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Back in the day, when surprise guests were as common as dandelions in the spring meadow, us country folks needed a fail-proof plan for hospitality. Preacher cookies, also known charmingly as “no bake cookies” or “cow patties,” originated from this very tradition. When the preacher came a-calling with very little warning, these quick confections were the answer to serving up something sweet without the need for a hot oven or a larder full of fancy ingredients.
They say the recipe was born out of necessity, but it has since passed down through the generations and across kitchen tables, with each family adding their own loving twist. You might want to make these hearty cookies because, just like a good story, they don’t require much – a few pantry staples and a little patience – and there’s no fuss of baking. Whether you’ve got company coming or you’re craving something sweet for yourself, these preacher cookies are sure to satisfy.
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Ingredients
– 2 cups sugar
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 3 cups quick-cooking oats
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt (if you’re using unsalted butter)
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 3 cups quick-cooking oats
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt (if you’re using unsalted butter)
Directions
1. Lay out some wax paper or parchment on your countertops for the cookies to cool on later – this bit of preparation will make it all the easier once your sweet mixture is ready.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa powder. Stir gently over medium heat until everything is nicely melted together.
3. Allow the mixture to come to a rolling boil for about a minute – but mind that pot, you don’t want to scorch your mixture.
4. Remove your saucepan from the heat. Now, it’s time to stir in the oats, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and that pinch of salt until it’s all wonderfully combined.
5. Using a tablespoon or a small ice cream scoop, drop the mixture onto your prepared paper, leaving enough room between each cookie for setting.
6. Let them rest until they are firm and cool to the touch, which usually takes about 30 minutes but patience is a virtue, sugar.
7. Once firm, invite everyone to dig in and watch them smile as they taste tradition and simplicity at its finest.
Variations & Tips
– For a touch of the holiday spirit, add a half teaspoon of cinnamon or swap vanilla for almond extract.
– Not a fan of peanut butter? Use almond butter or skip it entirely for a simpler chocolate-oatie experience.
– If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, try replacing part of it with honey – just be prepared for a slightly softer cookie.
– Remember to measure your ingredients with love, and don’t rush the cooling process; it gives you a moment to sip your coffee and ponder the simple things in life.
– Not a fan of peanut butter? Use almond butter or skip it entirely for a simpler chocolate-oatie experience.
– If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, try replacing part of it with honey – just be prepared for a slightly softer cookie.
– Remember to measure your ingredients with love, and don’t rush the cooling process; it gives you a moment to sip your coffee and ponder the simple things in life.
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