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The holiday season is all about creating memories, and what better way to do so than with a delightful recipe that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy? Enter Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies, a sweet-and-salty masterpiece that brings people together. These cookies are perfect for those cozy December nights when you want something quick but festive to snack on or share with loved ones.
What makes this recipe so special? It’s simple enough for beginners, requires no baking, and can be customized to match any holiday theme. Imagine the crunch of buttery Ritz crackers, the creaminess of peanut butter, and the rich coating of smooth chocolate—all topped with colorful sprinkles that scream Christmas cheer. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or making edible gifts for neighbors, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. And the best part? You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make them.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Beginners:
No fancy equipment, no baking, and no stress. If you can spread peanut butter and dip crackers, you’ve got this! - Festive and Fun:
The colorful sprinkles and chocolate coating make these cookies an instant hit on any dessert table. - Budget-Friendly:
With just a handful of inexpensive ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these cookies without breaking the bank. - Customizable for All Diets:
Whether you need gluten-free, vegan, or nut-free options, this recipe adapts easily to meet everyone’s needs. - Great for Gifting:
Packaged in pretty tins or boxes, these cookies make the perfect homemade holiday gift that everyone will appreciate.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Ritz Crackers:
These provide the crispy, buttery base that makes this recipe irresistible. For a gluten-free version, look for certified gluten-free crackers. - Peanut Butter:
The creamy filling is the heart of this cookie sandwich. Crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture, while almond butter or hazelnut spread offers a different flavor profile. - Chocolate Chips:
Choose your favorite type of chocolate—milk, dark, white, or even flavored chips like mint or butterscotch. For a sugar-free option, go for stevia-sweetened chocolate. - Coconut Oil:
This is optional but recommended for achieving a smooth, glossy chocolate coating. You can substitute butter or shortening if needed. - Sprinkles:
The ultimate festive touch! Use classic red and green sprinkles, metallic stars, or even crushed peppermint for variety.
How to Make Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Build the Sandwiches
Lay out all your crackers. Spread a dollop of peanut butter on one cracker and gently press another cracker on top to create a sandwich.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
Place chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl with coconut oil. Heat in short intervals, stirring frequently until the mixture is smooth and silky.
Step 3: Dip with Care
Using a fork, dip each cracker sandwich into the chocolate. Ensure it’s fully coated, then gently lift it out and let the excess chocolate drip back into the bowl.
Step 4: Add the Magic
Before the chocolate hardens, decorate with sprinkles. This step is perfect for involving kids—they’ll love adding their personal touch to each cookie.
Step 5: Chill and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool until the chocolate sets completely. Refrigerate for faster results.
Expert Tips for Success
- Set Up a Dipping Station: Arrange your workspace with parchment paper, a cooling rack, and all your decorations within easy reach.
- Work in Small Batches: Melt and dip a few sandwiches at a time to prevent the chocolate from hardening too quickly.
- Avoid Overheating the Chocolate: Burnt chocolate can’t be salvaged. Heat slowly and stir often to maintain a smooth texture.
- Store Smartly: Layer the cookies with parchment paper in an airtight container to keep them fresh and intact.
Variations and Customizations
- Flavorful Fillings:
Swap out the peanut butter for almond butter, hazelnut spread, or even marshmallow fluff for a fun twist. - Chocolate Options:
Use white chocolate and add a few drops of food coloring to match your holiday theme. Dark chocolate or mint-flavored chips also make great alternatives. - Festive Toppings:
Get creative with your decorations! Use crushed candy canes, edible glitter, or mini marshmallows instead of sprinkles. - Add a Surprise Layer:
Sprinkle crushed pretzels or mini chocolate chips onto the peanut butter layer before sandwiching the crackers for an extra crunch. - Dietary Adaptations:
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crackers and chocolate chips.
- Make it vegan by opting for plant-based chocolate and a nut-free spread like sunflower seed butter.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storing Leftovers:
- Place the cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Store them at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing:
These cookies freeze beautifully! Lay them flat in a freezer-safe container, with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. - Reheating:
No reheating needed! If frozen, let them thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Dessert Platter:
Pair these cookies with other festive treats like gingerbread men, sugar cookies, and peppermint bark for a colorful holiday dessert spread. - With a Hot Drink:
Serve them alongside hot chocolate, spiced apple cider, or a festive latte for the ultimate cozy treat. - Gift Giving:
Wrap them in decorative tins, holiday-themed boxes, or clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for an irresistible homemade gift.
Related Recipes
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars:
Another quick and easy sweet treat that’s perfect for sharing! - Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels:
Sweet and salty perfection, just like these cookies. - Christmas Thumbprint Cookies:
A colorful, baked alternative to your holiday dessert table. - Peppermint Bark:
A classic holiday recipe that pairs beautifully with these cookies. - Snowball Cookies:
A melt-in-your-mouth treat that adds variety to any holiday platter.
Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies: A Simple and Delicious Holiday Treat
Description
Bring the festive spirit to your kitchen with Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies, the ultimate sweet-and-salty snack for the holidays. Perfectly crunchy, creamy, and coated in rich chocolate, these no-bake cookies are a joy to make and even better to eat. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or creating edible gifts, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for the whole family to help with.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Prepare the Filling:
Start by setting up your workstation. Lay out 48 Ritz crackers on a clean surface. Take a generous scoop of peanut butter and spread it evenly on half of the crackers. Think of this step as the foundation of your cookie sandwich—the smoother the spread, the better the layers will stick together. Top each peanut butter layer with another cracker to create 24 little sandwiches.
Pro Tip: Use a butter knife or small spatula for an even spread, and if you’re working with kids, this is a fun step for them to help with!
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Melt the Chocolate:
The chocolate is the star of this recipe, and getting it perfectly melted makes all the difference. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine your chocolate chips with a teaspoon of coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring thoroughly after each interval. This ensures the chocolate doesn’t burn and melts to a silky, smooth consistency. If you don’t have a microwave, a double boiler works just as well.
Pro Tip: Adding coconut oil gives the chocolate a glossy finish and helps it coat the cookies more evenly.
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Dip the Cookies:
Here comes the fun part! Drop each peanut butter-filled Ritz cracker sandwich into the melted chocolate. Use a fork or a dipping tool to ensure it’s completely coated. Gently tap the fork against the side of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate. Place each dipped cookie onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Decorate:
Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle each cookie with festive holiday sprinkles. Don’t be shy—this is where you can let your creativity shine! Go for classic red and green, or mix it up with metallic stars or crushed candy canes for a more sophisticated look.
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Let Them Set:
Allow the cookies to set completely. You can leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes or speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes. Once the chocolate is firm, your cookies are ready to be devoured.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to gift these cookies, let them chill a bit longer to ensure the chocolate stays intact during packaging.
Note
Nut-Free Alternative: If peanut butter isn’t an option, sunflower seed butter or cookie butter makes an excellent substitute.
Make It Dairy-Free: Swap regular chocolate chips for dairy-free versions.
Extra Crunch: Add a layer of crushed pretzels or a sprinkle of sea salt between the crackers before sandwiching.
The Freezer Factor: These cookies freeze beautifully. Store them in an airtight container and thaw them at room temperature for a quick treat anytime.
Gifting Tip: Place these cookies in decorative tins or wrap them individually in festive cellophane bags for a thoughtful holiday gift.
