Coquito Oatmeal Recipe for a Cozy Holiday Breakfast

If you’re craving a warm and comforting holiday breakfast, this Coquito oatmeal recipe might be your new favorite. It combines the creamy, coconutty flavors of the classic Puerto Rican holiday drink—Coquito—with a hearty bowl of oats to create something both festive and satisfying.

This recipe is perfect for chilly mornings and can easily become a family tradition during the holiday season. I’ve made it several times, and each time it fills the kitchen with the most delicious aroma.

This creamy oatmeal is sweet, lightly spiced, and completely cozy. It's perfect for breakfast on Christmas morning, but honestly, it's so easy to make that you could enjoy it all winter long. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of café con leche or spiced chai.

The blend of coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and warm spices makes this more than just oatmeal—it’s a special treat that feels like a warm hug. And if you’re serving it for a festive brunch with adults, you can even stir in a splash of rum or imitation rum extract for that extra holiday touch.

What is Coquito Oatmeal?

Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican drink served around the holidays. It’s often compared to eggnog, but without the eggs and with a strong emphasis on coconut. Typically made with coconut milk, cream of coconut, sweetened condensed milk, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and rum, it's a sweet and creamy drink that’s full of island holiday spirit.

Coquito oatmeal takes all those signature flavors—coconut, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg—and turns them into a cozy breakfast. This isn’t just a flavored oatmeal; it’s a tropical twist on a classic winter dish. It’s a great way to introduce Coquito to someone who might not drink alcohol or just wants a new way to enjoy those flavors.

Ingredients To Make This Coquito Oatmeal Recipe

This recipe is filled with ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry during the holiday season. Each one adds its own richness and warmth to the dish.

Old-fashioned oats – These give the oatmeal a hearty texture and hold up well to the rich ingredients.

Coconut milk – Brings out the signature Coquito flavor. You can use either unsweetened or full-fat depending on how rich you want the oatmeal to be.

Evaporated milk – Adds a creamy base without being too thick. It balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Sweetened condensed milk – Gives the oatmeal its sweetness and makes it luxuriously creamy. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Water – Helps thin out the mixture so it’s not overly rich or thick. It also helps the oats cook evenly.

Ground cinnamon – A warm spice that defines Coquito’s flavor profile. It also gives a comforting holiday scent.

Ground nutmeg – Pairs beautifully with cinnamon and gives the oatmeal a warm, nutty taste.

Ground cloves – Adds depth and spice. A little goes a long way, and it makes the dish smell incredible.

Vanilla extract – Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors and gives the oatmeal a bakery-style aroma.

Salt – Just a pinch helps balance all the sweetness and makes the flavors pop.

Cream of coconut – Adds that signature sweet coconut flavor and makes the oatmeal even creamier. It’s different from coconut milk, so don’t skip this!

Toasted coconut (optional) – Sprinkling some on top adds a little texture and extra coconut flavor.

How to Make Creamy Coquito Oatmeal for a Holiday Breakfast

This creamy Coquito oatmeal recipe comes together in under 20 minutes. It’s a simple stovetop method that even a beginner can handle. Just follow these steps, and your kitchen will smell like a tropical Christmas morning.

1. Warm the liquids and spices
   In a medium saucepan, pour in the water, coconut milk, evaporated milk, and ground cinnamon. Set the heat to medium and stir occasionally until the mixture is warmed through. This creates a flavorful base that infuses the oatmeal from the start.
2. Add the oats and dry spices
   Stir in the old-fashioned oats along with the salt, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, for about 5–7 minutes. You’ll start to see the oats soften and the mixture thicken slightly.
3. Stir in the sweet and creamy elements
   Lower the heat a bit, then add the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and cream of coconut. Mix well to make sure everything is fully combined and the flavors are evenly distributed.
4. Adjust the consistency
   If the oatmeal is too thick for your liking, add a splash of milk or coconut milk and stir it in. Let it cook for another 3–5 minutes over low heat to develop that extra creamy texture.
5. Optional: Add alcohol for a grown-up version
   If you're making this for adults, stir in a splash of dark or spiced rum (or imitation rum extract) at the end—right before serving. Start small and adjust to taste.
6. Serve and garnish
   Spoon the oatmeal into bowls while it’s hot. Sprinkle a bit of nutmeg or cinnamon on top, and if you’d like, add some toasted coconut for texture and extra flavor. Enjoy immediately while it’s warm and comforting.

Tips For Making Coquito Oatmeal Recipe

Here are a few helpful tips to make your Coquito oatmeal recipe as delicious as possible:

• Use full-fat coconut milk for the richest, creamiest flavor.
• Adjust the sweetened condensed milk depending on how sweet you like your oatmeal.
• Toast your coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until golden brown—watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
• For a dairy-free version, use only coconut milk and a plant-based sweetened condensed milk alternative.
• Make a big batch and reheat leftovers with a splash of milk.
• Add a cinnamon stick while cooking for extra spice and a beautiful aroma.
• Stir constantly while adding the condensed milk and cream of coconut to prevent sticking or burning.
• Add alcohol or imitation rum extract at the end, to taste, for a fun grown-up twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Coquito oatmeal the night before?

Yes, you can prepare the oatmeal in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to loosen it up and warm it on the stovetop or microwave. I like to make a big batch and enjoy it over a few days during the week.

Is this oatmeal kid-friendly?

Absolutely. This version of Coquito oatmeal doesn’t include any alcohol, so it’s completely safe and enjoyable for children. The sweet and creamy taste is usually a big hit with kids, especially if you add fun toppings like toasted coconut or even a few mini marshmallows.

Can I use instant oats instead?

You could use instant oats, but the texture will be much softer and less hearty. I recommend old-fashioned oats because they absorb the creamy mixture better and create a richer texture. If using instant oats, reduce the cooking time and watch closely to avoid overcooking.

What can I serve with Coquito oatmeal?

Since Coquito oatmeal is sweet, creamy, and spiced, it pairs best with light or savory sides that balance the richness. You don’t need much—just something simple to round out the meal without competing with the flavors.

Try serving it with scrambled eggs, hard-boiled eggs, or a small portion of crispy bacon or turkey bacon. A slice of plain toast or lightly buttered sourdough also works well if you want something to enjoy alongside each bite. For drinks, black coffee or an unsweetened tea like chamomile or cinnamon helps cut through the sweetness and brings a cozy finish to the breakfast.

If you're making this as part of a holiday brunch, adding a small fresh fruit plate—like sliced banana, berries, or mandarin oranges—can provide a refreshing contrast without adding more sugar.

Can I add alcohol to Coquito oatmeal?

Yes, you can! Traditional Coquito is often made with rum, and if you're serving this oatmeal to adults, a splash of dark or spiced rum adds a festive touch. Stir it in at the very end of cooking—just before serving—so the alcohol flavor stays present. Start with about a tablespoon per serving, or adjust to taste depending on how strong you'd like it.

If you’d rather skip the alcohol, imitation rum extract works beautifully. It gives the same warm, cozy flavor without the booze. Begin with ¼ teaspoon and add more to taste.

Whether you're celebrating the holidays or just craving a cozy breakfast with a tropical twist, this Coquito Oatmeal brings comfort and flavor to your table. Give it a try and bring a little Puerto Rican warmth to your mornings—one spoonful at a time.