If you’re looking for a simple, show-stopping treat to whip up in no time, you’re going to adore this Ritz Cracker Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies strike the perfect balance between salty, sweet, and crunchy, plus they’re so easy to make that even last-minute guests will be impressed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can have these cookies ready in about 20 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute cravings or holiday baking marathons.
- Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples like Ritz crackers and peanut butter means no complicated shopping trips.
- Perfect Flavor Combo: The salty crunch of Ritz crackers pairs so nicely with creamy peanut butter and sweet white chocolate.
- Customizable: Easy to switch up with chocolate types or sprinkle toppings to match your mood or occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Ritz Cracker Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies Recipe happens because of the simplicity and harmony of its ingredients—you might even find yourself grabbing extra Ritz just to snack on! Here’s what you’ll want on hand:
- Ritz Crackers: The salty, buttery crunch is a cookie game-changer; use fresh, sturdy crackers for the best texture.
- White Chocolate Melting Wafers: These melt smoothly, giving a glossy finish and that sweet white chocolate hug for each cookie.
- Coconut Oil (optional): Adds extra shine and helps thin the chocolate a bit if your melting wafers feel thick.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Go for your fave nut butter, but creamy works best to spread easily and stick the crackers together.
- Festive Holiday Sprinkles: For the fun factor—adds color and crunch, especially around the holidays.
- Flaky Sea Salt: Just a pinch on top lifts the sweetness and complements the peanut butter perfectly.
Variations
Personally, I love mixing things up depending on the season or what I’m craving. You can easily tweak this Ritz Cracker Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies Recipe to suit your style—have fun with it!
- Dark Chocolate Version: I once swapped in dark chocolate melting wafers for a richer, less sweet finish. It gave the cookies a grown-up twist that my friends adored.
- Nut Butter Swap: Tried almond or cashew butter for a new flavor dimension—just make sure they’re creamy for easy spreading.
- Sprinkle-Free: You can skip the sprinkles and add chopped roasted peanuts or a drizzle of caramel instead for a fancy touch.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crackers, and you’ll have an allergy-friendly version that keeps all the yum factor.
How to Make Ritz Cracker Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Cookie Base
Start by lining a cookie sheet with parchment paper to keep things tidy. Lay out one sleeve of Ritz crackers flat side up—you’ll want an even layer to build your peanut butter sandwiches.
Step 2: Spread Generous Peanut Butter
Next, slather about 2 teaspoons of creamy peanut butter on each cracker. I don’t usually measure exactly; I just make sure there’s a nice thick layer so every bite has that smooth, nutty richness.
Step 3: Sandwich and Get Ready to Dip
Carefully place another Ritz cracker on top of each peanut butter-coated one, rounded side facing up to keep that classic Ritz shape. These little sandwiches are the base for our magic coating.
Step 4: Melt the White Chocolate
Pop the white chocolate melting wafers into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute, then stir; repeat in 30-second bursts until completely smooth. Adding a tablespoon or two of coconut oil can help make the chocolate silky, but it’s optional if your wafers melt well.
Step 5: Dunk, Decorate, and Chill
Using a fork, dip each peanut butter Ritz sandwich into the melted white chocolate, ensuring it’s coated fully. Tap off the excess chocolate and place back on parchment paper. Drizzle any leftover chocolate over them for that extra pretty touch, then sprinkle festive sprinkles and flaky sea salt right while the chocolate’s still wet. Let these set until firm—usually 20-30 minutes at room temp or faster in the fridge.
Pro Tips for Making Ritz Cracker Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Peanut Butter: It spreads so much easier and prevents the crackers from breaking when making sandwiches.
- Don’t Rush the Chocolate Melting: Low heat and stirring keep the chocolate smooth and glossy without burning or seizing.
- Tap Off Excess Chocolate: This avoids clumpy pools on the parchment and gives you that neat, even coating everyone will admire.
- Add Sea Salt After Dipping: Sprinkle right when the chocolate is still wet for the best adhesion and flavor contrast.
How to Serve Ritz Cracker Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For me, those holiday sprinkles aren’t just for looks—they add a little crunchy burst and cheer to every bite. But I also love flipping it and trying a dusting of cocoa powder or a few chopped roasted peanuts instead. The flaky sea salt is my non-negotiable—it’s what makes this cookie unforgettable!
Side Dishes
These cookies go beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea. I’ve also served them alongside fruit platters at parties for a sweet-and-savory combo that people rave about.
Creative Ways to Present
When I’m hosting a holiday gathering, I like to arrange these cookies on a festive platter lined with colorful parchment or do a layered cookie tower for a whimsical centerpiece that guests can’t stop nibbling on.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your cookies are set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. I’ve found they stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, making them perfect for prepping ahead or sharing over several days.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch, these freeze beautifully. I place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking, and they keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To refresh the cookies after freezing, I give them about 10 minutes at room temp or a quick 5-second zap in the microwave to soften the chocolate slightly—just enough to bring back that perfect melt-in-your-mouth feel.
FAQs
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Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of melting wafers?
While you can use regular chocolate chips, they often don’t melt as smoothly or hold their shape as nicely as melting wafers. If you do use them, add a bit of coconut oil to help with consistency.
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Can I substitute almond or cashew butter for peanut butter?
Absolutely! Creamy almond or cashew butter works well and adds a different flavor angle. Just make sure it’s smooth so it spreads evenly between crackers.
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How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about a week. Beyond that, they’re still tasty but may lose some crispness.
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Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the Ritz crackers for your favorite gluten-free brand, and the rest of the recipe stays the same.
Final Thoughts
This Ritz Cracker Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies Recipe quickly became a staple in my kitchen because it hits all the right notes—easy prep, crowd-pleasing flavors, and that perfect crunchy-chewy combo. Honestly, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making these for every holiday, potluck, or cozy night in. Trust me, your family and friends will go crazy over how simple yet delicious these are. So grab those Ritz crackers and get ready to make magic happen—you’re going to love every bite!
Print
Ritz Cracker Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies are a delightful and easy-to-make holiday treat featuring sandwich crackers coated in smooth white chocolate, topped with festive sprinkles and a hint of flaky sea salt. These no-bake cookies combine crunchy crackers with creamy peanut butter and sweet white chocolate for a perfect balance of flavors and textures, perfect for holiday gatherings and gifting.
Ingredients
Cracker Sandwiches
- 2 sleeves Ritz Crackers, approximately 60 crackers
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (or nut butter of choice)
Coating & Toppings
- 20 oz. Ghirardelli white chocolate melting wafers
- 1-2 Tbsp coconut oil (optional, to help with melting)
- 1/4 cup festive holiday sprinkles
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing
Instructions
- Prepare the crackers: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and lay out 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers with the flat side facing up.
- Assemble the sandwich cookies: Spread about 2 teaspoons of peanut butter on each cracker, ensuring a thick layer. Then, carefully place another cracker on top with the rounded side up, forming a sandwich. Repeat for all crackers.
- Melt the white chocolate: Place the white chocolate melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute, stir, then heat for another minute and stir again until smooth and melted. Optionally, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil to help with melting and coating consistency.
- Coat the cookies: Using a fork, dunk each sandwich cookie into the melted white chocolate to fully coat it. Tap off any excess chocolate and set the cookie back on the parchment paper. Drizzle any remaining melted chocolate over the cookies for extra decoration.
- Add toppings and set: Immediately sprinkle the coated cookies with festive holiday sprinkles and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Allow the chocolate to set completely at room temperature before serving or storing.
Notes
- You can substitute dark chocolate melting wafers instead of white chocolate for a different flavor.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
