The Story Behind Preacher Cookies: A No-Bake Cookie with a Dozen Names

Whether you call them No-Bakes, Haystacks, Mudballs, Poodgies, or Preacher Cookies, these holiday treats couldn't be easier to make.

With holiday baking season upon up, what if I told you there was a rich, decadent chocolate cookie you could whip up in less than 10 minutes of active time and with just a handful of standard ingredients? Sounds too good to be true? Let me introduce you to the cookie with a dozen names: Preacher Cookies.

What Are Preacher Cookies

Whether you call them Preacher Cookies, No-Bakes, Haystacks, Mudballs or Poodgies, many families across the country have a well-loved version of these effortless cookies tucked away in a recipe box somewhere. While almost every rendition of the cookie is nearly identical, the name you know them by will depend on where you grew up. In my family, we referred to them as No-Bakes, perhaps a nod to our unimaginative puritanical roots in New England. Head west into ranching states like Nebaska, Oklahoma and Kansas and you might hear them called Cow Patties, a cheeky moniker that doesn’t need much explanation. However, make no mistake, while they may not be the most Instagrammable cookie out there, the taste makes up for it in spades.

Preacher cookies contain a mix of milk, butter, rolled oats, peanut butter, sugar, and cocoa powder. The milk, butter, sugar, and cocoa are cooked on the stovetop until it comes to a boil. Then, it cooks at a boil for a few minutes before the mixture is removed from the heat and the oats, peanut butter, and other mix-ins like coconut or chopped nuts are added.

This mixture is then scooped into mounds onto waxed paper or parchment and left to set for about 30 to 40 minutes. The resulting cookie is fudgy, chewy, and almost impossible to stop eating—all without the need to warm up the oven.

The Secret to Perfect Preacher Cookies

While there are dozens of names for these cookies, the ingredient list for each is almost always the same. The only major difference I have seen is the amount of time the butter and sugar mixture is boiled for. Some recipes call for 1 minute, some 3 minutes, and my family recipe calls for 5 minutes. After perusing a classic baking thread on Reddit, I found a tip I loved. The contributor mentioned that instead of going by time, they cook the mixture to exactly 235˚F on a candy thermometer. This is the start of the soft ball stage of candy-making which will ensure the perfect fudgy texture every time, just like a batch of old-fashioned fudge.

The History of Preacher Cookies

Like many of the best American desserts (pecan pie, coconut cake and key lime pie, I’m looking at you!) Preacher Cookies have Southern roots. Legend has it that these quick-to-make cookies got their name from unexpected drop-ins from the local traveling preacher. Homemakers would see the preacher on the horizon, and whip up a batch in time to greet them with a treat at the door. Since the cookies require only a handful of ingredients and no baking time, they are the perfect easy dessert to whip up whenever a surprise guest drops in.

Variations I Love

Since these cookies can be somewhat messy and free-form, I’ve seen some versions that have you scoop the batter into parchment cupcake liners so they are easier to handle. I’ve also read about lots of inventive mix-ins like raisins, dried cranberries and even crushed up pretzels for a sweet and salty element. When it comes to oats, I prefer the hearty texture of rolled oats, but if you prefer something a bit softer, use quick-cooking oats. I would not suggest instant oats, as those tend to fall apart and turn mushy rather than provide texture.

However you choose to make them, and no matter what you call them, these have been made for generations for a reason, they are irresistible! 

Get the Recipe: Preacher Cookies