Delicious Old-Fashioned Preacher Cookies Recipe
Old-fashioned preacher cookies are a beloved no bake treat that carry a special kind of charm. Made with a combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and oats, they bring together flavors that are rich, comforting, and nostalgic. These cookies have been around for decades, passed down through families, and continue to be a favorite for both kids and adults. They are the kind of dessert that can be made quickly with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, which makes them not only delicious but also incredibly convenient.
The name “preacher cookies” comes from a sweet tradition. When the preacher was on his way to visit, families needed a dessert that could be made in a hurry, and these cookies were the perfect solution. Since they require no baking and set quickly, they could be ready by the time guests arrived. Today, they are still just as practical, whether you want something to serve unexpected company, a dessert to whip up on a busy evening, or a simple way to satisfy a chocolate craving in minutes.
Why You Need This Recipe
You need this recipe in your collection because it offers the best of everything speed, simplicity, and taste. Unlike many desserts that require long preparation or baking times, preacher cookies come together in less than 20 minutes and don’t even need an oven. The texture is soft and chewy with a little bit of crunch from the oats, while the flavour is a perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter. These cookies are budget friendly, made with everyday ingredients, and can be stored easily for days, making them practical as well as delicious. They are also versatile enough to work for family snacks, school lunches, or holiday cookie trays, which is why they are still such a timeless classic.
Ingredients
To help you prepare easily, here is a clear table of ingredients along with an approximate calorie count. This way, you know exactly what goes into your cookies and how they fit into your daily intake.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Butter | 1/2 cup | 400 |
| Granulated sugar | 2 cups | 1540 |
| Milk | 1/2 cup | 60 |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 1/4 cup | 50 |
| Creamy peanut butter | 1 cup | 1510 |
| Quick oats | 3 cups | 900 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 12 |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp | 0 |
Each cookie has about 180 calories when made into 24 servings, making them a sweet but manageable indulgence.
How to Prepare
Making preacher cookies is as easy as it is satisfying. Start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted completely, stir in the sugar, milk, and cocoa powder until everything is combined. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil and allow it to boil for about one minute, stirring constantly so that the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the peanut butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the peanut butter is smooth and well blended.
Once the base is ready, add in the quick oats and stir until they are completely coated in the chocolatey mixture. Working quickly before the mixture cools too much, drop spoonfuls onto a sheet of parchment paper and allow them to set at room temperature. Within a short time, they will firm up into delicious cookies with a chewy, fudgy texture that is impossible to resist.
Pro Tips
For the best results, it is important to let the mixture boil for exactly one minute. If you cook it for less time, the cookies may not set properly and remain too soft. On the other hand, if you boil it too long, they can become dry and crumbly. Using quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats gives the cookies their classic chewy consistency and helps them hold together better. Preparing a sheet lined with parchment paper before you begin will make dropping and cooling the cookies easier, and it also means less mess to clean up afterward. If you find the mixture starting to harden before you finish shaping the cookies, you can gently warm it again over low heat to make it workable.
Perfect Pairings and Toppings
Preacher cookies are delightful just the way they are, but pairing them with the right drink or a few creative toppings can make them even more enjoyable. They taste wonderful with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee, which balances their rich sweetness perfectly. If you want to make them a little more special, you can drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the top for a decorative finish. Adding chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts gives them extra crunch, while shredded coconut or mini marshmallows can add variety and fun. These small touches allow you to put your own spin on a timeless favorite.
Conclusion
Old-fashioned preacher cookies are more than just a dessert they are a piece of tradition that has stood the test of time. With their rich chocolate and peanut butter flavour, quick preparation, and no bake convenience, they are the perfect recipe to keep in your back pocket. Whether you are sharing them with family, serving them to guests, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to bring comfort and smiles every time.
