These No Bake Preacher Cookies are the ultimate nostalgic treat. With a rich blend of cocoa, peanut butter, oats, and a touch of vanilla, they come together in minutes and set into the perfect chewy, fudgy cookie without even touching the oven. They were famously made quickly when a preacher would stop by unexpectedly—thus the name!

Perfect for busy weekdays, summer days when you don’t want to heat up the house, or for when those sudden chocolate cravings hit hard. Whether you’re an experienced home baker or a total beginner, these cookies are practically foolproof and totally crave-worthy.

Why You’ll Love This No Bake Preacher Cookies Recipe

Fast & fuss-free – No oven, no fancy tools, no chilling required.
Pantry staples – Uses ingredients you probably already have.
Customizable – Add coconut, nuts, or swap peanut butter for almond butter.
Perfect texture – Chewy, fudgy, and satisfyingly rich.
Kid-friendly – Fun for little hands to help shape and eat!

Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Old-Fashioned Oats?

Yes, you can use quick oats, but expect a slightly different texture. Old-fashioned oats give these cookies more chew and structure, while quick oats create a softer, slightly mushier bite. If you’re all about texture, stick with the traditional old-fashioned kind.

Ingredients for the No Bake Preacher Cookies

Each ingredient in this recipe has a specific purpose to make these cookies thick, flavorful, and perfectly set:

Butter – Provides richness and helps hold the mixture together.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and gives that classic candy-like texture.
Milk – Combines with the sugar and butter to create a creamy base.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Delivers deep chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
Peanut Butter – Adds nutty flavor and smooth texture. Creamy or chunky, your call!
Vanilla Extract – Enhances all the other flavors.
Salt – Just a pinch balances the sweetness.
Old-Fashioned Oats – Gives the cookies their chew and helps them set properly.

How To Make the No Bake Preacher Cookies

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Mixture

In a medium saucepan, combine butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa powder over medium heat. Stir frequently until the butter is melted and everything is smoothly combined. Bring it to a gentle boil and let it bubble for 1 minute without stirring.

Step 2: Stir in the Flavor

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until the peanut butter melts and everything is incorporated.

Step 3: Fold in the Oats

Add the oats to the saucepan and stir until they are fully coated in the chocolate mixture.

Step 4: Drop and Set

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop portions of the mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper. Let them sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes, or until firm.

Serving and Storing These Cookies

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies, depending on the size of your scoops. Once set, they’re ready to serve right away or store for later.

Storage Tips:

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerated: Keeps well for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer-friendly: Freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

What to Serve With No Bake Preacher Cookies?

Cold Brew Coffee

The rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors are perfect with a chilled, smooth cup of cold brew.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Use these cookies as a topping or sandwich them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Fruit Kabobs

A refreshing, juicy contrast to the chewy sweetness of the cookies.

Chai Tea

Warm spices from chai balance the cookie’s richness beautifully.

Salted Mixed Nuts

Add some crunch and contrast to your cookie indulgence.

Whipped Greek Yogurt

Top with cookie crumbles for a healthier treat.

Chocolate Dipped Bananas

Great on the side for a layered chocolate experience.

If you love these No Bake Preacher Cookies, you’ll want to try more irresistible cookie creations:

Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies for a deeper caramel crunch.
Lemon Churro Cookies if you’re craving tangy meets warm spice.
Chocolate Crinkle Sandwich Cookies with a soft ganache center.
Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies for classic nostalgia.
Brown Sugar Maple Cookies with cozy fall flavor.

Save This Pin 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 add coconut or change the nut butter? Did they firm up just right?

I love seeing how everyone personalizes these classics. Don’t hesitate to drop your questions too—we’re all learning together!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Nora Nosh Recipes and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

No Bake Preacher Cookies

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Nora
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Get ready to whip up the most irresistible, fuss-free dessert with these No Bake Preacher Cookies. They’re rich, chewy, and loaded with chocolatey peanut butter goodness. The best part? No oven required! These quick cookies are ideal for easy dessert ideas, last-minute guests, or when you’re craving a comforting sweet treat without much effort. Perfect for kids, potlucks, picnics, or cozy nights in, they check all the boxes: easy recipe, classic flavor, and timeless satisfaction. Whether you’re looking for snack ideas, healthy-ish sweets, or fast food ideas for dessert—this one’s a keeper!

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter

2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 cups old-fashioned oats

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa powder. Stir frequently until butter is melted and mixture is smooth.

2. Bring to a boil and let it boil for 1 full minute without stirring.

3. Remove from heat and immediately stir in peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined.

4. Add oats and mix until completely coated.

5. Drop spoonfuls onto parchment or wax paper and let them set at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, or until firm.