Sweet, chewy, and packed with old-fashioned flavor, Dandy Do Cookies are a delightful blend of oats, coconut, peanut butter, and brown sugar—making them the perfect anytime treat. Whether you’re baking for a lunchbox surprise, a church bake sale, or a late-night snack, these cookies are fast, easy, and deliciously nostalgic.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Vintage-Style Flavor – A classic cookie made from pantry staples.
Perfect Texture – Soft, chewy centers with crisp, golden edges.
No Chill Time – Just mix, scoop, and bake.
Crowd-Pleaser – Loved by kids and adults alike.
Flexible Add-Ins – Customize with chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 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 sweetened shredded coconut
- Optional: ½ cup mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone mats
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla, milk, and peanut butter. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined.
Step 4: Add the Mix-Ins
Stir in rolled oats and coconut using a rubber spatula.
Fold in any optional add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden and centers are just set.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Best Results
Use Fresh Oats – Old oats can lead to dry cookies.
Don’t Overbake – They should look slightly underdone when you remove them.
Soften Butter Properly – Not melted, just soft enough to leave a finger dent.
Switch It Up – Try almond butter or cashew butter for a twist.
Batch Bake – Double the recipe and freeze half the dough for later.
Serving Suggestions
Glass of Milk – A timeless pairing.
Coffee or Tea – These cookies make a great afternoon pick-me-up.
Dessert Platter – Add to a variety plate of bars and brownies.
Ice Cream Sandwiches – Press vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a cool treat.
Gift Jars – Pack them in cellophane or mason jars for heartfelt gifts.
How to Store & Freeze
Storing:
Room Temp: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate: Keeps well for 1 week if stored properly.
Freezing:
Freeze dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Freeze baked cookies in layers with parchment between them for easy grab-and-go snacks.
Reheating:
Microwave: Warm a cookie for 8–10 seconds to restore chewiness.
Oven: Reheat on a baking sheet at 300°F for 3–5 minutes for crispy edges.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture will be a bit softer and less chewy. - Are these cookies nut-free?
The classic recipe includes peanut butter, but you can use sunflower seed butter or leave it out entirely with minor texture changes. - Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, reduce by ¼ cup each of the sugars for a slightly less sweet version. - Is the coconut necessary?
It adds chewiness, but you can leave it out or replace it with extra oats or crushed cornflakes. - Can I make these vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based butter, a flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water), and a dairy-free milk.
Final Thoughts
Dandy Do Cookies are a down-home classic that proves simple ingredients can make truly spectacular cookies. With their chewy texture, rich flavor, and endless add-in possibilities, they’re a treat you’ll want to bake again and again.
Whip up a batch today and enjoy a taste of timeless cookie joy. Don’t forget to share your cookie creations online!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Cuisine: American
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie):
Calories: 210 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 24g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 100mg

Dandy Do Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Description
Sweet, chewy, and packed with old-fashioned flavor, Dandy Do Cookies are a delightful blend of oats, coconut, peanut butter, and brown sugar—making them the perfect anytime treat. Whether you’re baking for a lunchbox surprise, a church bake sale, or a late-night snack, these cookies are fast, easy, and deliciously nostalgic.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.
Ingredients
-
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
1 cup brown sugar, packed
-
½ cup granulated sugar
-
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 sweetened shredded coconut
-
Optional: ½ cup mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla, milk, and peanut butter. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined.
Step 4: Add the Mix-Ins
Stir in rolled oats and coconut using a rubber spatula.
Fold in any optional add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden and centers are just set.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Use Fresh Oats – Old oats can lead to dry cookies.
Don’t Overbake – They should look slightly underdone when you remove them.
Soften Butter Properly – Not melted, just soft enough to leave a finger dent.
Switch It Up – Try almond butter or cashew butter for a twist.
Batch Bake – Double the recipe and freeze half the dough for later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Cuisine: American