Slow Cooker Gingerbread Oatmeal

Christmas mornings are something we all look forward to as a family. It's the perfect time to open gifts, spend time with each other in PJs and enjoy a truly special breakfast. This slow-cooker gingerbread oatmeal has become one of my favorite holiday breakfasts to make, mainly because I can set it up before going to bed on Christmas Eve.

It only takes 10 minutes to prepare and 2-3 hours to cook. If I make it in the morning as soon as I wake up, then I have some time to enjoy my morning coffee, read a book, or just have some quiet moments while it simmers away before the kids wake up.

The warm spices and gingerbread flavor combine to create the perfect cozy vibe that makes the oatmeal just right for the holiday morning. The slow cooker does all the work, filling the house with the comforting aroma of gingerbread. It's a delicious way to start the day.

And if you make it on a rainy day in October, or a cold day in February, it's just what the doctor ordered for bringing the spirit of the holidays into your home.

I love how versatile this recipe is. You can adjust the sweetness as you cook and top it with whatever you like. While I usually go for nuts and sliced apples, my kids love to add mini chocolate chips and marshmallows, and I happily oblige—after all, it's the holidays, right?

It's a filling meal that keeps us satisfied until lunchtime. While it's great for Christmas morning, we enjoy it on busy weekdays or lazy weekends throughout the winter too. It’s become our cherished holiday tradition, bringing comfort and joy to our mornings throughout the winter.

Ingredients

• Regular rolled oats - forms the base of the oatmeal.
• Water - helps cook the oats and adds moisture.
• Milk - adds creaminess to the oatmeal.
• Molasses - provides rich, dark sweetness.
• Brown sugar - sweetens and adds depth.
• Ground ginger - adds warmth and spice.
• Ground cinnamon - adds sweet, woody flavor.
• Ground cloves - adds pungent, aromatic taste.
• Salt - enhances overall flavor.
• Vanilla extract - adds a hint of sweetness and aroma.

See the recipe card for exact quantities.

Prepare the Slow Cooker

Grease the slow cooker insert with cooking spray or butter to prevent the gingerbread oatmeal from sticking. This will make cleanup easier and ensure that your oatmeal comes out smoothly.

Combine Ingredients

Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker: regular rolled oats, water, milk, molasses, brown sugar, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring that the spices and sweeteners are evenly distributed.

Cook the Oatmeal

Cover and cook on Low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent the oatmeal from sticking to the sides of the slow cooker. The warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves will fill your house with a delightful aroma, reminiscent of a gingerbread cookie.

Check Consistency

After 2 hours, check the consistency of the gingerbread oatmeal. If it’s too thick, you can add a little milk or water to reach your desired consistency. If the oats are not fully cooked, let it cook for a bit longer, checking every 15-20 minutes.

Final Stir and Serve

Give it a good stir before serving to make sure all the ingredients are well combined. Serve the gingerbread oatmeal hot, optionally topped with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or sliced apples for added texture and flavor.

Storage

On a busy Christmas morning, the oatmeal can be left out at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After this period, transfer the oatmeal to an airtight container and refrigerate it for optimal freshness. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place the oatmeal in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until warm. You can also reheat the oatmeal on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a little milk or water to achieve the desired consistency. Stir occasionally until heated through. 

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Gingerbread Oatmeal

If you’re a fan of festive holiday breakfasts, there are plenty of delicious treats to serve alongside your slow cooker gingerbread oatmeal. For more gingerbread flavor, try my slow cooker gingerbread cake recipe. It's a hit every time!

For a nutty and tart complement, try these pistachio cranberry cookies—they’re as flavorful as they are festive. Another sweet addition to your table is these white chocolate chip cookies, bringing a creamy and indulgent contrast to your oatmeal.

To warm up your morning, pair your meal with hot chocolate, tea, or a mug of pumpkin spice coffee made with this heavenly homemade pumpkin spice coffee creamer. The rich, spiced flavor ties together the holiday spirit of your breakfast spread.

These recipes will transform your oatmeal breakfast into a true Christmas celebration.