Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies

These classic no-bake peanut butter and chocolate treats are also known as cow patties or preacher cookies.

The story goes like this: If a housewife looked out the window and saw the preacher coming up the mountain on his horse, she could whip up a batch of these cookies in the amount of time it would take him to reach the front door.

True or not, it’s a good story — and a great cookie that’s a cinch to put together. Combine all the ingredients in a pot over medium heat, then drop spoonfuls on a sheet pan and chill until set. Be sure to use quick-cooking oats, not instant, when making these cookies.

The less-processed oats provide delightful texture and chewiness.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter 1 stick
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 4 tablespoons cocoa
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3 cups instant oats
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Instructions

In a medium sauce pan, add butter, sugar, milk and cocoa. Place on medium heat.

While you wait for the mixture to begin to boil, measure out your peanut butter and oats and have your vanilla jar handy. (once this process gets started – you have to work quickly.

Next, bring the mixture in the sauce pan to a rolling boil – once it is at a full boil – boil for 1 minute and 15 seconds.

Next, Remove from the heat immediately.

Add in the peanut butter – stir. Add in the oats – stir. Add in the vanilla – stir.

Drop by tablespoons onto baking sheets lined with wax paper.

Let cool for 30 minutes or until set.