Dandy Do Cookies
Nov 19, 2025
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Dandy Do Cookies, or Ritz Cracker Cookies, are an old fashioned treat that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious. Buttery crackers are topped with a praline like mixture that gives them a great sweet and salty bite. Once you try one, it’s hard to resist going back for more.
I’m all about a simple, no bake treat to make for the holidays, or any day for that matter. These dandy do cookies check all the boxes, no bake, sweet, salty, and so delicious. You can make them on the stove top with some simple ingredients.
I first tried these cracker cookies at a friends house years ago. They remind me of pralines but with the addition of a crispy, buttery cracker.
These make a great bite to have out at parties and gatherings. They are also perfect for gifting wrapped up in a bag or pretty tin. My friends and family can’t get enough of these little sweet treats.
Need more easy treats, be sure to try pecan pie bark, chocolate coconut cream balls, and gumdrop nougat candy.
Top Reasons to Make This Treat
- No baking required. This recipe is a simple stove top treat that can be prepared in minutes.
- Sweet and salty. It’s hard to resist this combination of this sweet and salty treat.
- Vintage recipe. These taste like they came right out of an old cookbook your Grandma might have had on her shelf.
- Minimal ingredients. You can whip these up with ingredients you might already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients
You can make these dandy do cookies with some simple ingredients.
- Ritz crackers: These buttery crackers are the perfect base for this recipe.
- Pecans: Pecans add a nice crunch.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This acts as the binder for the topping and also helps to thicken it up. You will use one can.
- Butter: I like to use unsalted butter for this recipe. Butter helps to create the smooth, silky caramel mixture.
- Light brown sugar: Brown sugar give the mixture the delicious sweet, molasses flavor.
- Half and half: Just a little bit helps to smooth out the mixture.
- Vanilla: Used to enhance the flavor with a warmth and sweetness.
How to Make Dandy Do Cookies
Scroll to the bottom for the full ingredients and instructions to make these Ritz cracker cookies.
Step one: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place Ritz crackers on the baking sheet.
Step two: Place the butter, brown sugar, and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over medium low heat. Make sure to keep stirring until it starts to come to a low boil. Keep stirring for 8 minutes.
Step three: Remove the saucepan from the heat and pour in the vanilla extract, half and half, and pecans.
Step four: Return the saucepan to low heat. Stir another 2-3 minutes.
Step five: Spoon the mixture on top of the Ritz crackers. Let the completely cool before serving.
Heather’s Recipe Tips
- Cook the topping medium to medium low heat. You have to be careful not to burn the mixture.
- Make sure to keep stirring. You need to stir the mixture constantly so it doesn’t burn.
- Use parchment paper or wax paper for easy cleanup. It also helps to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Let them cool. Make sure to let the cookies completely cool before eating. The topping becomes chewy and delicious. If you are in a hurry you can pop them in the refrigerator to speed up the setting process.
Variations and Substitutions
There are so many ways to make these dandy do cookies your own. Here are a few suggestions:
- Nuts: Change up the nuts. You can use peanuts, walnuts, cashews, or even chopped almonds.
- Crackers: You can substitute the Ritz crackers with Saltines or Club crackers.
- Coconut: Mix in 1/2 cup sweetened, shredded coconut.
- Top with sprinkles. Add a little color with some sprinkles.
- Add a cracker: Top the fudge mixture with another cracker to make a sandwich.
- Coat in chocolate: Once the cookies have cooled, dip in melted chocolate or white chocolate.
Storage Instructions
If you have any leftover cookies, store them in an airtight container or bag. They will last about 4 days at room temperature.
You can also freeze these dandy do cookies. Place them on a baking pan in the freezer for about an hour. Package them in a freezer safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months.
More Easy Sweet Treats
Dandy Do Cookies
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 (14 ounce can) sweetened condensed milk
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons half and half (you can substitute with milk or cream)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 28 Ritz crackers
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Place the Ritz crackers on the baking sheet.
- Place the butter, sweetened condensed milk, and brown sugar in a medium saucepan. Cook the mixture over medium-low heat while continuously stirring.
- Let the mixture comes to a slow boil for about 8 minutes. The mixture will thicken.
- Turn the heat to low and stir in the vanilla extract, half and half, and pecans. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, add the mixture to the top of each cracker.
- Let them fully cool and set before serving.
Notes
- Cook the topping medium to medium low heat. You have to be careful not to burn the mixture.
- Make sure to keep stirring. You need to stir the mixture constantly so it doesn’t burn.
- Use parchment paper or wax paper for easy cleanup. It also helps to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Let them cool. Make sure to let the cookies completely cool before eating. The topping becomes chewy and delicious. If you are in a hurry you can pop them in the refrigerator to speed up the setting process.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
