Christmas is the season for homemade treats, and Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies are a simple yet festive dessert that’s perfect for sharing. These delightful no-bake cookies combine the creamy goodness of peanut butter with the crunch of buttery Ritz crackers, all enveloped in a layer of smooth chocolate. Decorated with sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or other holiday accents, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re preparing a treat platter for guests or looking for a quick DIY holiday gift, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into the magic of these festive bites!
Why You’ll Love Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies
Easy and Quick
With just a few ingredients and no baking required, these cookies are ideal for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
Perfect Combination of Flavors
The salty-sweet balance of Ritz crackers, peanut butter, and chocolate makes these cookies irresistibly delicious.
Festive and Fun
Decorating these cookies with holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes adds a playful touch that captures the spirit of Christmas.
Great for Gifting
Pack these cookies in festive boxes or bags, and they make a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift.
Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 40 Ritz crackers (or similar buttery round crackers)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
For the Coating:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips or melting wafers
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips or melting wafers
For Decoration:
- Holiday sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or other festive decorations
Directions
1. Assemble the Cookies
- Spread about a teaspoon of peanut butter onto one Ritz cracker, then top with another cracker to make a sandwich. Repeat with all crackers until you have 20 sandwiches.
2. Prepare the Chocolate
- Melt the white chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips separately in microwave-safe bowls. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth. Be careful not to overheat, as chocolate can burn quickly.
3. Dip the Cookies
- Using a fork or dipping tool, carefully dip each peanut butter sandwich into the melted chocolate. Coat some in white chocolate and others in milk chocolate for variety. Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Decorate
- While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle holiday decorations like sprinkles or crushed candy canes over the cookies. Get creative and have fun with the designs!
5. Let Them Set
- Allow the cookies to set completely at room temperature, or place them in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to speed up the process.
Tips for the Best Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies
Choose the Right Chocolate
- Use high-quality melting wafers or baking chocolate for the smoothest coating. Avoid regular chocolate chips unless you add a teaspoon of coconut oil to help them melt evenly.
Customize the Filling
- Swap peanut butter for Nutella, almond butter, or even a flavored cream cheese filling for a unique twist.
Make it Nut-Free
- Use sunflower seed butter or cookie butter for a nut-free version.
Keep the Coating Smooth
- Ensure your chocolate is fully melted and at the right consistency. If it thickens while dipping, reheat it briefly in the microwave.
Add a Personal Touch
- Use food-safe edible glitter, gold dust, or icing pens to create intricate holiday designs on your cookies.
Serving Suggestions
Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies are a versatile holiday treat that can be served in various ways:
- Holiday Dessert Table: Arrange them on a festive platter alongside other cookies, candies, and seasonal desserts.
- Hot Cocoa Pairing: Serve with a cup of hot chocolate for a cozy holiday treat.
- Gift Boxes: Pack them in decorative tins or holiday-themed gift boxes to share with friends and family.
Storage and Shelf Life
Storage
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a warmer climate, refrigerate them to prevent the chocolate from melting.
Freezing
- These cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use different crackers?
Absolutely! While Ritz crackers provide a buttery and salty base, you can use other round or square crackers for a slightly different texture and flavor.
2. What if I don’t have a microwave for melting chocolate?
You can melt the chocolate using a double boiler. Place the chocolate in a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water, stirring until smooth.
3. How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing?
Make sure your chocolate and utensils are completely dry. Any moisture can cause the chocolate to seize and become grainy.
4. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! These cookies can be made a week in advance and stored in an airtight container, making them a convenient option for holiday planning.
5. What other toppings can I use?
Crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or drizzles of colored chocolate are excellent alternatives to sprinkles and candy canes.
Final Thoughts
Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and festive fun. With their easy preparation and customizable decorations, they’re a fantastic addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Whether you’re entertaining guests, giving homemade gifts, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to spread joy. Try them this holiday season and make your celebrations even sweeter!
Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 40 Ritz crackers or similar buttery round crackers
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
For the Coating:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips or melting wafers
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips or melting wafers
For Decoration:
- Holiday sprinkles crushed candy canes, or other festive decorations
Instructions
Assemble the Cookies
- Spread about a teaspoon of peanut butter onto one Ritz cracker, then top with another cracker to make a sandwich. Repeat with all crackers until you have 20 sandwiches.
Prepare the Chocolate
- Melt the white chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips separately in microwave-safe bowls. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth. Be careful not to overheat, as chocolate can burn quickly.
Dip the Cookies
- Using a fork or dipping tool, carefully dip each peanut butter sandwich into the melted chocolate. Coat some in white chocolate and others in milk chocolate for variety. Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Decorate
- While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle holiday decorations like sprinkles or crushed candy canes over the cookies. Get creative and have fun with the designs!
Let Them Set
- Allow the cookies to set completely at room temperature, or place them in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to speed up the process.
Notes
Choose the Right Chocolate
- Use high-quality melting wafers or baking chocolate for the smoothest coating. Avoid regular chocolate chips unless you add a teaspoon of coconut oil to help them melt evenly.
Customize the Filling
- Swap peanut butter for Nutella, almond butter, or even a flavored cream cheese filling for a unique twist.
Make it Nut-Free
- Use sunflower seed butter or cookie butter for a nut-free version.
