These No-Bake Preacher Cookies are a classic, combining creamy peanut butter with hearty oats and a touch of chocolate drizzle. Perfect for when you’re craving a quick, satisfying treat without turning on the oven, these cookies come together in just minutes and set up beautifully with a bit of chill time. They’re great for potlucks, dessert tables, or a late-night sweet tooth fix.
Ingredients
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats, uncooked
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 stick + 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, divided
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Directions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients and Surface
Place the oats in a large mixing bowl and set them aside. Line a baking sheet or a flat surface with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cookies.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Mixture
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 1 stick of butter, stirring frequently. Once melted, add the milk and sugar. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and allow it to boil for 1 minute, then immediately remove from heat. Add the peanut butter and vanilla extract to the hot mixture, stirring until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the oats in the large mixing bowl. Stir until all ingredients are fully combined, ensuring that the oats are thoroughly coated with the peanut butter mixture.
Step 4: Form the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, pressing each scoop lightly with the back of the spoon to flatten into a cookie shape.
Step 5: Melt Chocolate for Drizzle
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of butter. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Step 6: Drizzle and Set
Using a spoon, drizzle the melted chocolate over each cookie. Let the cookies set at room temperature or place them in the refrigerator for about 1 hour for a firmer texture.
Step 7: Serve or Store
Once the cookies have set, transfer them to a serving platter or store them in an airtight container.
Serving Suggestions
These No-Bake Preacher Cookies are best served slightly chilled for a firmer texture, or at room temperature for a soft, chewy bite. They make a wonderful addition to a dessert platter, and they pair perfectly with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving Size: This recipe yields about 20-24 cookies, depending on the size of each scoop.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week for a firmer texture.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze well. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Helpful Notes
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a thicker drizzle, allow the melted chocolate to cool slightly before drizzling over the cookies.
- Peanut Butter Choice: Creamy peanut butter works best, but if you prefer a bit of crunch, use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Oats: Be sure to use quick-cooking oats for the right consistency. Old-fashioned oats can be too chewy in no-bake recipes.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
Chef Alton Brown recommends adding a pinch of sea salt to the chocolate drizzle to enhance the flavor.
Chef Christina Tosi suggests adding a splash of espresso powder to the peanut butter mixture for a deeper, richer flavor.
Chef Nigella Lawson advises letting the cookies set in the refrigerator for at least an hour for the perfect chewy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
Quick-cooking oats provide the best texture for these cookies. If you use old-fashioned oats, the cookies will be a bit chewier and may not hold together as well.
2. Can I use almond or other nut butters instead of peanut butter?
Yes! Almond butter or other nut butters work well in this recipe, though the flavor will vary slightly.
3. Why did my cookies turn out too soft?
If the peanut butter mixture doesn’t boil long enough, it may affect the consistency. Make sure to let the mixture boil for the full 1 minute.
4. How do I make the cookies more chocolatey?
Add 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the peanut butter mixture, or increase the amount of chocolate chips in the drizzle.
5. Can I skip the chocolate drizzle?
Yes, the cookies are delicious on their own! The chocolate drizzle adds a nice finishing touch but is entirely optional.
6. Can I make these cookies sugar-free?
You can try using a sugar substitute, but it may affect the texture. Granulated sweeteners formulated for baking, like monk fruit or erythritol blends, can work.
7. Can I add mix-ins to this recipe?
Yes! Try adding shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, or chopped nuts to the oat mixture for added flavor and texture.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just ensure you have enough space on the baking sheet, or prepare multiple sheets to allow all cookies to set without sticking.
9. How do I get a smoother drizzle?
Let the melted chocolate cool slightly to thicken, then use a spoon to control the drizzle pattern. You can also use a piping bag for more precision.
10. Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?
Refrigerating them helps them set faster and makes them firmer, but it’s not necessary unless you prefer a chilled cookie.
These No-Bake Preacher Cookies are a delightful, easy-to-make treat with a comforting blend of peanut butter and oats. Perfect for any time of year, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. Enjoy!