If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing treat that practically makes itself, No-Bake Preacher Cookies are pure magic. Rich with chocolate and peanut butter, these cookies transform pantry staples into perfect bites—hearty, chewy, and ready in just half an hour. Whether you grew up eating these after-school classics or you’re meeting them for the first time, you’ll love how easy it is to whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes. Plus, there’s no need to even turn on your oven!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the beauties of No-Bake Preacher Cookies lies in their short list of familiar ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from lending sweetness and creaminess, to binding it all together with unbeatable flavor and texture.
- Granulated Sugar (1 ¾ cups): Provides the classic sweetness and helps the cookies set properly.
- Whole Milk (½ cup): Adds richness and helps dissolve the sugar and cocoa for a beautifully smooth mixture.
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup): Brings all the creaminess and structure, giving these cookies their melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (¼ cup): Offers deep chocolate flavor without extra sweetness, perfectly balancing the peanut butter and oats.
- Creamy Peanut Butter (½ cup): The heart of the cookie! It adds nutty depth, helps with texture, and makes each bite irresistible.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Just a splash to round out the flavors and add warmth.
- Quick Oats (3 cups): The source of that signature chewy texture—be sure to use quick oats for the best set and tender bite.
- Pinch of Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness, letting all the flavors shine.
How to Make No-Bake Preacher Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. This simple prep step makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your No-Bake Preacher Cookies won’t stick when it’s time to pick them up.
Step 2: Cook the Chocolate Mixture
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, whole milk, unsalted butter, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Stir continuously—you want everything to smoothly melt together into a glossy mixture. Once it reaches a rolling boil, let it bubble for exactly one minute. Timing here is key to achieving cookies that are chewy but not runny.
Step 3: Stir in the Goodies
Remove the pan from the heat. Quickly add the creamy peanut butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the peanut butter melts and the mixture is silky and uniform. This is the moment when that classic chocolate-peanut aroma hits—so satisfying!
Step 4: Fold in the Oats
Add your quick oats to the saucepan, stirring thoroughly to coat each morsel. You want every oat to soak up some chocolaty goodness, so don’t rush this part. The mixture will thicken up fast, so move briskly.
Step 5: Scoop and Set
Drop tablespoon-sized portions onto your prepared baking sheet, aiming for rounds that are even in size. Let them cool at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes until set (or, if you just can’t wait, pop them in the fridge to speed things up by another 10 to 15 minutes!).
How to Serve No-Bake Preacher Cookies
Garnishes
Give your No-Bake Preacher Cookies a special finishing touch by sprinkling the tops with a pinch of flaky sea salt, mini chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate for a bit of extra flair and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a steaming mug of hot chocolate. If you’re serving them at a gathering, offer up a plate of fresh fruit to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your No-Bake Preacher Cookies in a rustic tin lined with colorful parchment for a nostalgic vibe, arrange them on a tiered dessert stand for a party, or package a few in cellophane bags tied with ribbon as charming homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your No-Bake Preacher Cookies stay fresh and chewy for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Be sure to separate layers with paper if stacking—this helps keep them from sticking together.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Just let them thaw at room temperature when a cookie craving hits!
Reheating
While these cookies don’t actually require reheating, if you want to enjoy them a little softer, a quick 5-10 seconds in the microwave will give you a fudgy, just-set texture that’s extra comforting.
FAQs
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
Quick oats are best for No-Bake Preacher Cookies because they create a more tender, cohesive texture. Old-fashioned oats can be used in a pinch, but expect a chewier, chunkier result.
Why do my cookies sometimes turn out too soft or too hard?
The boiling time is crucial! If you boil the mixture for less than a minute, the cookies can be too soft and not set; boil much longer, and they can become dry and crumbly. Set a timer and boil for exactly one minute once it’s rolling.
Can I make these cookies nut-free?
Absolutely! Substitute sunflower seed butter or another nut-free spread for the peanut butter. It keeps the cookies creamy and flavorful, while making them safe for nut-free needs.
How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the pan?
Line your baking sheet with wax or parchment paper before dropping the cookies. This step makes it easy to lift them off once they’re set, with zero sticky mess left behind.
Are No-Bake Preacher Cookies gluten-free?
They can be! Just use certified gluten-free quick oats and double-check that all your other ingredients are gluten-free. The recipe itself doesn’t call for any flour, making it simple to adapt.
Final Thoughts
No-Bake Preacher Cookies are a nostalgic, homey dessert that captures the best of chocolate, oats, and peanut butter—without a lot of fuss. If you haven’t tried this effortless treat yet, now is the perfect moment to whip up a batch and share the joy with family and friends!
Print
No-Bake Preacher Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These No-Bake Preacher Cookies are a quick and easy dessert option that combines the flavors of chocolate, peanut butter, and oats. They’re perfect for a sweet treat without the need for baking.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups quick oats
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture: Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa powder. Boil for 1 minute.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in peanut butter, vanilla, and salt. Add oats and mix well.
- Form the cookies: Drop spoonfuls onto the baking sheet. Let cool until set.
Notes
- These cookies are soft, chewy, and rich in chocolate-peanut butter flavor.
- Use quick oats for the best texture.
- To speed up firming, chill in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
