Delightfully sweet and salty, these Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies are the perfect no-bake holiday treat. With creamy peanut butter sandwiched between buttery Ritz crackers, all coated in a rich chocolate shell and sprinkled with festive decorations, these cookies are quick, easy, and sure to impress during the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 box Ritz crackers
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups melting chocolate (milk or dark chocolate)
- 1/4 cup white chocolate (optional for drizzling)
- Holiday sprinkles or nonpareils for decoration
Instructions
- Spread a generous layer of peanut butter on one Ritz cracker and top with another cracker to form a sandwich. Repeat until all crackers are used.
- Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring in between until fully smooth.
- Dip each peanut butter sandwich into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let the excess chocolate drip off before placing it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Drizzle white chocolate over the cookies (optional) and decorate with holiday sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet.
- Allow the cookies to set at room temperature or refrigerate until the chocolate hardens.
- Serve and enjoy the holiday cheer!
Helpful Tips
- Ensure Full Coverage: When dipping the crackers in melted chocolate, use a fork or a dipping tool to ensure even coating and help excess chocolate drip off smoothly.
- Work Quickly: Have your sprinkles and decorations ready before you start dipping to ensure they stick while the chocolate is still wet.
- Avoid Overheating: When melting the chocolate, use short bursts in the microwave and stir between each round to prevent it from seizing.
Substitutions and Variations
- Nut Butter Alternatives: Substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor or to accommodate allergies.
- Chocolate Coating Options: Use white chocolate, dark chocolate, or a combination for a fun marbled look.
- Add a Crunch: Mix a bit of crushed candy canes or toffee bits into the peanut butter filling for an extra festive touch.
- Flavor Enhancers: Add a dash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the peanut butter for a unique twist.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and a plant-based butter alternative for a vegan-friendly treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes! These cookies can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for optimal freshness.
Q: What type of chocolate works best for dipping?
A: Melting wafers or high-quality baking chocolate work best as they melt smoothly and set nicely. Chocolate chips can also work if a bit of coconut oil or shortening is added to improve consistency.
Q: How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking when it sets?
A: Allow the dipped cookies to set at room temperature rather than in the fridge if you’re concerned about cracking, as rapid cooling can cause the chocolate to crack.
Q: Can I add other fillings to the cookies?
A: Yes! You can add a thin layer of marshmallow fluff or Nutella for a different flavor profile.
Q: How do I store these cookies?
A: Store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
More Relevant Recipes
- Ritz Cracker Cookies by Kroll’s Korner: For a variation of this no-bake treat, check out this detailed recipe that adds another twist to your holiday baking lineup.
Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies – Easy No-Bake Holiday Treats
- Total Time: 30 minutes (includes setting time)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully sweet and salty, these Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies are the perfect no-bake holiday treat. With creamy peanut butter sandwiched between buttery Ritz crackers, all coated in a rich chocolate shell and sprinkled with festive decorations, these cookies are quick, easy, and sure to impress during the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 box Ritz crackers
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups melting chocolate (milk or dark chocolate)
- 1/4 cup white chocolate (optional for drizzling)
- Holiday sprinkles or nonpareils for decoration
Instructions
- Spread a generous layer of peanut butter on one Ritz cracker and top with another cracker to form a sandwich. Repeat until all crackers are used.
- Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring in between until fully smooth.
- Dip each peanut butter sandwich into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let the excess chocolate drip off before placing it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Drizzle white chocolate over the cookies (optional) and decorate with holiday sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet.
- Allow the cookies to set at room temperature or refrigerate until the chocolate hardens.
- Serve and enjoy the holiday cheer!
Notes
- You can use dark, milk, or even white chocolate for dipping, depending on your preference.
- Add a pinch of sea salt on top for an extra flavor twist.
- These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A (no-bake)
- Category: cookies
- Method: no-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 1mg
Keywords: Christmas cookies, holiday snacks, no-bake cookies, easy desserts