No-Bake Preacher Cookies Recipe

These No-Bake Preacher Cookies are a delightful mix of creamy peanut butter, crunchy oats, and rich chocolate, creating a perfectly chewy and satisfying treat. The name “Preacher Cookies” comes from the idea that they can be made quickly—so fast that you could have them ready by the time a preacher arrived for a visit.

Since they require no baking, these cookies are incredibly easy to make and perfect for when you need a last-minute dessert or a sweet snack. They set up beautifully at room temperature, making them a great choice for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth without turning on the oven.

With a combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and chopped nuts, these cookies have a wonderfully balanced flavor and texture. Plus, they’re highly customizable—switch up the nuts, add a sprinkle of sea salt, or drizzle with extra chocolate for an extra special touch.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients:

1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup unsalted butter
½ cup whole milk
½ cup creamy peanut butter (or chunky for added texture)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
2½ cups old-fashioned oats

For Topping & Garnish:

½ cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for a smoother chocolate drizzle)
½ cup chopped peanuts or cashews (for extra crunch)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you begin, measure out all of your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Cook the Sugar Mixture

In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, and milk over medium heat. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the mixture starts to bubble.

Once it reaches a rolling boil, set a timer and allow it to boil for 1 minute without stirring. This step is crucial—boiling the mixture properly ensures the cookies set correctly. If under-boiled, the cookies will be too soft; if over-boiled, they may become crumbly.

3. Add the Peanut Butter & Vanilla

Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir vigorously until the peanut butter is completely melted and incorporated into the mixture.

4. Mix in the Oats

Add the old-fashioned oats to the mixture and stir until all oats are fully coated. Work quickly, as the mixture will start to firm up as it cools.

5. Shape the Cookies

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon if you prefer a thinner cookie.

6. Melt & Drizzle the Chocolate

In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using) in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies using a spoon or piping bag.

7. Garnish & Set

Sprinkle chopped peanuts or cashews over the chocolate drizzle while it’s still wet, so they stick. Let the cookies sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes until firm. If you’re in a hurry, place them in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to speed up the setting process.

8. Serve & Enjoy

Once set, transfer the cookies to an airtight container for storage. Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or alongside a glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee.

Cooking Tips & Notes

Getting the Perfect Texture

Boiling Time Matters: Make sure to boil the sugar mixture for exactly 1 minute after it starts bubbling. Less time can make the cookies too soft, while boiling for too long can make them dry and crumbly.
Use Old-Fashioned Oats: Quick oats can make the cookies too mushy, so stick to old-fashioned rolled oats for the best chewy texture.

Customizing the Recipe

For a nut-free version, replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and skip the chopped nuts.
To make them extra chocolatey, mix in ¼ cup cocoa powder with the sugar mixture before boiling.
For a caramel-like flavor, swap brown sugar for dark brown sugar or add a drizzle of caramel sauce before serving.

Storing & Freezing

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature before eating.

Serving Suggestions

These No-Bake Preacher Cookies are great as a snack, dessert, or even a quick grab-and-go breakfast. Serve them with:

A cold glass of milk for a classic pairing.
Hot coffee or chai tea for a rich, nutty contrast.
Vanilla or peanut butter ice cream for a decadent treat.

These cookies are easy, quick, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making them for a last-minute dessert or as part of a holiday treat spread, they are sure to be a hit!