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
Scale
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
