No Bake Preacher Cookies

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Rich, chewy, and ready in minutes, No Bake Preacher Cookies are the ultimate fuss-free dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. These classic cookies combine cocoa, peanut butter, oats, and a touch of vanilla into irresistible bites that are both nostalgic and comforting. Perfect for when guests drop by unannounced or when your sweet tooth hits hard, they set up right on the counter—no oven needed.

There’s a cozy charm about these cookies that never goes out of style. They were once whipped up in a hurry when preachers made surprise visits to the home, and now they’re a staple in homes where quick and easy meets delicious. You can make them in under 15 minutes with simple pantry ingredients, and they keep well too, making them ideal for snacking, sharing, and gifting.

Why You’ll Love This No Bake Preacher Cookies Recipe

These cookies hit all the right notes: chewy, sweet, chocolaty, and a little nutty. They require no special equipment, no chilling, and no baking—just a saucepan and a spoon. They’re also perfect for beginner cooks or for making with kids. You get maximum flavor and texture with minimal effort, which is always a win. Whether you’re packing lunches or prepping party trays, these cookies always disappear fast.

What Kind of Oats Should I Use?

Quick oats work best for these cookies because they blend more evenly and set up nicely without being too chewy. If you only have old-fashioned oats on hand, you can give them a quick pulse in a food processor to break them down a bit. Steel-cut oats are too coarse and won’t absorb the mixture properly, so it’s best to avoid those.

Ingredients for the No Bake Preacher Cookies

This recipe is as pantry-friendly as it gets. You likely already have everything you need. Each ingredient plays a key role in building flavor and texture.

Butter: Adds richness and helps the mixture come together smoothly.

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and works with the butter to create a glossy, smooth base.

Milk: Helps dissolve the sugar and creates the syrupy texture that binds everything.

Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives that deep, chocolaty flavor.

Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter adds nuttiness and helps firm up the cookies as they cool.

Vanilla extract: Just a splash adds warmth and depth.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.

Quick oats: The backbone of the cookie; they soak up the syrup and give it chew.

How To Make the No Bake Preacher Cookies

Step 1: Create the Chocolate Base

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa powder. Stir frequently as the butter melts and sugar dissolves.

Step 2: Bring to a Boil

Once fully melted, bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Let it boil for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. This step is important to ensure the cookies set properly.

Step 3: Stir in the Good Stuff

Remove from heat and immediately stir in peanut butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth.

Step 4: Add Oats

Pour in the quick oats and mix until they are fully coated and the mixture thickens.

Step 5: Scoop and Set

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto wax paper or parchment-lined baking sheets. Let them cool at room temperature until firm.

How to Serve and Store No Bake Preacher Cookies

These cookies are wonderful just as they are, but you can dress them up with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a pinch of flaky salt on top for extra flair. They make a perfect afternoon snack with a glass of milk, or a satisfying sweet bite after dinner.

This recipe yields about 24 cookies, making it ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or cookie exchanges. Once cooled and set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If your kitchen is especially warm, keep them in the fridge to help them hold their shape. You can also freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

What to Serve With No Bake Preacher Cookies?

A Hot Cup of Coffee

The deep cocoa and peanut butter flavors go beautifully with a steaming mug of coffee.

Cold Milk

Nothing beats the classic combo of cookies and milk—especially when they’re rich and chewy like these.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve a warm cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth dessert.

Chocolate Drizzle

Amp up the chocolate factor with a quick drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the top.

Mixed Fruit Plate

Balance the sweetness with fresh berries or apple slices for a lighter dessert tray.

Whipped Cream

Add a dollop of whipped cream to a plated cookie for a more elegant presentation.

Crushed Pretzels

If you’re into sweet-salty treats, sprinkle some crushed pretzels on top while the cookies are still soft.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If these chewy No Bake Preacher Cookies are your kind of treat, here are some other recipes you’ll want to try next:

• Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies for a cinnamon-sugar dream.
• Peanut Butter Smores Sandwich Cookies when you want a campfire favorite in handheld form.
• Classic French Butter Cookies if you love a crisp, buttery bite.
• Lemon Truffles Recipe when you want bright, citrusy flavor in a meltaway texture.
• Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars that are colorful, soft, and kid-friendly.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with chunky peanut butter? Maybe added coconut or swapped oats for quinoa flakes? I’d love to hear your twist.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and creative sweets on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next go-to favorite!

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