Sweet, chewy, and delightfully nutty, Dandy Do Cookies are a vintage-style treat that brings classic cookie charm to your kitchen. Packed with oats, coconut, and a touch of peanut butter, these easy drop cookies are perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or when you just need a no-fuss dessert that tastes like home.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Old-Fashioned Flavor – Brings back nostalgic, homemade cookie goodness.
Simple to Make – No chilling or complicated techniques.
Perfectly Chewy – With just the right balance of soft and textured.
Pantry-Friendly – Made with ingredients you probably already have.
Customizable – Add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp milk
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Optional: ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each.
Mix in vanilla, milk, and peanut butter until smooth and fully incorporated.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low until just combined.
Step 4: Add Oats, Coconut, and Extras
Stir in the rolled oats and shredded coconut by hand using a spatula.
If using, fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set but still soft.
Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Tips for Best Results
Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensures smoother blending.
Don’t Overbake – These cookies are best when slightly soft in the middle.
Customize It – Swap peanut butter for almond butter, or use unsweetened coconut.
Make Ahead – Dough can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
Freeze for Later – Freeze baked cookies or raw dough balls for quick treats anytime.
Serving Suggestions
With a Glass of Cold Milk – A classic and comforting combo.
Coffee or Tea – The nutty flavor pairs well with warm beverages.
As Ice Cream Sandwiches – Layer with vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies.
Gift Bags – Wrap up a few cookies for sweet, homemade gifts.
How to Store & Reheat
Storing:
Room Temp: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Use wax paper between layers.
Reheating:
Microwave: Warm individual cookies for 8–10 seconds to restore their chewy texture.
Oven: Heat at 300°F for 4–5 minutes if you want to crisp the edges slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why are they called Dandy Do Cookies?
The name reflects their “dandy” taste and “do-it-all” ingredient list—a nod to classic drop cookies made with pantry staples. - Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats. - Can I skip the peanut butter?
You can substitute it with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version. - Do I need to chill the dough?
No chilling is required, but chilling for 30 minutes can help prevent spreading if your kitchen is warm. - Can I use quick oats?
Rolled oats are best for texture, but quick oats can be used in a pinch for a slightly softer cookie.
Final Thoughts
Dandy Do Cookies are the kind of sweet treat that never goes out of style. With a chewy texture, comforting ingredients, and a recipe that’s both flexible and easy, they’re perfect for everything from lunchboxes to bake sales. Make a batch, share a few, and enjoy a bite of old-fashioned cookie joy.
Give them a try and tag your creations online—because these cookies are too good not to share!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Cuisine: American
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 210 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 25g | Fat: 11g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 95mg

Dandy Do Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Description
Sweet, chewy, and delightfully nutty, Dandy Do Cookies are a vintage-style treat that brings classic cookie charm to your kitchen. Packed with oats, coconut, and a touch of peanut butter, these easy drop cookies are perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or when you just need a no-fuss dessert that tastes like home.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.
Ingredients
-
1 cup brown sugar, packed
-
½ cup granulated sugar
-
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
2 large eggs
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
1 tbsp milk
-
½ cup creamy peanut butter
-
1½ cups all-purpose flour
-
1 tsp baking soda
-
½ tsp salt
-
2 cups rolled oats
-
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
-
Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
-
Optional: ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each.
Mix in vanilla, milk, and peanut butter until smooth and fully incorporated.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low until just combined.
Step 4: Add Oats, Coconut, and Extras
Stir in the rolled oats and shredded coconut by hand using a spatula.
If using, fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set but still soft.
Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Notes
Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensures smoother blending.
Don’t Overbake – These cookies are best when slightly soft in the middle.
Customize It – Swap peanut butter for almond butter, or use unsweetened coconut.
Make Ahead – Dough can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
Freeze for Later – Freeze baked cookies or raw dough balls for quick treats anytime.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Cuisine: American