No-Bake Preacher Cookies are a nostalgic American treat known for their quick prep and rich flavor. Originating from the idea that you could whip them up fast if the preacher made a surprise visit, these cookies require no baking and minimal ingredients—just oats, cocoa, peanut butter, sugar, milk, butter, and vanilla.
The mixture is cooked briefly on the stovetop, then dropped onto parchment to set. With a chewy texture and deep chocolate-peanut butter taste, they’re perfect for last-minute guests, bake sales, or late-night cravings. Simple, comforting, and irresistibly sweet, these cookies are a timeless favorite in many Southern kitchens.
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious cookie that doesn’t require turning on the oven, No-Bake Preacher Cookies are your answer. These classic, old-fashioned treats are made with simple pantry staples and come together in just minutes. Creamy peanut butter, rich cocoa, hearty oats, and sweet sugar form the base of these chewy, fudgy cookies that have won hearts for generations.
The name “Preacher Cookies” comes from a charming piece of Americana. Traditionally, when a preacher would make a surprise visit to a family’s home, the host needed to whip up a treat quickly.
These cookies were perfect—they didn’t need to be baked and could be ready in less than 30 minutes. The ingredients were almost always on hand, and the results were delicious enough to impress any guest.
No-Bake Preacher Cookies are a nostalgic American treat known for their quick prep and rich flavor.
Originating from the idea that you could whip them up fast if the preacher made a surprise visit, these cookies require no baking and minimal ingredients—just oats, cocoa, peanut butter, sugar, milk, butter, and vanilla.
The mixture is cooked briefly on the stovetop, then dropped onto parchment to set. With a chewy texture and deep chocolate-peanut butter taste, they’re perfect for last-minute guests, bake sales, or late-night cravings.
Simple, comforting, and irresistibly sweet, these cookies are a timeless favorite in many Southern kitchens.
Before you start cooking, line a baking sheet or countertop with parchment or wax paper. These cookies firm up quickly once the mixture is ready, so having your space prepped in advance is key.
Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto your prepared parchment paper. Flatten them slightly if you like a more classic cookie shape. Let the cookies sit at room temperature for about 30–60 minutes until firm. You can speed this up by placing them in the fridge for 20 minutes.* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
No-Bake Preacher Cookies are a timeless treat known for their chewy texture, chocolate-peanut butter flavor, and simple stovetop preparation.
Legend has it they earned their name because you could whip them up quickly if a preacher dropped by unexpectedly!
Here’s how to make the most of this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe and how many servings to expect.
A standard batch typically yields 24–30 cookies, depending on the size you scoop. Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop gives you around 28 medium cookies. For larger cookies (about 2 tablespoons each), expect around 18–20.
Serving Size:
1–2 cookies per person is typical.
Perfect for:
If you’re making them for a gathering or event, one batch serves about 12–15 people comfortably. Double the recipe for larger crowds.
One of the most common issues is cookies not setting properly. This all comes down to how long you boil the mixture.
Use a timer to be precise!
Have your oats, peanut butter, and vanilla measured and ready before you begin boiling the sugar mixture. Once the boiling is done, you must work quickly—otherwise, the mixture will stiffen before you can scoop it.
Quick-cooking oats give the cookies a soft, chewy texture. If you use old-fashioned rolled oats, the cookies will be chewier and may not bind as well unless you let them sit longer. Avoid steel-cut oats altogether—they’re too coarse and won’t absorb the mixture properly.
Both creamy and chunky peanut butter work. However:
Avoid natural peanut butter that separates easily unless well-stirred—oil separation can cause setting issues.
For a twist on the classic:
Always scoop cookies onto parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. They’ll be much easier to remove once set, and there’s no sticking.
Let the cookies set at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before transferring to a container. If you’re in a hurry, chill them in the fridge for 10–15 minutes. Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to a week—or in the fridge for a fudgier texture.
Use a teaspoon scoop to create bite-sized no-bake cookies. Great for party trays or for kids! You’ll get about 40–45 mini cookies per batch.
These cookies are ideal year-round, but especially handy:
No-Bake Preacher Cookies are the ultimate fuss-free dessert. With only a few basic ingredients and zero oven time, they’re perfect for anyone from beginner bakers to busy parents or anyone in need of a quick chocolate-peanut butter fix.
Whether you're making a nostalgic batch to relive childhood memories or whipping them up for a crowd, these cookies are sure to become a go-to favorite.
No-Bake Preacher Cookies are a nostalgic, budget-friendly, and incredibly forgiving recipe. With a little practice on timing and ingredients, you’ll master them in no time. Whether you're baking for guests, gifting, or craving something sweet without turning on the oven, this recipe is a go-to favorite.
And remember: always keep a pot, a spoon, and a jar of peanut butter ready—because you never know when the preacher (or your sweet tooth) might stop by!
