No Bakes by any other name would taste just as sweet…
“Preacher Cookies”, “Cow Patties” and Poodgies,… no matter the name, this classic recipe is a MUST in every good throwback recipe box!
History of No Bakes
These cookies were actually a product of the depression, but really didnt pick up steam until the 1950s with the widespread availability of shortening and Jif peanut butter!
Depending on where you live, no bakes are called Preacher cookies.
Historically, this name came from being able to whip up a batch quickly if the preacher stopped by unexpectedly. The housewife, upon looking out her window, sees the preacher heading towards her house (walking or on horseback). By the time he arrives the cookies are cooling, and the housewife is seen as a good hostess and dutiful congregant.
Other parts of the country call them “cow patties”. ( Probably because the effect of pouring the cookies on the parchment paper gives the appearance of a freshly laid cow plop. Not sure why Texas calls them Poodgies to be honest.
Whatever you call them, these are really more of a stovetop confection rather than a cookie. These treats require no baking, and take literally 5 minutes to make. (and that includes dropping them onto your foil, parchment or waxed paper to cool!)
INGREDIENTS
- 1 stick butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (chunky or creamy)
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 3 cups quick oats
- pinch of salt
- OPTIONAL: 1/2 cup shredded coconut (i saw this in one or two recipes, but most no bakes do not include coconut) I
DIRECTIONS
in a saucepan over medium high heat, melt the butter. Once the butter is melted add the sugar, cocoa and milk, stirring well. Bring up to a boil, and then keep it boiling for 75 seconds.
Remove from heat. Add vanilla and peanut butter , stirring until peanut butter is completely melted.
Fold in quick oats until completely incorporated. (at this point you would add coconut if wanted)
working quickly drop by spoon-fuls onto waxed or parchment paper or foil.
They should start setting fairly quickly and will be ready to eat in only a few minutes!
enjoy with a glass of cold milk!
