You may know these little chocolate cookies as no-bakes, fudgies, or even cow patties, but did you know they’ve also been nicknamed preacher no-bake cookies? Yep, and they’re the same chewy, chocolatey-peanut buttery oat cookies you’ve been eating (and loving) since childhood.

Why They’re Called Preacher Cookies

Okay, let me answer the obvious question here. Why are these cookies are called “preacher” cookies? Well, legend has it that these no-bake chocolate and peanut butter cookies got their name because they were quick and easy to make if you saw the preacher (or guests) coming up the driveway for a surprise visit. Haha!

With just a few simple ingredients and no need for baking, you could whip up a batch in no time and have dessert ready by the time your guest settled in. The name stuck, and these cookies have become an American classic.

These Are Also Summer’s Favorite Cookie

I think it goes without saying, these no-bake cookies are by far the best thing you can not bake in the summer. When the temperatures rise, the last thing you want to do is to heat up your kitchen with the oven, am I right?

That’s why these no-bake cookies are literal perfection—they require minimal effort, no oven, and just a teeny tiny bit of stove time. Plus, they set up in the fridge, giving you a nice cool treat on a hot summer day, which is a huge win.

What You’ll Need For Preacher No-Bake Cookies

• 1/4 cup salted butter
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2/3 cup peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups rolled oats

And Here’s How to Make Them

(be prepared for the easiest recipe ever—they’re so simple!)

1. Prepare Your Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside for now.

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa powder. Whisk it continuously until the butter has fully melted, then continue to whisk occasionally while bringing the mixture to a boil.
2. Boil and Stir: Allow the mixture to boil for an additional minute or so. Then remove it from the heat and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract. Mix well, until the peanut butter melts smooth.

1. Add the Oats: Fold in the oats and stir well. Then allow the mixture to sit for about five minutes to thicken up a bit.
2. Scoop the Cookies: Using a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the cookies onto the lined baking sheets, allowing a little room to flatten them (if you want to). Gently flatten the tops of the cookies by pressing down with the back of a spoon to spread them out a little (optional).

1. Chill: Place the cookies in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes to harden.
2. Store: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or pop them in the freeze for up to 3 months.

The Delicious Details

I know you know how good these cookies are. They’re the perfect blend of chewy oats, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate. Each bite has so many textures and flavors. They’re sweet but not overwhelmingly so—they really are a crowd-pleaser (whether you’re in a rush to make them or not, ha!).

So the next time you’re looking for a quick and easy no-bake dessert, remember these preacher no-bake cookies. They’re so, so simple. They’re perfect for summer, perfect for sharing, and perfectly yummy every single time. Happy no-baking, my friends!