Welcome to the world of easy, irresistible desserts! No Bake Preacher Cookies are a timeless classic, known by many names like “fudgies” or “cow patties,” but universally loved for their simplicity and rich flavor.
These quick treats require no oven, making them perfect for any season, especially hot summer days. Get ready to whip up a batch of these deliciously chewy, chocolate peanut butter delights!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These No Bake Preacher Cookies
You will adore making these No Bake Preacher Cookies for so many reasons.
- No Oven Needed: Keep your kitchen cool, especially during warm weather.
- Quick Preparation: From start to finish, these cookies are ready in under an hour.
- Rich Chocolate Peanut Butter Flavor: The classic combination is always a hit.
- Chewy, Satisfying Texture: Rolled oats provide a delightful chewiness.
- Nostalgic, Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Everyone loves these old-fashioned favorites.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delectable batch of No Bake Preacher Cookies. You likely have most of them in your pantry already!
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk (any type)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2/3 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups rolled oats
Notes & Substitutions
- Butter: If you only have unsalted butter, simply add an extra 1/8 teaspoon of sea salt to the saucepan with the other wet ingredients.
- Peanut Butter: Smooth peanut butter provides the best creamy texture for these cookies. Natural peanut butter can separate and may require longer thickening time to set properly.
- Oats: Both rolled oats (old-fashioned) or quick-cooking oats work wonderfully in this recipe. Avoid using steel-cut oats, as they will not absorb enough liquid to set the cookies.
- Milk: Feel free to use any type of milk you have on hand, whether it’s dairy milk (whole, 2%, skim) or a non-dairy alternative like almond or soy milk.
- Cocoa: Any unsweetened cocoa powder is perfectly fine. Dutch-processed cocoa powder offers a slightly milder, less acidic chocolate flavor.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make these easy cookies.
- Large saucepan (medium size works well)
- Whisk
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets (2)
- 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop
Instructions For No Bake Preacher Cookies
Making No Bake Preacher Cookies is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these steps for perfect results every time.
- Prepare baking sheets: Begin by lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Set them aside while you prepare the cookie mixture.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the butter, granulated sugar, milk, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Melt and boil: Whisk the ingredients continuously until the butter has fully melted. Continue whisking occasionally as the mixture comes to a full, rolling boil.
- Boil mixture: Once the mixture reaches a full boil, allow it to continue boiling for exactly 1 minute. Use a timer for accuracy here; this step is crucial for the cookies to set correctly.
- Remove from heat: Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the smooth peanut butter and vanilla extract. Mix well until the peanut butter is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add oats: Fold in the rolled oats. Stir until all the oats are evenly coated with the chocolate peanut butter mixture. Let the mixture sit in the saucepan for about 5 minutes. This crucial resting time allows the oats to absorb some liquid and helps the mixture thicken, ensuring your No Bake Preacher Cookies set up perfectly.
- Scoop cookies: Using a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of the cookie mixture onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheets. Work quickly as the mixture will continue to thicken.
- Optional flattening: If you prefer flatter cookies, gently press down on the tops of each cookie with the back of a spoon. This step is entirely optional.
- Chill to set: Transfer the baking sheets to the refrigerator. Chill for 30 to 60 minutes, or until the No Bake Preacher Cookies are firm to the touch. This firming time is essential for the cookies to hold their shape.
- Store properly: Once set, transfer any leftover cookies to an airtight container. Keep them refrigerated to maintain their freshness and texture.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving perfect No Bake Preacher Cookies is simple with a few key tips. Avoid common pitfalls by following these suggestions.
Common Mistakes
- Not boiling long enough: If you under-boil the mixture, your cookies may not set properly and could remain gooey or spread too much. Ensure a full, rolling boil for a full minute.
- Boiling too long: Conversely, boiling for too long can result in dry, crumbly cookies that don’t hold together well. Precision with your timer is key here.
- Using natural peanut butter: Natural peanut butter, especially the “stir” varieties, can cause the mixture to separate or result in an oily texture. Stick to processed, smooth peanut butter for best results.
- Not letting mixture thicken: Skipping the 5-minute rest after adding the oats means the mixture won’t be thick enough, potentially leading to flat, spread-out cookies.
Success Tips
- Measure precisely for best results; baking is a science, even for no-bake recipes.
- Have all ingredients ready and measured before you begin cooking. This “mise en place” makes the process much smoother.
- Use a timer for the exact 1-minute boil time. This is the most critical step for proper setting.
- Work quickly when scooping the cookie mixture onto the sheets, as it will continue to set as it cools.
Serving, Storage & Variations
These delicious No Bake Preacher Cookies are versatile and easy to enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy these cookies chilled, perfectly paired with a tall glass of cold milk.
- They are an excellent choice for potlucks, picnics, or any party, as they travel well and are always a hit.
- Offer them as a delightful, easy-to-make dessert after family dinners, especially on busy weeknights.
Storage Instructions
- Store any leftover No Bake Preacher Cookies in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator to maintain their firm texture and freshness. They will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Flavor Variations
- Add-ins: Stir in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or walnuts along with the oats for extra flavor and texture.
- Nut Butter Swap: For a different taste, try using almond butter in place of peanut butter. You might need to slightly adjust the liquid if the consistency seems off, but it often works beautifully.
- Toppings: Before the cookies set, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top to enhance the chocolate flavor, or add some colorful sprinkles for a fun, festive touch.
Nutrition
Here’s the nutritional information for one serving of these tasty No Bake Preacher Cookies.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 cookie |
| Calories | 91 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 13 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.05 g |
| Cholesterol | 3 mg |
| Sodium | 30 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 3 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use quick-cooking oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, both quick-cooking oats and old-fashioned rolled oats work well in this recipe. Just avoid steel-cut oats, as they won’t absorb enough liquid to create the right texture.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Smooth, regular peanut butter is highly recommended for its consistency. If you use natural peanut butter, allow the oat mixture to sit for a longer period, perhaps 10-15 minutes, to ensure it thickens enough before scooping.
I only have unsalted butter, can I use that?
Absolutely! If you’re using unsalted butter, simply add an extra 1/8 teaspoon of sea salt to the saucepan with the sugar, milk, and cocoa powder.
Conclusion
You now have everything you need to create the perfect batch of No Bake Preacher Cookies. This recipe truly embodies our mission of making baking simple, even for beginners and busy parents. With no oven required and just a few easy steps, you can enjoy a delicious, homemade treat in no time.
Go ahead, make these classic, irresistible cookies today and delight your family and friends with a taste of pure nostalgia! The exact boiling time is critical for the proper setting of no-bake cookies, as the sugar crystalizes to create the cookie’s structure, a principle explained further in the science behind no-bake cookies.
No Bake Preacher Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa powder. Whisk until melted and bring to a full rolling boil.
- Boil for exactly 1 minute, then remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold in rolled oats until fully coated. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Using a 1.5 tbsp cookie scoop, drop dough onto lined baking sheets. Flatten slightly if desired.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 30–60 minutes until firm. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use smooth peanut butter for best results.
- If using unsalted butter, add 1/8 tsp sea salt.
- Rolled or quick oats both work, but avoid steel-cut.
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