Dandy-Do Cookies: A Playful Twist on Classic Cookie Recipe

My grandma’s secret dandy-do cookies recipe carries memories sweeter than sugar.

Whispers of childhood burst through every crisp, golden bite.

Family gatherings always centered around her magical baking skills.

Childhood nostalgia dances across taste buds with each delectable morsel.

Delightful crumbs tell stories of love baked into every ingredient.

Memories mesh perfectly with unexpected flavor combinations that surprise and comfort.

These cookies promise a journey through generations of culinary passion.

Let you dive right into creating magic that connects past and present.

Dandy-Do Cookies Fun To Make And Eat

• Conquer Quick Dessert: Effortless preparation makes these Dandy-do Cookies a breeze for home bakers of all skill levels.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Using just a few pantry staples like crackers, condensed milk, and peanuts ensures you can whip up this treat without a special grocery run.
• Sweet Time-Saver: Total recipe time clocks in under 30 minutes, perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings or last-minute dessert needs.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Simple assembly and delightful caramel-peanut flavor guarantee kids and adults will love diving into these irresistible cookies.

Cookie Dough in Dandy-do Cookies

• Graham Crackers: Sturdy foundation for the cookie that provides a crisp, sweet base.
• Saltine Crackers: Alternative base with a subtle salty undertone, good for contrasting flavors.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Rich, creamy base that creates a smooth caramel texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, glossy caramel sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel flavor and helps thicken the mixture.

• Milk: Helps adjust the caramel consistency and adds a creamy note.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, sweet depth to the caramel flavor.
• Peanuts: Adds crunch and nutty flavor, optional for those who enjoy texture and nuttiness.

Directions To Make Dandy-Do Cookies Soft And Golden

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Create a neat, single layer of crackers across the surface, ensuring they do not overlap.

Step 2: Craft Caramel Base

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Butter
• Brown sugar

Cook these ingredients over medium heat, stirring consistently for 7-8 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Enhance Caramel Mixture

Lower the heat to low.

• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Chopped peanuts

Continue stirring until the mixture transforms into a thick, creamy consistency.

This should take approximately 2 minutes.

Remove from heat once thickened.

Step 4: Create Cookie Clusters

Use a cookie scoop to generously dollop the caramel mixture over each cracker.

Ensure each cracker receives an even coating of the delectable mixture.

Step 5: Allow Cooling and Store

Let the cookies rest and cool completely at room temperature.

Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container.

These delightful treats will stay fresh and delicious for several days.

Cookie Tips For Dandy-Do Delight

• Use high-quality parchment paper for easy cookie removal and even baking.
• Stir continuously while cooking to prevent burning and ensure smooth, rich texture.
• Swap peanuts with almonds, pecans, or walnuts for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
• Refrigerate cookies for 15-20 minutes to help caramel set quickly and maintain a firm consistency.
• Keep cookies in a cool, dry place and separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.

Dandy-do Cookies Stay Chewy When Properly Sealed

• Store Dandy-do cookies in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining their delicious caramel texture.
• Place cookies in a sealed container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, lasting 2-3 days at room temperature.
• Warm cookies gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to restore their soft, creamy consistency.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 weeks, thawing at room temperature before enjoying.

Sweet Picks For Dandy-Do Cookies

• Boost Flavor Harmony: Perfectly Paired Companions
• Savor Sweet Tea Complement: Brew a chilled, lightly sweetened southern-style tea to balance the rich, nutty caramel cookie's intense sweetness.
• Elevate Dessert Experience: Serve alongside creamy vanilla bean ice cream, which will create a luxurious contrast with the cookie's buttery, crunchy texture.
• Enhance Nutty Undertones: Pour a small glass of smooth bourbon or aged whiskey, letting its warm, oak-aged notes harmonize with the peanut and caramel flavors.
• Create Gourmet Moment: Offer a small portion of dark chocolate with sea salt, which will enhance the cookie's caramel depth and provide a sophisticated palate cleanser.

Nostalgic Cookie Alternatives

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace traditional crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or rice crackers. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk. Use plant-based butter or margarine. Substitute peanuts with chopped almonds or sunflower seeds for nut-free option.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use sugar-free condensed milk and replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener. Choose whole wheat crackers for added fiber and reduced sugar content.
• Chocolate Lover's Option: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the caramel-coated crackers. Sprinkle sea salt or crushed pecans on top for extra flavor complexity.

FAQs

• What are Dandy-do Cookies?

A sweet treat made with crackers, caramel, peanuts, and condensed milk that creates a delicious homemade cookie with a rich, creamy texture.

• Do I need special equipment to make these cookies?

No, you only need a small saucepan, cookie sheet, parchment paper, and a basic cookie scoop or spoon to create these simple cookies.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have exactly what the recipe calls for?

Yes, you can use alternative nuts like almonds or pecans instead of peanuts, and you can swap brown sugar with white sugar if needed. However, try to stick close to the original ingredients for best results.

• How long will these cookies stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, Dandy-do Cookies will remain fresh for about 5-7 days, maintaining their delicious caramel and peanut flavor.

Dandy-do Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

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

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Description

Sweet memories of childhood blend seamlessly with Dandy-Do Cookies, offering nostalgic comfort in each delightful bite. Crisp edges, tender centers, and rich vanilla notes promise a simple yet irresistible treat you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 sleeves Ritz crackers
• 1 cup peanuts, roughly chopped

Binding Ingredients:

• 1 (14 ounces/396 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

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Instructions

1. Arrange graham crackers in a uniform layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring no overlap and complete coverage of the surface.
2. Craft a rich caramel sauce by combining sweetened condensed milk, butter, and brown sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, stirring continuously over medium heat until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly golden.
3. Lower the cooking temperature and incorporate milk, vanilla extract, and chopped peanuts into the caramel base, gently whisking to create a homogeneous mixture with a glossy consistency.
4. Using a precise kitchen tool, dollop the warm caramel-peanut mixture onto each graham cracker, ensuring an even distribution that covers approximately 80% of the cracker’s surface.
5. Allow the cookies to rest at room temperature until the caramel sets completely and becomes slightly firm to the touch, preventing any sticky residue.
6. Transfer the finished confections to an airtight storage container, layering with parchment paper between rows to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.

Notes

• Enhance cracker stability by selecting thick, sturdy crackers that won’t crumble under the caramel’s weight.
• Watch caramel mixture closely during cooking to prevent burning, stirring constantly and maintaining medium heat for even consistency.
• Experiment with different nut variations like almonds or pecans to customize flavor profiles and add interesting texture contrasts.
• Consider dietary modifications by using dairy-free butter alternatives and plant-based condensed milk for gluten-free and vegan adaptations.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg