Better known by their colloquial name - Cow Patties or Cow Chip cookies - yes, really, Preacher cookies have been around for generations and are essentially a no-bake oatmeal & cocoa cookie, quickly made for the visiting preacher.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Depending on what part of the country you're from, you'll hear these cookies sometimes called Cow Patties, Mississippi Mud Cookies, Raggedy Robins, Poodgies, Boiled Cookies, Chocolate Oaties, TOS cookies (top of stove), or simply Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake cookies.
The name "preacher cookies" comes from the fact that these cookies were often made as a quick and easy dessert when the preacher came to town. They were a way to show hospitality and welcome the preacher into the home.
- Easy to make. You only need a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of time.
- Gluten-free. So if you or someone you know has celiac disease, you can still enjoy these delicious cookies. While all oats are naturally gluten free, be sure to use oats labeled "gluten free" to prevent any processing plant gluten contamination.
- Last-minute dessert. If you have unexpected guests coming over, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
- Versatile. You can serve them plain, or you can get creative and add different mix-in's, like chocolate chips, nuts, coconut, or raisins.
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No Bake Preacher Cookies Ingredients
These easy, no-bake Preacher cookies are delicious and easy to make with just six ingredients. This Preacher cookie recipe is ready in less than 20 minutes!
- Sugar - White granulated sugar.
- Cocoa powder - Powdered, unsweetened cocoa powder, like Hershey's.
- Milk
- Butter - Use salted butter, melted.
- Peanut butter - Creamy or Chunky, your decision.
- Oats - Use Instant or Quick oats. If gluten sensitive, be sure to choose oats labeled 'gluten free'.
*Use Gluten Free Oats for Gluten Free No Bake Cookies.
While all oats are naturally gluten free, they could still get contaminated with gluten from other ingredients processed at the plant. Make sure to get quick oats labeled "gluten free" if you're sensitive to gluten.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make No Bake Preacher Cookies
This no-frills favorite has been around for generations and is still bringing smiles to people’s faces today. If you're looking for an easy but indulgent dessert with old fashion charm then these southern cookies will hit the spot!
Follow along below to make your own warm and gooey Cow Patties cookies.
Mix Cocoa & Sugar
- Mix the sugar and cocoa powder together in a 2-3 quart sauce pan and break up all the cocoa powder lumps with the back of a spoon, or a whisk.
Add Milk and Butter
- Add the milk and melted butter to the sauce pan and mix to combine.
Bring To A Boil
- Turn the stove burner on to medium heat and bring the cocoa, sugar milk, and butter to a low boil.
- Remove sauce pan from the heat, and add the peanut butter, stirring until the it's melted.
- Stir in the oats in two increments, mixing after each addition to combine.
Scoop Cow Pattie Cookies Onto Baking Sheet
Yep, these chocolate no bake cookies definitely look like cow patties, lol!
- Using a cookie scoop, quickly spoon the chocolate oat mixture onto a parchment lined baking sheet and allow to cool.
PRO TIP: You can set the cookie sheet on a shelf in the freezer for faster cooling also!
Serving Suggestions
This classic Southern preacher cookie recipe never disappoints, and is as much a part of the culinary world in the South as fried chicken or mac 'n' cheese. So if you're looking to add some southern charm to your baking repertoire, forget about all those complicated recipes - give Chef Grandma's Preacher Cookies (or Cow Patties) a try!
Love cookies, see some of our additional cookie recipes:
- Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
- Raspberry Linzer Cookies
- Crumbl Churro Cookies
- Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies
- Frosted Vanilla Cookies
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
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Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few delicious variations when making this easy Preacher cookies recipe.
- Try these making these no bake cookies with Nutella instead of peanut butter - yum yum!
- You can substitute any type of nut butter for the peanut butter in this recipe.
- You can add other ingredients to the cookie dough, such as chocolate chips, raisins, or coconut.
Equipment
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Below are some of my favorite pieces of equipment that I use when making this Preacher cookie recipe.
Storage Options
- These no bake Preacher cookies (Cow Cookies) can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips for making this no-bake Preacher cookie recipe:
- If you don't have instant oats, you can use quick-cooking oats also.
- For a chewier cookie, chill the dough for 30 minutes before dropping by tablespoons.
- For a more chocolatey cookie, add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make these cookies without peanut butter. You can substitute another nut butter, such as almond butter or cashew butter, or even Nutella.
If the preacher were to come by the house for an unexpected visit, these treats could be quickly on the table. Back before cake mixes were common in pantries, the five ingredients to make these quick no back cookies were usually in the pantry.
If your no-bake cookies get hard, it's likely because you overcooked them, or the peanut butter seized. Remove the sauce pan from the heat before adding the peanut butter. Stir to melt the peanut butter, then stir in the oats.
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📖 Recipe
Preacher Cookies (Cow Chip Cookies)
Ingredients
- 1½ cup Sugar
- 3 tablespoon Cocoa powder
- ½ cup Milk
- 6 tablespoon Butter salted, melted
- ½ cup Peanut butter creamy or chunky
- 2½ cup Oats Instant or Quick oats - Get gluten free if you're sensitive to gluten
Instructions
- Mix the sugar and cocoa powder together in a 2-3 quart sauce pan and break up all the cocoa powder lumps with the back of a spoon, or a whisk.1½ cup Sugar, 3 tablespoon Cocoa powder
- Add the milk and melted butter to the sauce pan and mix to combine.½ cup Milk, 6 tablespoon Butter
- Turn the stove burner on to medium heat and bring the cocoa, sugar milk, and butter to a low boil.
- Remove sauce pan from the heat, and add the peanut butter, stirring until the it's melted.½ cup Peanut butter
- Stir in the oats in two increments, mixing after each addition to combine.2½ cup Oats
- Using a cookie scoop, quickly spoon the chocolate oat mixture onto a parchment lined baking sheet and allow to cool.PRO TIP: You can set the cookie sheet on a shelf in the freezer for faster cooling also!
Notes
- If you don't have instant oats, you can use quick-cooking oats also.
- For a chewier cookie, chill the dough for 30 minutes before dropping by tablespoons.
- For a more chocolatey cookie, add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder.
Nutrition
Food Safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat.
- Wash hands after touching raw meat.
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.
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