No-Bake Preacher Cookies (Healthy!)

“These No-Bake Preacher Cookies are a quick, easy, and healthy dessert that combines rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and hearty oats with a hint of sea salt. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without turning on the oven, these no-bake cookies come together in just minutes and set beautifully at room temperature. Made with simple pantry ingredients like cocoa powder, oats, and milk, they’re a convenient treat that’s also gluten-free when using certified gluten-free oats. Great for meal prep, holiday treats, or a quick snack, these no-bake preacher cookies are a family favorite with a balanced, deliciously chewy texture. Try them with almond butter or add-ins like shredded coconut for variety!”

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup milk
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 3 cups quick-cooking oats
• ½ cup crunchy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Flaky sea salt, for finishing

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Base Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, cocoa powder, sugar, milk, and salt. Stir occasionally and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, let it cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
2. Combine Remaining Ingredients: Remove the saucepan from heat and add the oats, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined and the mixture begins to thicken.
3. Form the Cookies: Using a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon, drop 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture onto a parchment- or wax-paper-lined baking sheet. Gently flatten each cookie.
4. Add Finishing Touches and Cool: Sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of flaky sea salt. Allow them to cool and harden completely for about 1 hour before serving.

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Tips

• Boiling Tip: Make sure to boil the mixture for exactly 1 minute to help the cookies set properly.
• Use Quality Cocoa Powder: For rich flavor, choose a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder.
• Oats Texture: Quick-cooking oats give the best texture. Avoid using steel-cut oats, as they won’t soften properly.

Variations and Substitutions

• Nut Butter Options: Swap the peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a different flavor.
• Sweetener Substitute: You can replace some or all of the sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute to reduce the sweetness.
• Add-Ins: Mix in shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, or chopped nuts for added texture.

FAQs

• Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats? Yes, but the texture may be slightly chewier.
• How do I store these cookies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the fridge for a firmer texture.
• Are these cookies gluten-free? Yes, if you use certified gluten-free oats.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee for a satisfying treat.
• These cookies also make a great topping for yogurt or ice cream.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These No-Bake Preacher Cookies are quick, easy, and require no oven time! They’re a delicious combination of chocolate, oats, and peanut butter with a sprinkle of sea salt for that perfect sweet-salty balance. Plus, they’re versatile—easily customizable with different nut butters or add-ins for a unique twist each time!