No Bake Preacher Cookies are a delightful treat that require minimal effort and absolutely no baking. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in a pinch, these cookies are a combination of oats, peanut butter, sugar, and a delectable chocolate topping. They’re quick to make and even quicker to disappear, making them a favorite among both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
- 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
- ½ cup chocolate chips
Directions:
- Begin by pouring the oats into a large bowl and setting them aside. You’ll also want to line a baking sheet with parchment paper, although any flat surface like a countertop will suffice for shaping the cookies.
- In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 1 stick of butter, stirring frequently until fully melted. Once melted, bring it to a boil for 1 minute, then remove it from the heat.
- Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract into the melted butter until well combined.
- Pour the peanut butter mixture over the oats in the large bowl. Add the milk and sugar, then stir until everything is fully incorporated.
- Scoop out 1 tablespoonful of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet or countertop, pressing down gently to flatten each cookie.
- In a microwave-safe dish, melt the chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in 20-second intervals on medium heat, stirring after each interval until the chocolate is completely melted.
- Use a spoon to drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of each cookie.
- Allow the cookies to cool until the chocolate has set. Alternatively, you can speed up the process by chilling them in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.
- Once cooled and set, transfer the cookies to a serving platter or store them in an airtight container.
Tips:
- When melting the butter for the cookies, keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Be sure to use quick-cooking oats for the best texture.
- Adjust the amount of chocolate drizzle according to your preference for sweetness.
Conclusion:
No Bake Preacher Cookies are a simple yet irresistible treat that requires no oven time. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few easy steps, you can whip up a batch of these delicious cookies in no time. Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or even as a homemade gift for friends and family.
- Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
While quick-cooking oats are recommended for this recipe due to their finer texture, you can substitute old-fashioned oats if that’s what you have on hand. However, be aware that the cookies may have a slightly chewier texture because of the larger oat flakes. Adjustments in mixing and flattening may be needed to ensure the cookies hold together well. - I’m allergic to peanuts. Can I use a different type of nut butter?
Absolutely! If you have a peanut allergy or simply prefer a different nut butter, you can substitute it for the peanut butter in this recipe. Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter are all excellent alternatives. Just make sure the consistency is similar to peanut butter to ensure proper binding of the ingredients. - Can I make these cookies ahead of time and store them for later?
Yes, these no-bake cookies are perfect for making ahead of time. Once prepared, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Alternatively, you can store them in the refrigerator for a firmer texture. Just be sure to allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture. - I don’t have a microwave. How else can I melt the chocolate for the drizzle?
If you don’t have a microwave, you can melt the chocolate and butter for the drizzle using a double boiler method. Simply place a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Add the chocolate chips and butter to the bowl and stir until melted and smooth. This method provides gentle, even heat to melt the chocolate without the risk of burning. - Can I add extra ingredients like shredded coconut or chopped nuts to the cookies?
Absolutely! One of the beauties of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to customize your preacher cookies by adding ingredients like shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit. Just be mindful of the additional volume of ingredients and adjust the ratios accordingly to ensure the cookies hold together well and maintain their shape. - My cookies turned out too dry. What did I do wrong?
If your cookies turned out dry, it’s possible that the peanut butter mixture was cooked for too long, causing it to lose moisture. Make sure to bring the mixture to a boil for only 1 minute as directed in the recipe. Additionally, you can try adding a little extra milk to the mixture to help bind the ingredients together without compromising flavor. - Can I freeze these cookies for longer storage?
Yes, these no-bake preacher cookies freeze well! Once the cookies have cooled completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the cookies in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.