Dandy-Do Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Dandy-Do Cookies are a delightful treat combining the buttery crunch of Ritz crackers with a rich, caramel-like topping made from sweetened condensed milk and peanuts. These no-bake cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2-3 sleeves Ritz crackers
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup peanuts, roughly chopped
- 1-2 sleeves Ritz crackers (for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and arrange Ritz crackers in a single layer.
- Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, butter, and brown sugar. Cook over medium heat for 7-8 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to low and whisk in milk, vanilla, and chopped peanuts until the mixture is smooth. Continue cooking for 2 more minutes, or until the mixture thickens, then remove from heat.
- Step 4: Use a cookie scoop to evenly top each cracker with the caramel mixture.
- Step 5: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the parchment paper before transferring them to an airtight container.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, toast the peanuts lightly before adding them to the caramel mixture.
- You can substitute peanuts with chopped pecans or walnuts for a different nutty taste.
- Use salted peanuts if you prefer a sweet and salty contrast in the cookies.
- If you want a firmer topping, chill the cookies in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
Storage
Store Dandy-Do Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you prefer a firmer texture, keep them refrigerated and bring to room temperature before serving. These cookies do not require reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cracker?
Yes, other buttery or slightly salty crackers can work well, but Ritz crackers provide the classic flavor and texture that complements the caramel topping.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the cookies a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just be sure they are fully cooled before storing to prevent sogginess.
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Dandy-Do Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 dozen cookies depending on the number of crackers used 1x
Description
Dandy-Do Cookies are a nostalgic treat featuring a crispy Ritz cracker base topped with a rich, homemade caramel and peanut mixture. These no-bake delightfully sweet and salty cookies combine buttery caramel with crunchy peanuts on a buttery cracker, perfect for parties or an easy homemade dessert.
Ingredients
Base
- 2–3 sleeves Ritz crackers
Caramel Topping
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peanuts, roughly chopped
- 1–2 sleeves Ritz crackers (additional for topping as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and arrange 2-3 sleeves of Ritz crackers in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. This will serve as the base for the cookies.
- Cook caramel mixture: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and brown sugar. Cook while stirring frequently for about 7-8 minutes, until the mixture is glossy and starting to thicken.
- Add remaining ingredients: Reduce heat to low, then whisk in the milk, vanilla extract, and roughly chopped peanuts until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes until it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, then remove the pan from heat.
- Top crackers: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, evenly distribute dollops of the caramel-peanut mixture on top of each Ritz cracker on the parchment-lined cookie sheet.
- Cool and store: Let the cookies cool completely at room temperature to allow the caramel to set properly. Once fully cooled, transfer to an airtight container for storage to maintain freshness.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of peanuts based on preference or substitute with other nuts like chopped almonds or pecans.
- Make sure to stir the caramel mixture constantly to prevent burning or sticking.
- Allowing the cookies to cool fully is crucial for the topping to harden slightly and hold its shape.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate to extend shelf life.
- Using parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Dandy-Do Cookies, Ritz cracker cookies, caramel cookies, no-bake cookies, sweet and salty snack, peanut caramel cookies
