These Christmas at the Ritz Cookies are a delightful mix of sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors. The buttery dough paired with the iconic Ritz cracker creates a surprising texture that melts in your mouth. Topped with a drizzle of smooth, rich chocolate, these cookies become an irresistible holiday treat.
Perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or simply enjoying during a cozy afternoon, these cookies bring joy with every bite. Whether you’re baking with loved ones or looking for a quick, yet impressive treat to serve, these cookies are sure to be the highlight of any festive spread.
Full Recipe:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 24 Ritz crackers
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Stir in the chopped nuts if desired.
- Place a Ritz cracker on a flat surface, then roll a teaspoon of dough into a ball and place it on top of the cracker. Flatten slightly with your fingers. Top with another Ritz cracker.
- Repeat with the remaining crackers and dough, placing the assembled cookies on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are golden around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Once cooled, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler and drizzle over the cooled cookies.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 150 kcal per serving | Servings: 24 cookies
Ritz Cracker Cookies: A Simple, No-Bake Holiday Treat
Ritz Cracker Cookies are the perfect treat when you’re looking for something quick, easy, and delicious for any occasion. This no-bake recipe has gained popularity for its ease of preparation and the delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. Made with just three simple ingredients—Ritz crackers, peanut butter, and vanilla candy coating—these cookies are versatile enough to be customized for any holiday or special event. Whether you’re preparing for a Christmas party, a birthday, or a family gathering, these treats are sure to impress.
The Appeal of Ritz Cracker Cookies
What makes Ritz Cracker Cookies so special? First, the simplicity of the ingredients. With just three elements, anyone can create these cookies in no time, whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner. The combination of the buttery, salty crackers with the creamy peanut butter filling and sweet vanilla candy coating creates an irresistible flavor profile that is both comforting and festive.
One of the best features of this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily modify it to suit different tastes and occasions. For example, the peanut butter filling can be replaced with Nutella, almond butter, or even marshmallow fluff, making it a perfect option for those with dietary preferences or allergies. Additionally, the candy coating can be swapped for various types of chocolate, offering endless possibilities for flavor combinations.
The Story Behind Ritz Cracker Cookies
This treat isn’t just an easy dessert—it’s a holiday tradition for many families. Laura Ashley, the creator of this recipe, mentions how she makes these cookies every year as part of her Christmas goodie bag menu, sending them to loved ones across the country. The cookies have become a cherished part of her family’s holiday celebrations, and they have similarly earned a spot in many other cookie exchanges and holiday trays.
The no-bake nature of the recipe makes it particularly popular during the busy holiday season. It eliminates the need for an oven, which is especially helpful when you’re juggling multiple dishes at once. Additionally, the cookies can be made in advance and stored for several days, making them convenient for parties and gatherings.
How to Make Ritz Cracker Cookies
Making Ritz Cracker Cookies involves a few simple steps. Start by spreading peanut butter between two Ritz crackers, ensuring the salted sides of the crackers are facing outward. The peanut butter provides the creamy texture that contrasts perfectly with the crunch of the crackers. Once all the crackers are filled, dip them into melted vanilla candy coating or white chocolate. After the cookies are coated, place them on parchment or wax paper to set.
For a festive touch, you can drizzle the cookies with colored candy coating or chocolate. Red and green sprinkles can also be added for a holiday look, while crushed peppermint or other toppings can make the cookies even more special. Once the coating hardens, the cookies are ready to be served or stored for later.
Customizing Your Ritz Cracker Cookies
One of the most fun aspects of Ritz Cracker Cookies is their versatility. You can switch up the fillings and coatings to suit different tastes or occasions. Here are a few ideas for customizing your cookies:
1. Filling Variations
- Nut Butters: Instead of peanut butter, try almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a unique flavor.
- Fluffernutter: Combine peanut butter with marshmallow fluff for a creamy, sweet filling that children will love.
- Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: Nutella or another chocolate hazelnut spread is an excellent choice for a rich, indulgent twist on the classic.
2. Chocolate Coating Options
- Dark Chocolate: For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate instead of the traditional white candy coating.
- Milk Chocolate: If you prefer a sweeter coating, milk chocolate works beautifully.
- Combination of Coatings: For a more complex flavor, combine milk chocolate and white chocolate for a marbled effect.
3. Toppings and Decorations
- Sprinkles: Add festive sprinkles to make the cookies colorful and fun.
- Crushed Peppermint: Peppermint adds a holiday touch that pairs well with the sweetness of the candy coating.
- Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt can enhance the contrast between the sweet and salty elements of the cookies.
Storage and Shelf Life
Ritz Cracker Cookies are incredibly easy to store, making them a convenient treat to prepare ahead of time. Once they are set and hardened, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 weeks, though they may disappear much sooner due to their irresistible taste.
For longer storage, these cookies can be frozen. Place them in an airtight container with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. When ready to serve, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. Freezing them helps preserve their freshness, making it easy to prepare a batch in advance for an upcoming event.
Healthier Alternatives
While Ritz Cracker Cookies are undoubtedly a delicious treat, you might want to offer a healthier alternative for guests with dietary concerns. Here are some suggestions:
1. Gluten-Free Version
- Use gluten-free Ritz crackers or another gluten-free cracker of your choice. Be sure to check the ingredients in your candy coating to ensure it’s also gluten-free.
2. Low-Sugar or Sugar-Free Options
- If you want to reduce the sugar content, look for sugar-free candy coatings or make your own chocolate coating with low-sugar or unsweetened chocolate.
3. Nut-Free Version
- For those with nut allergies, use sunflower seed butter or another nut-free spread in place of peanut butter. Make sure to check the candy coating for any traces of nuts as well.
Conclusion
Ritz Cracker Cookies are the epitome of a simple yet indulgent treat that appeals to all ages. The combination of crunchy crackers, creamy peanut butter, and sweet candy coating is a timeless favorite that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a party, or simply as an everyday snack, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Plus, their versatility makes them perfect for customizing to fit any occasion.
Their no-bake nature, ease of storage, and ability to be made in advance make these cookies a practical choice for busy bakers. Whether you’re preparing a holiday tray or sending a sweet gift to loved ones, Ritz Cracker Cookies are the kind of recipe you’ll want to return to time and again. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and decorations, and share these simple yet delightful treats with your family and friends.