Chewy, chocolatey, and packed with nostalgic charm, No Bake Preacher Cookies are the perfect solution when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to turn on the oven. These cookies come together in just minutes on the stovetop with pantry staples, making them a go-to for last-minute guests or when you want a fuss-free treat. Their name hails from a simpler time when a preacher might stop by unannounced, and these cookies could be whipped up in a flash.

Each bite is a rich blend of cocoa, oats, peanut butter, and vanilla, forming a creamy, fudgy texture with just the right chew. These cookies are perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or that late-night chocolate craving. Whether you grew up with them or are discovering them for the first time, they’re bound to become a staple in your no-bake dessert lineup.

Can I Use Quick Oats or Rolled Oats?

You can use either quick oats or rolled oats in No Bake Preacher Cookies, depending on your texture preference. Quick oats create a softer, more uniform cookie, while rolled oats add a hearty chew and more bite. If you’re looking for a firmer structure, rolled oats tend to hold their shape better, especially if you like a chunkier feel.

Ingredients for the No Bake Preacher Cookies

Unsalted Butter: This is the base of the cookie mixture and adds richness.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps the mixture boil and set.
Cocoa Powder: Brings the chocolate flavor forward—unsweetened works best.
Milk: Helps dissolve the sugar and blend ingredients.
Peanut Butter: Gives the cookies a creamy, nutty body that binds the oats together.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and aroma to balance the chocolate.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors.
Quick or Rolled Oats: These give structure and the signature chewy texture.

How To Make the No Bake Preacher Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper and set aside. Measure all your ingredients ahead of time—this recipe moves fast once it starts.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and milk. Stir continuously as the butter melts and the mixture starts to combine. Bring it to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Boil and Time It

Once the mixture reaches a full rolling boil, let it boil for exactly 60 seconds—set a timer! This step is key to ensuring the cookies set properly without becoming dry or crumbly.

Step 4: Stir in the Flavor and Structure

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately stir in the peanut butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the peanut butter is fully melted and smooth.

Step 5: Fold in the Oats

Add the oats to the chocolate-peanut butter mixture and stir until they are fully coated. Work quickly, as the mixture will begin to set as it cools.

Step 6: Scoop and Set

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Let them cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until firm and set.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Once cooled, the cookies are ready to eat. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge if you like them extra firm.

How to Serve and Store No Bake Preacher Cookies

No Bake Preacher Cookies are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They make a perfect grab-and-go treat for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or holiday cookie trays. Try pairing them with a tall glass of milk or crumbling them over vanilla ice cream for a next-level dessert twist.

Once set, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer freshness or firmer texture, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Let thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular?

Yes, but keep in mind that natural peanut butter tends to be oilier and less stable. Stir it well and expect a slightly softer set.

Why didn’t my cookies set properly?

This usually happens if the boiling time was too short or too long. Make sure to boil the mixture for exactly 60 seconds once it reaches a full boil.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or mini marshmallows can be stirred in with the oats for extra flavor and texture.

Do I have to use cocoa powder?

Cocoa powder is essential for the classic chocolate flavor, but you could experiment with white chocolate or caramel-flavored variations by adjusting the mix.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Yes! Use plant-based butter and a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk to make this recipe dairy-free.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

If you use certified gluten-free oats, then yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

If you love these No Bake Preacher Cookies, there are plenty more creative cookies waiting for you to try. Check out these other favorites that bring fun, flair, and flavor to your dessert table:

Lemon Oatmeal No Bake Cookies for a citrusy, refreshing no-bake twist.
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies if you crave that sweet cherry pop in every bite.
Cotton Candy Cookies for a whimsical, colorful treat.
Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes when you’re looking to elevate your cookie tray with cupcake charm.
No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies for a Southern-inspired flavor fusion.

Each recipe brings its own personality and texture, offering something new to explore while keeping prep simple and satisfying.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it anytime: Follow me on Pinterest for more delicious no-bake ideas and daily sweet inspiration.

Tried this recipe? I’d love to know how yours turned out! Did you go with rolled oats or quick oats? Add a fun mix-in like coconut or almonds? Drop your take in the comments below and help inspire others to put their spin on it.

No Bake Preacher Cookies

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These classic No Bake Preacher Cookies are chewy, fudgy, and chocolatey with a hint of peanut butter and a whole lot of comfort. Made right on the stovetop with simple pantry staples—no oven required! They’re the perfect treat when you want a quick dessert that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup unsalted butter

2 cups granulated sugar

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup milk

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 cups quick or rolled oats

Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper and set aside. Measure all ingredients before starting.

2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and milk. Stir constantly until butter is melted and mixture begins to boil.

3. Once boiling, allow it to boil for exactly 60 seconds—no more, no less. Use a timer.

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

5. Stir in oats until fully coated and evenly combined.

6. Drop spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet using a cookie scoop or spoon.

7. Allow to cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.