No-Bake Preacher Cookies Recipe

No-bake preacher cookies are the perfect sweet treat when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to turn on the oven. These classic peanut butter and chocolate oatmeal cookies come together in just minutes and are a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re making them as a quick dessert or for a fun family activity, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy

• No oven needed Just a few simple steps and a bit of patience while they set
• Made with pantry staples so you probably already have everything on hand

Deliciously Chocolatey & Nutty

• A rich chocolate-peanut butter combination that melts in your mouth
• Chewy oats give the perfect texture—soft yet slightly firm

Great for All Occasions

• Ideal for potlucks school lunches or a last-minute dessert
• A fun kid-friendly recipe they can help make

Looking for more no-fuss desserts Try these delicious treats Cupid Cupcakes for a festive touch Vegan Cherry Almond Brownies for a plant-based twist or Red Velvet Sugar Cookies for a fun colorful treat

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

You’ll need the following

• 3 cups quick-cooking 1-minute oats (uncooked)
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 stick unsalted butter (½ cup)
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup milk chocolate chips
• 1 Tablespoon butter

Possible Substitutions

• Oats Rolled oats work too but will make the cookies slightly chewier
• Milk Any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy) can be used
• Peanut Butter Almond butter or sunflower butter work for nut allergies
• Chocolate Chips Dark chocolate or white chocolate can be swapped in

Step-by-Step Instructions

1 Prepare Your Ingredients

• Place oatmeal in a large mixing bowl
• Lay out wax paper on a baking sheet or countertop for the cookies

2 Cook the Sugar Mixture

• In a medium saucepan combine sugar butter salt and milk
• Heat over medium-high stirring constantly until the mixture reaches a rolling boil
• Boil for exactly one minute then remove from heat

3 Add Flavor & Creaminess

• Stir in vanilla extract and peanut butter while the mixture is still hot
• Mix until smooth and fully combined

4 Combine with Oats

• Pour the hot mixture over the oats
• Stir well until the oats are fully coated

5 Shape the Cookies

• Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared wax paper
• Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon if you prefer thinner cookies

6 Melt & Drizzle Chocolate

• In a microwave-safe bowl combine chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of butter
• Microwave in 20-second intervals stirring in between until fully melted
• Use a spoon to drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies

7 Let Them Set

• Allow the cookies to cool at room temperature for about an hour until firm
• If you’re in a hurry place them in the fridge for 20–30 minutes

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Boil for Exactly One Minute Over- or under-boiling affects the texture
• Use Quick Oats They absorb the mixture better than rolled oats
• Stir Quickly The peanut butter sets fast so mix well to coat all oats

Common Mistakes

• Overcooking the sugar mixture can lead to dry crumbly cookies
• Not mixing thoroughly can result in uneven texture
• Using natural peanut butter can make the mixture too runny

Time-Saving Tips

• Make a double batch and freeze half for later
• Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized portions

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

• Serve with a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa
• Crumble over ice cream for an extra indulgent treat

Presentation Ideas

• Drizzle extra chocolate for a fancier look
• Sprinkle crushed nuts or sea salt for added flavor

Beverage Pairings

• Coffee balances the sweetness perfectly
• A vanilla or peanut butter milkshake makes a fun pairing

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week
• For longer storage keep in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months

Reheating Methods

• Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature for 10–15 minutes
• Warm slightly in the microwave for a gooey texture

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats

Yes but the cookies will be chewier and slightly less cohesive

Why are my cookies dry and crumbly

They were likely overcooked Try reducing the boiling time slightly

Can I make these without peanut butter

Yes use almond butter cashew butter or sunflower butter as a substitute

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Make them vegan by using non-dairy milk and dairy-free chocolate
• Use a sugar substitute for a lower-sugar version

Flavor Twists

• Add coconut flakes for extra texture
• Mix in a dash of cinnamon for warmth

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• Top with crushed peppermint for a holiday twist
• Use pastel-colored sprinkles for springtime fun

Conclusion

These no-bake preacher cookies are a simple yet satisfying treat that anyone can make Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a quick dessert or getting the kids involved in the kitchen they’re sure to be a hit Try them today and let me know how they turn out in the comments

For more delicious dessert ideas check out my Pinterest board where I share even more sweet inspiration

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