add in brown sugar, molasses, vanilla extract, and spices.
Stir to combine.
Cook on low heat for an additional 2-4 minutes to get it warm. Taste and adjust if needed. Add additional sweetener, more spice etc.
Since this oatmeal is very thick, you can add a splash or two more milk. if you prefer your oatmeal more thin.
Dish out into bowls, garnish with nuts and cute gingerbread men! Eat while warm.
Microwave Option:
In a rush? Place milk and oats in a microwave safe bowl in the microwave for 1:30. Remove and stir. If too thick, add a splash of milk. If not thick enough, put in the microwave for 30 more seconds.
Once your desired consistency is reached, add the molasses, brown sugar, spices and vanilla extract. Enjoy!
Overnight Oats Option:
Overnight oats lover? Me too! If you want these to be overnight, simply add the oats, milk, molasses, brown sugar, vanilla extract and spices in a mason jar. Stir to make sure it’s combine. Place in the fridge and let it sit overnight. Enjoy on the go in the morning!
However way you like to eat these, I hope you enjoy and they make you feel so cozy. XO!
Did you enjoy this recipe? Here are a few others you might like:
Peaches and Cream Overnight Oats
Thank you so much for following along here, friends! Want to see more? Be sure to follow ourbalancedbowl on Instagram and tag me with your photo if you end up making a recipe! You can also post a photo of your recipe to the Our Balanced Bowl Facebook page! Like a recipe that you saw? Follow me on Pinterest here! I always love to see your re-creations! If you do make a recipe, it would make my whole day if you were to rate and comment so I can get your feedback! Lots of love! – Haylie
Gingerbread Oatmeal
This Gingerbread Oatmeal is the coziest breakfast option! Loaded with warming spices and real molasses, this is a hearty and delicious meal to wake you up! Stovetop, microwave and overnight oats instructions included below!
Ingredients
- 1 cup quick rolled oats
- 2 cups whole milk (more if you like your oatmeal thin) - can also sub dairy free milk
- 1 tsp ground ginger (more if you want it even more gingery)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp cloves
- 1/8 tsp all spice
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp molasses
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp chopped pecans (for garnish)
- gingerbread man cookies (for garnish)
Instructions
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In a medium size pot, add 1 cup of oats with 2 cups of milk. Stir to combine. Place on stovetop and cook on low-medium heat for about 3-4 minutes. Stir every once in a while.
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When it starts to thicken, place on low heat. Add in brown sugar, molasses, vanilla extract, and spices. Stir to combine.
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Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on low heat to let it warm up with the spices.
-
Once your desired consistency is reached, taste and adjust if needed. Add additional sweetener, more spice etc. Add a splash or two more milk. if you prefer your oatmeal more thin.
-
Dish out into bowls, garnish with nuts and cute gingerbread men! Eat while warm.
Recipe Notes
Microwave Option
Place milk and oats in a microwave safe bowl in the microwave for 1:30. Remove and stir. If too thick, add a splash of milk. If not thick enough, put in the microwave for 30 more seconds.
Overnight Oats Option:
Simply add the oats, milk, molasses, brown sugar, vanilla extract and spices in a mason jar. Stir to make sure it’s combine. Place in the fridge and let it sit overnight. Enjoy on the go in the morning!
I’m getting all the warm and cozy vibes from this oatmeal Haylie! Love anything gingerbread. This would be perfect for Christmas morning!
Totally!!! I would definitely eat two or three of those gingerbread men especially if it’s on Christmas morning! 😉
Mmm I ADORE gingerbread around this time of year. Why not include the flavor in my morning oatmeal!? This looks AMAZING!!! I can’t wait to try it. The molasses is the perfect touch!
Thank you, Katherine! You are SO sweet 🙂
Where was this this morning?? Love love love gingerbread so I bet this oatmeal is divine! It has all the cozy, comfort food vibes and those gingerbread are so cute on top 🙂 Can’t wait to try! Happy Monday, my friend!
Thank you so much, Dawn! You’re the sweetest!
I’m going to have this today!! Thank you for sharing!!
Oh yum! This is going to be my next breakfast! Oatmeal is a favorite at our house and the flavors in this gingerbread oatmeal are so cozy!
Have made the microwave version of this and LOVE it. Substituted chopped dates for the sugar and molasses and used shredded coconut and slivered almonds to top. Devine. Perfect for a winter’s day (July in NZ!)
Hi Pippa – thank you so much for the kind review! So glad you loved the recipe 🙂 Xo – Haylie
Halved this recipe since I was just looking for one serving, and it still came out delicious!! Perfect for a cozy fall or winter morning, will be making again!
Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Brenna!! 🙂
I think the spice blend here is just right. Love it!
Yay! This made me so happy. So glad you enjoyed it, Kellie! 🙂
Going to make this morning. How much vanilla do you add?
Just updated the recipe card, Joan! 1 tsp of pure vanilla extract. I hope you enjoyed it!