How to Bake Classic Dandy Do Cookies
Classic Dandy Do Cookies are a delightful, old-fashioned treat that combines a rich, buttery cookie base with a sweet jam filling. These cookies, with their crisp edges and soft centers, evoke a sense of nostalgia and are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or sharing them at a family gathering, Dandy Do Cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
The recipe for Classic Dandy Do Cookies has been a cherished secret in our family for generations. My grandmother used to bake these cookies for every special occasion, and the sweet aroma would fill the house, making our mouths water in anticipation. She always said that the secret ingredient was love, and as a child, I believed it. Now, I bake these cookies with my children, passing down the tradition and creating new memories. Each batch brings us closer, and every bite is a sweet reminder of our family’s history.
Why You’ll Love Classic Dandy Do Cookies
- Buttery Goodness: The rich, buttery dough makes these cookies irresistibly delicious.
- Sweet Jam Filling: The dollop of jam in the center adds a burst of sweetness and color.
- Crisp and Soft: Perfectly balanced with crisp edges and soft centers.
- Timeless Tradition: These cookies are a nostalgic treat that bring back fond memories and create new ones.
Ingredients Notes For Classic Dandy Do Cookies
- Butter: Unsalted butter gives the dough a rich, creamy flavor.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar for the dough and a touch of powdered sugar for dusting.
- Eggs: Help bind the dough and add richness.
- Jam: Your choice of fruit jam or preserves for the filling. Raspberry, strawberry, and apricot are classic choices.
Recipe Steps
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Shape Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Create Indentations: Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Fill with Jam: Spoon a small amount of jam into each indentation.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Dust: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Storage Options
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze unfilled dough balls or baked cookies for up to three months. Thaw before filling with jam and serving.
Variations & Substitutions
- Different Fillings: Try using lemon curd, chocolate spread, or nut butter for a different twist.
- Nutty Addition: Add finely chopped nuts to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use homemade jam for the filling?
A: Absolutely! Homemade jam will add an extra special touch to these cookies.
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Q: How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
A: Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking and avoid overmixing the dough.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to two days before baking. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
How to Bake Classic Dandy Do Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 cup chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Mix in Oats and Add-Ins: Stir in the rolled oats, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and chocolate chips (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Be careful not to overbake.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
