No-Bake Preacher Cookies Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with the ease and nostalgia of No-Bake Preacher Cookies! These delightfully chewy treats marry rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and hearty oats into the kind of irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth bites that beg for just one more. With a history rooted in quick hospitality (they’re famous for coming together in less time than it takes a surprise guest to reach the front door!), No-Bake Preacher Cookies deliver everything you want in a sweet treat: speed, simplicity, and a flavor that makes you feel instantly at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the real magic of No-Bake Preacher Cookies is just how approachable the ingredient list is. Each item not only adds essential flavor or texture, but also ensures these cookies are ready in record time. Here’s what you’ll need and why you definitely don’t want to skip a single one!
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Gives melt-in-your-mouth richness, and helps the cookies set up with a smooth finish.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups): Provides the classic sweetness and helps the cookies hold their shape once cooled.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and helps dissolve the sugar for that perfect chewy consistency.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Intensifies the chocolate flavor and gives the cookies their signature deep color.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): Ties everything together with irresistible creaminess and a salty-sweet balance.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Boosts aroma and rounds out the rich flavors beautifully.
- Quick oats (3 cups): The heart of the cookie, these give structure, chew, and a homey texture—make sure they’re quick oats for the ideal outcome.
- Pinch of salt: Just enough to highlight the chocolate and peanut butter without overpowering the cookie.
How to Make No-Bake Preacher Cookies
Step 1: Create the Chocolate Base
Start by grabbing a medium saucepan and setting it over medium heat. Toss in the butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa powder. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula as all these magical elements melt together. The mixture will begin to look glossy and unified—exactly what you want before bringing it to a boil.
Step 2: Boil for One Minute
Once your chocolate base starts bubbling, set a timer and let it roll into a vigorous boil for exactly one minute. This is crucial; boiling activates the sugar properly and ensures the cookies firm up just right. Don’t walk away—keep stirring during this step!
Step 3: Stir in Peanut Butter, Vanilla, and Salt
Immediately pull the saucepan off the heat. Working quickly, add in the creamy peanut butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is completely smooth and the peanut butter is thoroughly incorporated, infusing every bite with its nutty goodness.
Step 4: Mix in the Oats
Pour the quick oats directly into the warm chocolate-peanut butter mixture. Stir vigorously to coat every flake, making sure the oats are evenly distributed. The mixture will begin to thicken—that’s your cue it’s ready for shaping.
Step 5: Form the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a sheet of wax or parchment paper. Work quickly; as the mixture cools, it will begin to set. Leave a little space between each cookie so they don’t stick together as they firm up.
Step 6: Let Cool and Set
Patience pays off here! Let the cookies sit undisturbed at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes, or until they’re completely firm. You’ll know they’re ready when you can peel one off the paper easily and it holds its shape beautifully.
How to Serve No-Bake Preacher Cookies
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after shaping brings out the chocolatey notes in No-Bake Preacher Cookies. If you’re feeling playful, dust a few with powdered sugar, top with mini chocolate chips, or press a toasted pecan half on top before they set for an elegant finish.
Side Dishes
Pair these sweet, chewy cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, fresh berries, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also shine alongside a robust cup of coffee or a creamy hot chocolate for a double-chocolate dream.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve No-Bake Preacher Cookies stacked high on a cake stand or dessert platter, or wrap them up in parchment and twine for a rustic homemade gift. For a special dessert board, pair them with squares of dark chocolate, fresh strawberries, and a few crunchy nuts for contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store No-Bake Preacher Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If your kitchen runs especially warm, pop them in the refrigerator to keep them perfectly firm and chewy.
Freezing
Freezing these cookies is a breeze! Simply layer them in a freezer-safe container, separating each layer with wax paper to avoid sticking. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, and you can enjoy them straight from the freezer for an extra-firm, super-chilled treat.
Reheating
No reheating is required—just let frozen cookies sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before enjoying. If you love a softer texture, a quick (and gentle!) five-second zap in the microwave will do the trick, but be careful not to overheat.
FAQs
Can I use old-fashioned rolled oats instead of quick oats?
Quick oats are best for the classic chewy texture, but if you only have old-fashioned oats, pulse them in the blender for a few seconds to break them down a bit first. This will help mimic the texture of quick oats and ensure the cookies hold together nicely.
Do I have to use creamy peanut butter, or can I use crunchy?
Creamy peanut butter gives No-Bake Preacher Cookies their smooth, cohesive bite. If you like extra crunch, feel free to use crunchy peanut butter or even fold in a handful of chopped nuts for added texture.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Just swap in certified gluten-free quick oats. Every other ingredient in No-Bake Preacher Cookies is naturally gluten-free, making this a wonderfully easy treat to share with friends who have dietary needs.
Why did my cookies come out too soft or too hard?
The secret is in the boil! Boiling for less than a minute can make the cookies too soft, while boiling for too long can turn them hard and crumbly. Set a timer and stick to precisely one minute of boiling for perfect results.
Can I add mix-ins like coconut or chocolate chips?
Absolutely—No-Bake Preacher Cookies are endlessly customizable! Stir in shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or a handful of mini chocolate chips after adding the oats, or sprinkle your chosen extras on top before the cookies set.
Final Thoughts
There’s something almost magical about the way No-Bake Preacher Cookies come together—quickly, easily, and always with that irresistible chocolate-peanut butter flavor. Whether you’re making them for an impromptu gathering, a potluck, or just as a nostalgic treat for yourself, I hope they bring as much joy to your kitchen as they do to mine. Give them a try and share a sweet moment with someone special.
Print
No-Bake Preacher Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including setting time)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free (if using certified GF oats)
Description
These No-Bake Preacher Cookies are a quick and easy treat that combines the flavors of chocolate, peanut butter, and oats. Perfect for when you need a simple dessert in a hurry!
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups quick oats
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa powder. Bring to a rolling boil while stirring constantly.
- Once boiling, continue to cook for exactly 1 minute, then remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Add oats and mix until fully coated. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto wax or parchment paper.
- Let cool at room temperature for 30–45 minutes or until firm and set.
Notes
- These classic cookies are said to come together quickly enough to whip up before the preacher shows up.
- Add shredded coconut or chopped nuts for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
