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Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

These no bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies are also commonly known as preacher cookies. They’ve been whipped-up in the kitchens of busy Mom’s and Grandma’s for decades. They’re popular not only because of the simplicity of preparation, but the ingredients are pantry staples and can be made up in a snap. They’re so darn tasty making them a family favorite any time of year.

No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

No bake desserts are always a great all-inclusive project. Bite-size treats like  crunchy no bake chocolate peanut butter bars and a seasonal variation using cinnamon spice baking chips get the crunch from cereal. These vintage cookies get their texture using oatmeal.  I’ve heard them called many fun things and I’m betting so have you. The most familiar name here in the South you’ll hear are “Preacher Cookies.” No matter what you call them, they all spell delicious. How to make Preacher Cookies Recipe: (Scroll down for full printable recipe.)

  • Wet Ingredients – In a heavy bottomed saucepan melt together the butter, milk, cocoa, granulated sugar and salt. Cook over medium-high stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
  • Boil – Lower to medium and continue to cook for 2 minutes.
  • Peanut Butter – Remove the saucepan from the heat and mix in the peanut butter and vanilla, stir constantly until the peanut butter begins to melt.
  • Oats – Add 2 cup oats, stirring until coated and add additional 1/2 cup at a time. Work quickly.
  • Drop using a small scoop or a tablespoon onto a wax paper lined sheet pan. Cool completely.
No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

How to Make the BEST Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

  • Ingredients you’ll need to make Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies: Quick cooking oats, cocoa powder, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, milk and salt.
  • Kitchen tools you’ll need: A large heavy bottomed saucepan, measuring cups and spoons, sheet pans lined with wax paper, large nonstick silicone spatula or spoon for stirring and tablespoon or small scoop to divide the mixture for cooling.
  • While simple to make and with familiar ingredients, I have noted there are variables that affect these cookies at times. For example, begin counting the 2 minute boil time when it starts boiling and not from the melting stage.
  • I prefer to use creamy peanut butter for these Preacher cookies. That said, you likely could adapt using crunchy peanut butter if that’s your preference.
  • Humidity can affect how they turn out as well as the quality of the ingredients you use.
  • At times, I have made these using less than 3 cups of oats as stated in the original recipe, adding just enough until the cookies reach the look as the ones I have pictured.
  • Once you add the oats to the pot it’s very important to stir like crazy and work quickly. They will begin to set up if you don’t work quickly dividing the mixture.
  • Store Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies on a stand

More No Bake Dessert Recipes to Make

Whatever season of the year you find yourself, no-bake sweets are always in order. Shake-up your dessert menu with these:

No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooling time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 20 minutes
Course: Candy, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Southern
Keyword: no-bake-chocolate-peanut-butter-oatmeal-cookies
Servings: 16 servings (may vary)
Calories: 250kcal
Author: Melissa Sperka

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
  • 2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla
  • 2 1/2-3 cup quick cooking oats [i.e. Quaker]

Instructions

  • In a heavy bottomed saucepan melt together the butter, milk, cocoa, granulated sugar and salt. Cook over medium-high stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
  • Lower to medium and continue to cook for 2 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat and mix in the peanut butter and vanilla stirring constantly until the peanut butter begins to melt.
  • Add 2 cup oats. Stir until coated then add additional 1/2 cup at a time. Work quickly.
  • Drop using a small scoop or a tablespoon onto a wax paper lined sheet pan. Cool completely.

Notes

When making this recipe, there can be variables. Humidity, ingredient quality etc. I recommend adding oats until they’re fully coated with chocolate as pictured. This may take less than 3 cups total..

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 128mg | Potassium: 130mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 190IU | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg
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