There’s something incredibly comforting about an easy, no-bake cookie that delivers rich, chocolatey, and peanut buttery goodness in every bite. Preacher Cookies—so simple, yet so satisfying—are a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of quick desserts whipped up for unexpected guests or late-night cravings. Let me walk you through how to make these delightful cookies that will disappear faster than you can say, “Want another?”
Why Are They Called Preacher Cookies?
The story goes that Preacher Cookies were made when the preacher would come calling unexpectedly, giving the host just enough time to whip up a batch before he arrived. True or not, these cookies are the epitome of quick, crowd-pleasing treats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these cookies that serve 30–40 pieces of pure joy:
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats (uncooked)
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 stick + 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (divided)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Workspace
Start by pouring the oats into a large bowl and setting them aside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Don’t have one? No worries—a clean countertop works just as well.
2. Make the Peanut Butter Mixture
In a medium saucepan, melt 1 stick of butter over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Once the butter is fully melted, let it come to a boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Combine It All
Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the oats in the bowl. Add the sugar and milk, and stir until everything is well incorporated. The batter will start to come together into a sticky, irresistible mixture.
4. Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop out batter and drop it onto your prepared surface. Press each scoop gently to flatten into cookie shapes.
5. Add a Chocolatey Drizzle
Melt the chocolate chips with the remaining tablespoon of butter in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 20-second intervals on medium heat, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and glossy. Use a spoon to drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies.
6. Let Them Set
The cookies are ready to eat as soon as the chocolate cools and sets. For a firmer texture, chill them in the refrigerator for about an hour. Then, transfer them to a serving platter or store them in an airtight container.
Details And Nutritional Information
Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 30–40 cookies
Nutrition (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 125
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Helpful Tips for Perfect Preacher Cookies
- Don’t Skip the Boil: Boiling the butter for one minute helps ensure the sugar dissolves properly, creating the right texture for your cookies.
- Work Quickly: The peanut butter mixture thickens as it cools, so work swiftly when mixing and shaping the cookies.
- Chocolate Drizzle Hack: Pour the melted chocolate into a small zip-top bag, snip off a tiny corner, and use it to drizzle the chocolate with precision.
Substitutions and Variations
- Nut-Free: Swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter for a nut-free or alternative flavor.
- Sweetness Adjustments: Use dark chocolate chips for a less sweet drizzle, or cut back slightly on the sugar in the batter.
- Add-Ins: Toss in a handful of mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut to add a unique twist.
FAQs About Preacher Cookies
Q: Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
A: Quick oats are best because they absorb the mixture evenly and give the cookies the perfect texture. Old-fashioned oats may result in a chewier cookie.
Q: Do I need to refrigerate these cookies?
A: While it’s not necessary, chilling them helps the cookies set faster and makes them firmer.
Q: How long do these cookies last?
A: Stored in an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh for up to one week—if they last that long!
Storing Leftovers
Place the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container. You can stack layers with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. Store them at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge for a firmer texture. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
More Recipes to Try
If you love Preacher Cookies, you’ll adore these easy treats:
So there you have it—a simple, delicious recipe for Preacher Cookies that’s as versatile as it is satisfying. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself, these cookies are a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing delight. Go ahead, make a batch, and watch them disappear!