Description

Dandy-Do Cookies are classic homemade treats featuring a rich buttery base combined with the warm flavors of cinnamon and vanilla. These chewy cookies are studded with finely chopped nuts and optional raisins or chocolate chips, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Ideal for dessert or a delightful snack, this recipe yields soft, golden-edged cookies that are easy to make and perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help provide a tender crumb.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon if using, to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
Incorporate Nuts and Add-ins: Fold in the finely chopped nuts and raisins or chocolate chips if desired to add texture and variety.
Scoop Dough: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn lightly golden while the centers remain soft for a chewy texture.
Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set properly.

Notes

You can substitute other dried fruits such as cranberries or chopped dates in place of raisins for flavor variation.
For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them by reducing the baking time by 1-2 minutes.
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to one week.