Whip Up Charming Dandy-Do Cookies Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Crisp, buttery dandy-do cookies bring a whimsical twist to your afternoon snack time.

Sweet memories of childhood bakeries dance across my kitchen counter.

Neighbors often request this treasured family recipe passed down through generations.

Delicate and simple ingredients combine to create something magical.

Soft crumbles melt beautifully, revealing layers of nostalgic flavor.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through classic comfort.

Pro Tips for Dandy-Do Cookies

• Prevent Burning Brilliance: Stir the caramel mixture constantly while cooking to avoid scorching and ensure a smooth, even texture.
• Cracker Placement Pro: Arrange Ritz crackers neatly and close together on the parchment paper for uniform cookie bases.
• Nutty Texture Tip: Chop peanuts finely for a more consistent spread and better integration with the caramel mixture.
• Temperature Control Trick: Use low heat when adding milk and vanilla to maintain the right consistency and prevent separation.
• Cooling Confidence: Let cookies cool completely on parchment paper to help the caramel set properly before storing.

Variations to Try with Dandy-Do Cookies

• Gluten-Free Cracker Swap: Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free rice crackers or almond flour-based crackers for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Nut-Free Version: Eliminate peanuts and substitute with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for an allergy-friendly alternative.
• Chocolate Drizzle Option: After cooling, melt dark chocolate and drizzle over the cookies for an extra layer of richness and flavor.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use coconut condensed milk, plant-based butter, and dairy-free milk to create a completely vegan-friendly version of the cookies.

Pairings for Dandy-Do Cookies

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich caramel and nutty flavors, cutting through the sweetness with its tannic structure.
• Create Espresso Companion: Brew a strong, dark espresso that highlights the cookie's sweet caramel notes and provides a perfect bitter contrast to the sugary base.
• Match with Salted Caramel Milkshake: Blend vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, and a pinch of sea salt to echo the cookie's creamy peanut and caramel profile while enhancing its decadent texture.
• Serve with Vanilla Chai Latte: Craft a warm, spiced chai that balances the cookie's sweetness with its complex blend of cardamom, cinnamon, and creamy milk undertones.

Keeping Dandy-Do Cookies Fresh

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
• Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months to preserve flavor and quality.
• Remove frozen cookies from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to prevent caramel from becoming too runny.
• Warm cookies briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes. This method helps restore the crackers' crispness and softens the caramel slightly.

FAQs About Dandy-Do Cookies

• Are Ritz crackers the best base for these cookies?

Ritz crackers provide a perfect salty, crispy foundation that complements the sweet caramel and peanut topping, creating a delicious contrast in textures.

• Can I make these cookies without peanuts?

If you have a nut allergy or preference, you can easily omit the peanuts or substitute with another crunchy ingredient like sunflower seeds or chopped almonds.

• How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

Stir the caramel mixture constantly over medium heat and watch carefully. Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan and adjust the heat to prevent scorching.

What Makes Dandy-Do Cookies Delightful

• Conquer Minimal Prep: Assemble these delightful cookies with just a few simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Craft Quick Comfort Treats: Prepare these addictive cookies in a short span, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort and creating a delicious snack that satisfies sweet cravings instantly.
• Boost Family Enjoyment: Transform ordinary Ritz crackers into a spectacular dessert that brings everyone together, offering a crowd-pleasing treat that kids and adults will absolutely love.
• Customize with Creativity: Experiment with different nuts or add chocolate drizzle to make these cookies uniquely yours, turning a simple recipe into a personal culinary adventure.

Ingredients List for Dandy-Do Cookies

• Ritz Crackers: The foundation of the cookie that provides a crispy base.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a rich and creamy caramel-like texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth caramel mixture.

• Brown Sugar: Provides a deep, molasses-like sweetness to the caramel.
• Chopped Peanuts: Introduces a nutty crunch and additional flavor to the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to complement the caramel.

• Milk, Parchment Paper: Support the cooking process and help with cookie preparation.

How to Bake Dandy-Do Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper and create a neat single layer of Ritz crackers across the entire surface.

Step 2: Create Caramel Base

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Butter
• Brown sugar

Heat mixture over medium temperature, stirring continuously for 7-8 minutes to prevent scorching.

Step 3: Enhance Caramel Mixture

• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Chopped peanuts

Whisk ingredients until smooth and continue cooking for 2 additional minutes until mixture reaches desired thickness. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Top Crackers

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to generously spread the warm caramel peanut mixture over each Ritz cracker, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Cool and Package

Let cookies rest on parchment paper until completely cooled. Transfer finished treats to an airtight container for safekeeping and future enjoyment.

Dandy-Do Cookies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet memories of childhood come alive with these dandy-do cookies, blending nostalgic flavors and homemade comfort. Crisp edges, chewy centers, and a delightful blend of ingredients make this recipe a cherished classic you’ll want to share with loved ones.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 sleeves Ritz crackers
• 1 (14 ounces / 396 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup peanuts, roughly chopped

Sweeteners:

• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/3 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and arranging Ritz crackers in a uniform single layer, ensuring no overlap.
2. Create the caramel mixture in a saucepan by combining sweetened condensed milk, butter, and brown sugar over medium heat for 7-8 minutes, continuously stirring to prevent scorching.
3. Lower the heat and incorporate milk, vanilla extract, and chopped peanuts into the caramel, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
4. Continue cooking the mixture on low heat for an additional 2 minutes until it reaches a thick, glossy consistency, then immediately remove from the heat source.
5. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, carefully distribute the warm caramel peanut mixture over each Ritz cracker, ensuring even coverage.
6. Allow the cookies to cool completely at room temperature directly on the parchment-lined baking sheet, which will help the caramel set and solidify.
7. Once fully cooled and set, transfer the cookies to an airtight container, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking, and store at room temperature.

Notes

• Prevent burning by constantly stirring the caramel mixture and maintaining medium heat to ensure even cooking and rich flavor development.
• Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to distribute heat evenly and reduce the risk of scorching the caramel base during preparation.
• For gluten-free option, swap Ritz crackers with gluten-free rice crackers or almond flour-based crisp bases to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Toast chopped peanuts lightly before adding to the caramel for enhanced nutty depth and a more complex flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 184 kcal
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 112 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg