No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

No-bake chocolate oatmeal cookies, also known as preacher cookies, are the perfect way to satisfy a chocolate craving when it's too hot to turn on the oven. These fudgy sweets are deeply chocolatey with a buttery flavor and just the right amount of chew. They also happen to be quick and easy to throw together. While it's hard to beat a warm chocolate chip cookie fresh out of the oven, when you can't even think of heating your kitchen even one more degree, these no-bake cookies will do the trick.

For more oven-free desserts, try no-bake peanut butter pie or no-bake strawberry cheesecake.

What’s the secret to perfect no-bake cookies?

No-bake doesn't mean no-cook! The trick to making perfectly tender and chewy no-bake cookies is to bring sugar, butter, milk, and cocoa to a boil for a couple of minutes.

If you want to doubly ensure you reach the right texture (not too gooey and not too crumbly), use an instant-read thermometer. Cook the chocolate mixture until it reaches 230°F. That's the sweet spot.

What makes this no-bake cookies recipe delicious?

Most no-bake chocolate cookies use just cocoa powder and peanut butter for flavor; this recipe calls for chocolate-hazelnut spread (Nutella) for an extra level of rich, nutty chocolate flavor. There's also coconut inside and on top for added goodness. If you don't have Nutella, you can use more peanut butter. Don’t like coconut? Skip it and use 3 cups of oats.

Can you use quick oats for no-bake cookies?

Yes! This recipe calls for old-fashioned oats, which yield a slightly chewier no-bake cookie, but quick oats are a perfectly acceptable swap.

Can you use wax paper for no-bake cookies?

Sure thing! Wax paper and parchment paper work equally well at keeping the cookies from sticking.

What's the best way to store no-bake cookies?

These cookies will stay fresh for up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature, or freeze them for up to six months.