Name: No Bake Preacher Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Quick-Cooking Oats; 1 cup Sugar; 1/2 cup Cocoa Powder; 1/2 cup Peanut Butter (Creamy or crunchy based on preference); 1/2 cup Milk (Any type of milk can be used); 1/4 cup Chocolate Chips (For drizzling on top)

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Creamy, nutty, and satisfyingly chocolaty, No Bake Preacher Cookies are the kind of treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Ready in minutes with no oven required, these cookies blend quick-cooking oats, peanut butter, and a glossy chocolate drizzle to create bite-sized comfort that disappears fast at potlucks, lunchboxes, or Sunday coffee hours. Fun fact: no-bake cookies like these were staples during WWII when bakers relied on pantry staples and little time — smart, simple, and delicious.

This recipe is special because it’s unbelievably simple, family-friendly, and perfect for cooks of every skill level. If you love classic no-bake cookies or our popular chocolate chip skillet cookie, you’ll appreciate how this version skips the oven without sacrificing flavor. Try it for a quick dessert tonight or bring it to your next gathering — everyone will be asking for the recipe. For a printable version and extra tips, see this No Bake Preacher Cookies page that complements this post and offers another look at the same favorites.

What is No Bake Preacher Cookies?

Have you ever wondered why they’re called “Preacher” cookies? Is there a holy endorsement or a secret sermon about oats and peanut butter? The truth is delightfully vague — names often stuck to recipes thanks to church bake sales, potlucks, and a preacher’s stamp of approval when something fed a crowd with little fuss. Maybe someone once muttered that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and presto — the preacher-approved cookie was born. Whichever tale you prefer, the name adds a touch of charm and history to a gloriously simple cookie. Give them a try and decide your own origin story.

Why You’ll Love This

Irresistible comfort: The combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet chocolate over chewy oats creates a texture and flavor that’s both nostalgic and crave-worthy.
Budget-friendly: Pantry staples like oats, sugar, peanut butter, and butter make this an economical dessert that stretches easily to feed a crowd.
Fast and fuss-free: No oven, no baking sheets, and minimal cleanup — ideal when you want fresh cookies in under 30 minutes.

Compared to other recipes on the blog, like oven-baked drop cookies, these are quicker, cooler to make, and perfect when you don’t want to heat your kitchen. Go ahead — make a batch today and enjoy the simple pleasures of homemade candy-style cookies.

How to Make

Quick Overview

This recipe is easy because it combines a warm, silky peanut butter mixture with oats and lets it set into cookies. Expect a creamy center with chewy oat texture and a shiny chocolate finish. Total time: about 20 minutes active, plus 30–60 minutes to chill if you want firmer cookies.

Approximate time

Prep: 10 minutes
Assembly: 10 minutes
Chill (optional): 1 hour
Total: 20–80 minutes depending on chilling

Ingredients

3 cups quick-cooking oats, uncooked
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter (room temperature for easy stirring)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), divided
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted or softened, reserved for chocolate drizzle
1/2 cup milk (whole or 2% recommended)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

Pour 3 cups quick-cooking oats into a large mixing bowl and set aside. Line a baking sheet or flat surface with parchment paper so cookies have a place to set.
In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick) over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once melted, bring the butter to a full boil and let it boil for 1 minute while stirring.
Remove the saucepan from heat immediately. Stir in 1 cup peanut butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until completely combined and smooth.
Add 2 cups granulated sugar and 1/2 cup milk to the peanut butter mixture. Stir thoroughly until everything is fully incorporated and you have a cohesive, slightly glossy dough.
Pour the peanut butter mixture over the oats in the large bowl. Stir with a sturdy spoon until the oats are evenly coated and the mixture starts to cool just a bit.
Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Press or flatten each mound slightly with the back of the spoon so they have a cookie shape.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips with the remaining 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. Microwave on medium power in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
Drizzle the melted chocolate over each cookie using a spoon or fork, covering as much or as little as you like.
Let the cookies sit at room temperature until the chocolate sets, about 15–30 minutes, or chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour for firmer cookies. Once set, transfer to a serving dish or an airtight container.

No Bake Preacher Cookies

What to Serve With

A cold glass of milk or iced coffee to offset the sweetness and highlight the peanut butter.
Fresh fruit like sliced apples or strawberries for a bright contrast.
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a dessert duo — place a cookie beside or crumble on top.
Hot tea or cocoa for cozy afternoons; black tea or peppermint pairs particularly well.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Oats: Use quick-cooking oats for the classic texture; old-fashioned oats will produce a chewier, slightly heartier cookie if you prefer that.
Peanut butter: Smooth peanut butter blends best for a uniform texture. If you use natural peanut butter, stir it well and allow the mixture to cool briefly before mixing to avoid separation.
Chocolate drizzle: For a shinier finish, stir in a teaspoon of corn syrup or use a high-quality chocolate that melts smoothly.
Don’t overheat: When boiling the butter, one minute is enough — any longer risks a scorched flavor.
Scoop uniformly: Use a small cookie scoop or measure tablespoons to keep cookies even in size so they set at the same rate.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator where they will last up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash-freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.
Reheating: These are best served at room temperature. If you prefer warm, microwave a cookie for 8–12 seconds until slightly soft — be careful not to make the chocolate too runny.

FAQs

Can I use creamy or crunchy peanut butter?
Either works. Creamy gives a smoother texture; crunchy adds pleasant nutty bits. Adjust based on your preference.

Can I make these nut-free?
Yes. Substitute sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter for peanut butter, and confirm all ingredients are nut-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Why did my cookies come out too dry or crumbly?
If the mixture cooled before you added the oats, it may not bind well. Mix oats while the peanut butter mixture is still warm and slightly fluid.

Can I reduce the sugar?
You can reduce sugar slightly, but it will affect sweetness and set. Try reducing by 1/4 cup and taste before forming cookies.

How do I get a prettier chocolate drizzle?
Use a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with a tiny corner snipped off for more controlled drizzling. Warm the chocolate just enough to flow smoothly.

Conclusion

No Bake Preacher Cookies are a quick, budget-friendly, and utterly comforting treat that proves great flavor doesn’t require an oven or a long ingredient list. They’re ideal for busy bakers, lunchbox treats, or last-minute gatherings — simple to make, easy to store, and loved by kids and adults alike. If you’re curious about another classic take on this timeless cookie, check out this reliable Preacher Cookies Recipe for more inspiration and variations. Give these a try, share them with friends, and enjoy the smiles that follow.