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
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
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and arranging Ritz crackers in a uniform single layer, ensuring no overlap.
- 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.
- Lower the heat and incorporate milk, vanilla extract, and chopped peanuts into the caramel, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
- 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.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, carefully distribute the warm caramel peanut mixture over each Ritz cracker, ensuring even coverage.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely at room temperature directly on the parchment-lined baking sheet, which will help the caramel set and solidify.
- 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