Buttery, crunchy, and sweetly nutty, Dandy-Do Cookies are the no-bake treat you didn’t know you needed. These bite-sized delights blend caramelized richness with just the right touch of salty crunch.
Ready in minutes with pantry staples, these cookies deliver nostalgia and comfort with every bite. They’re a foolproof favorite for potlucks, parties, or a cozy night in.
What Makes Dandy-Do Cookies So Irresistible
- Sweetened condensed milk – The heart of the caramel base, lending rich sweetness and creaminess that binds every flavor together.
- Butter – Adds silky texture and deepens the caramel flavor with buttery richness.
- Brown sugar – Introduces a molasses warmth that enhances the toffee-like character of the cookies.
- Peanuts – Roughly chopped for crunch and nutty balance, they bring texture and a salty contrast to the sweetness.
- Ritz crackers – The unsung hero; these provide a salty, flaky base that holds up to the caramel topping and adds a savory snap.
Quick & Sweet: Making Dandy-Do Cookies
Start by lining your cookie sheet with Ritz crackers in a single layer. As they wait, create the luscious caramel by simmering sweetened condensed milk, butter, and brown sugar until golden and smooth.
Once thickened, stir in the milk, vanilla, and chopped peanuts for a creamy, nut-studded topping. Use a cookie scoop to crown each cracker with a dollop of the warm mixture. Let them cool completely to firm up before serving.
Tips, Twists & Treat Ideas
For an added touch, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before the caramel sets—it intensifies the sweet-and-salty profile beautifully. Feeling festive? Swap peanuts for chopped pecans or add a drizzle of melted chocolate once the cookies cool.
These cookies also make a fantastic edible gift. Just tuck them into parchment-lined tins or cellophane bags with ribbon, and you have a homemade treasure ready to share.
Sweet Storage: Keeping Your Dandy-Do Cookies Fresh
To keep your cookies perfectly chewy and crisp, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them—just let them sit at room temp for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture. They’re not ideal for freezing, as the crackers may lose their satisfying crunch.
Ready to treat yourself to a bite of buttery, peanutty joy? Scroll to the full recipe card below and whip up a batch of Dandy-Do Cookies today.
Dandy-Do Cookies
Ingredients
- 1-2 sleeves of Ritz crackers
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 cup roughly chopped peanuts
- 1 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and evenly distribute the Ritz crackers in a single layer across its surface.
- Place the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, and butter into a small saucepan set over medium heat. Stir the mixture regularly as it cooks for 7 to 8 minutes, ensuring it does not burn.
- Once the mixture begins to thicken, reduce the heat to low and incorporate the milk, vanilla extract, and chopped peanuts, whisking until the mixture is smooth. Continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes or until the consistency becomes rich and thick.
- Remove the pan from heat and, using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop portions of the caramel-peanut mixture onto each cracker.
- Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container for storage.
