How The No-Bake Treat Preacher Cookies Got Their Name

No-bake cookies have many names, depending on where you are. In the American South, drop cookies can be called cow patties in reference to their appearance, while in other regions they are known as mudballs, haystacks, fudgies, or preacher cookies. The story goes that when families were met with surprise visits from traveling preachers, these cookies were quick to make with no planning. Someone would spot the preacher coming from afar on his horse, and just have time to rustle up a round of cookies before he arrived. Regardless of what you choose to call these cookies, the recipe is a classic and perfect for moments when unexpected visitors (whether they're preachers or friends) drop by and you want to serve something sweet. 

No-bake cookies are an easy answer for demanding cravings, as these kinds of cookies are quick to put together and don't require an oven to heat up. Made with ingredients you most likely have stocked in your kitchen — cereal, sugar, salt, butter, cocoa — the ratios of each can be adjusted to suit your whims. Enhanced with spoonfuls of peanut butter, splashes of vanilla, oats, and condensed milk, even a hurried, novice chef can prepare the ingredients, pile scoops onto parchment paper, and serve chewy chocolatey treats in under an hour.

While traditional cookies require bakers to mix up dough to bake in the oven, ingredients to make no-bake cookies are heated on the stovetop before being dropped onto a prepared nonstick surface. Even if there isn't a visitor knocking on your door, preacher cookies can be added to your list of no-bake desserts perfect for summer months. They're ideal for when you're trying to slash electricity bills or are sweltering in summer heat and can't imagine adding more degrees to your home with a hot oven. Recipes can be adjusted with your choice of spices like nutmeg or cinnamon or ingredients like toasted cashews or dried pieces of fruit.

Once plopped onto a tray, no-bake cookies are left to cool and harden. Though the sticky mounds can be eaten when still on the chewy side, time spent chilling in the fridge can yield a crisper texture. These crisp treats can be used to make cookie sandwiches packed with fillings of marshmallow fluff, Nutella, or nut butter layered with candies, sprinkles, or toasted coconut flakes. Even with a simple garnish of flaky sea salt, no-bake cookies are sure to win over any house guest, planned or unexpected.