R Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake Convenience: No need to turn on the oven; these cookies are prepared without baking, making them quick and easy to assemble.
- Sweet and Salty Delight: The combination of buttery Ritz crackers, creamy peanut butter, and sweet chocolate creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is irresistible.
- Festive Appearance: Decorated with holiday sprinkles or a drizzle of contrasting chocolate, these cookies add a cheerful touch to any dessert platter.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily adaptable with different fillings or coatings to suit various tastes and occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 sleeves Ritz Crackers (approximately 60 crackers)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (or nut butter of choice)
- 20 ounces white chocolate melting wafers
- 1–2 tablespoons coconut oil (optional)
- ¼ cup festive holiday sprinkles
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Crackers: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and lay out half of the Ritz crackers with the flat side facing up.
- Add the Filling: Spread approximately 2 teaspoons of peanut butter onto each cracker.
- Create Sandwiches: Place another cracker on top of each peanut butter-covered cracker to form a sandwich, with the rounded side facing up.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate melting wafers. Heat for 1 minute, stir, then heat for an additional minute and stir until smooth. Adding coconut oil can help achieve a smoother consistency, but it’s optional.
- Dip the Sandwiches: Using a fork, dip each cracker sandwich into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl before placing the coated sandwich back onto the parchment-lined cookie sheet.
- Decorate: While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the tops with festive holiday sprinkles and a pinch of flaky sea salt.
- Set the Cookies: Allow the cookies to sit at room temperature until the chocolate has fully set. For quicker setting, you can place the cookie sheet in the refrigerator for about 15–20 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the chocolate is firm, the cookies are ready to be enjoyed or stored for later.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 30 cookies.
- Preparation Time: About 30 minutes.
- Setting Time: Approximately 15–20 minutes if refrigerated.
Variations
- Alternative Fillings: Instead of peanut butter, try using almond butter, cashew butter, or even Nutella for a different flavor profile.
- Different Coatings: Substitute white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate melting wafers for a richer taste.
- Added Crunch: Mix in some finely chopped nuts or toffee bits with the peanut butter filling for extra texture.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a touch of cinnamon or a drop of vanilla extract to the melted chocolate for a subtle flavor boost.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freezing: For longer storage, place the cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
What type of chocolate works best for coating these cookies?
White chocolate melting wafers are recommended for their smooth melting properties, but milk or dark chocolate can also be used based on personal preference.
Can I use a different type of nut butter?
Yes, almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter can be used as alternatives to peanut butter.
How can I prevent the chocolate from seizing during melting?
Ensure that all utensils and the bowl are completely dry, as even a small amount of water can cause chocolate to seize. Melting the chocolate slowly over low heat or in short microwave intervals can also help.
Is it necessary to add coconut oil to the chocolate?
Adding coconut oil is optional but can help achieve a smoother and glossier finish on the coated cookies.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the cookies remain fresh for up to one week.
Can these cookies be made ahead of time?
Yes, these cookies can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve.
What can I use to decorate the cookies if I don’t have sprinkles?
Drizzling a contrasting chocolate over the top or sprinkling finely chopped nuts can serve as alternative decorations.
Are there any gluten-free alternatives for this recipe?
Using gluten-free buttery round crackers in place of Ritz crackers can make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I add flavors to the peanut butter filling?
Mixing in a bit of honey, maple syrup, or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add a unique twist to the peanut butter filling.
How can I make the dipping process less messy?
Using a fork or a specialized dipping tool can help manage the cookies during the dipping process and allow excess chocolate to drip off easily.
Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies are an easy, no-bake holiday treat featuring buttery Ritz crackers, creamy peanut butter, and a rich chocolate coating. These sweet and salty delights are perfect for festive gatherings or homemade gifts.
Ingredients
- 2 sleeves Ritz Crackers (approximately 60 crackers)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (or nut butter of choice)
- 20 ounces white chocolate melting wafers
- 1–2 tablespoons coconut oil (optional)
- ¼ cup festive holiday sprinkles
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing
Instructions
- Prepare the Crackers: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Arrange half of the Ritz crackers with the flat side facing up.
- Add the Filling: Spread about 2 teaspoons of peanut butter on each cracker.
- Create Sandwiches: Place another cracker on top, rounded side up, to form a sandwich.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate wafers in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Optionally, add coconut oil for a silkier texture.
- Dip the Sandwiches: Using a fork, dip each sandwich into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off before placing it back on the parchment paper.
- Decorate: While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with holiday sprinkles and a pinch of flaky sea salt.
- Set the Cookies: Allow to set at room temperature or refrigerate for 15–20 minutes for quicker hardening.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the chocolate is firm, serve or store for later.
Notes
- Substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or Nutella for variety.
- Use dark or milk chocolate instead of white for a different flavor.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, No-Bake Treats
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
