Irresistible No-Bake Ritz Cracker Cookies: The Ultimate Salty-Sweet Peanut Butter Chocolate Treat
These Ritz Cracker Cookies are an absolute dream for anyone craving the perfect balance of salty and sweet! Imagine creamy peanut butter sandwiched between buttery Ritz crackers, then generously dipped in decadent melted chocolate, and finally topped with festive holiday sprinkles or delicate sea salt flakes. This no-bake wonder is incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering or as a delightful treat for yourself.
Why You’ll Love These Ritz Cracker Cookies: The Ultimate Salty-Sweet Treat!
Ritz crackers have long been a beloved snack, known for their distinctive buttery flavor and delicate crispness. But have you ever considered transforming them into a show-stopping dessert? If not, you’re in for a delightful surprise! The lightly salty, melt-in-your-mouth quality of Ritz crackers provides the absolute best foundation for sweet creations. Recipes like Ritz Cracker Toffee and these amazing Ritz Cracker Cookies are essential additions to your holiday baking (or anytime!) list.
These Ritz cookies offer an unparalleled combination of flavors and textures that make them an instant favorite. Each “cookie” is crafted from three layers of Ritz crackers, generously spread with creamy peanut butter in between, then enveloped in smooth, rich melted chocolate, and finally finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. The result? Every single bite delivers a harmonious blend of chocolatey, peanut buttery goodness, perfectly balanced by the signature salty crunch of the Ritz cracker. It’s an explosion of flavor and texture that will keep you coming back for more.
For those of us who adore the classic pairing of peanut butter and chocolate, these cookies are a dream come true. They stand proudly alongside other beloved treats like Rice Krispies Peanut Butter Balls as must-make desserts for any special occasion or simply when a craving strikes. Their simplicity and incredible taste make them a perfect choice for bakers of all skill levels, and especially for busy times like the holiday season.
The full recipe with detailed instructions, including exact measurements and nutrition facts, is provided in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Essential Ingredients for These Easy Ritz Cracker Cookies
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to create these irresistible no-bake treats. Most of these items are probably already in your pantry!
- Ritz crackers: The star of our show! Their signature buttery, slightly salty flavor and flaky texture are crucial for the perfect salty-sweet balance.
- Creamy no-stir peanut butter: Opt for a creamy, no-stir variety for the smoothest texture and easiest spreading. Natural peanut butter can be used, but ensure it’s well-stirred and not too oily.
- Dark chocolate chips: These add a deep, rich chocolate flavor that wonderfully complements the sweetness of the peanut butter and the saltiness of the crackers.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: A classic choice, semi-sweet chocolate offers a balanced sweetness that pairs beautifully with dark chocolate, creating a complex and satisfying coating.
- Flaked sea salt or holiday sprinkles: These are for topping and are essential for both visual appeal and an extra flavor kick. Flaked sea salt enhances the salty-sweet dynamic, while sprinkles add a festive touch for any occasion.
This minimalist ingredient list means less shopping and more time enjoying your delicious creation!
How to Make Ritz Cracker Cookies: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Making these no-bake Ritz Cracker Cookies is incredibly straightforward. Follow these easy steps for perfect results every time!
Step 1: Assemble the Peanut Butter Ritz Sandwiches. Begin by lining a large cookie sheet or baking tray with wax paper or parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup. Lay out the Ritz crackers in neat rows, ensuring that the flat side of each cracker is facing upwards. Next, spread a generous, even layer of creamy peanut butter onto each cracker. Precision isn’t crucial here, but aim for enough to cover the surface without overflowing. Place another Ritz cracker on top, again with its flat side facing up. Repeat the peanut butter layer, then crown your creation with a third Ritz cracker, this time with its rounded, “pretty” side facing upwards. You should now have a three-cracker sandwich with two layers of peanut butter, and the rounded side of the crackers visible on both ends.
Recipe Tip: Building Your Ritz Sandwich
To ensure the best structure and presentation for each cookie, remember this simple stacking order: Start with a Ritz cracker (flat side up), add peanut butter, then a second Ritz cracker (flat side up), another layer of peanut butter, and finally, a third Ritz cracker (rounded side up). This ensures that the attractive, rounded side of the cracker is visible on both the top and bottom of your finished cookie, making them aesthetically pleasing as well as delicious!
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine your dark chocolate chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be extremely careful not to overheat or burn the chocolate, as it can seize and become unusable. If you prefer, you can also melt the chocolate using a double boiler method over simmering water for a more controlled process. We love the rich, complex flavor that the blend of dark and semi-sweet chocolate provides, but feel free to experiment with your favorite type of chocolate. White chocolate, for example, would be a fantastic and visually striking option, especially when adorned with colorful sprinkles for holidays!
Step 3: Dip the Cookies in Chocolate. Once your chocolate is melted and smooth, use a fork to carefully dip each assembled Ritz cookie sandwich into the chocolate. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off by gently shaking the fork or tapping it against the side of the bowl. This ensures a clean, even coating without too much pooling. Place the dipped cookie back onto your prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Garnish and Chill. This step is all about personalization! Immediately after dipping each cookie, while the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the tops with your choice of flaked sea salt for that classic salty-sweet crunch, or festive holiday sprinkles to match any celebration. Work quickly, as the chocolate can set surprisingly fast. Once all cookies are dipped and garnished, carefully transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator. Chill for 1 to 2 hours, or until the chocolate coating is completely hardened and firm to the touch. This chilling process is crucial for the chocolate to set properly and for the cookies to hold their shape.
How To Store Your Ritz Cracker Cookies
Once your chocolate-dipped Ritz Cracker Cookies have fully hardened in the fridge, they are ready to be stored. For optimal freshness and to prevent melting, keep them in an airtight container or a sealed Ziploc bag. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully! Simply place them in a freezer-safe airtight container or bag, separated by layers of parchment paper if stacking, and they will keep well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them slightly at room temperature or enjoy them straight from the freezer for a different texture experience!
This incredibly easy, no-bake dessert quickly became one of our absolute favorites. If you have fond memories of enjoying Ritz crackers growing up, you are going to fall head over heels for these! Their nostalgic appeal combined with a delightful twist makes them utterly irresistible.
Ritz cookies are particularly fantastic for Christmas and other holiday celebrations. They require minimal effort, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities, and their festive appearance (especially with sprinkles!) makes them perfect for cookie platters. But don’t relegate them solely to the holidays; they are ideal for any time of year when you’re craving something quick, satisfying, and perfectly hits that sweet and salty spot. Seriously, we’d like a bag of these in our freezer at all times, please – they’re great for a spontaneous indulgence!
Another fantastic benefit of this recipe is its adaptability for those with dietary restrictions. By simply opting for dairy-free chocolate chips, these cookies transform into a wonderful dairy-free dessert. This makes them a thoughtful and delicious option for your allergy-friendly guests, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delectable treat. Pair them with our popular Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies, and your guests will be beyond thrilled!
Fun Ways to Customize Your Ritz Cracker Cookies
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to your personal taste or specific occasions. Here are some creative ideas to customize your Ritz Cracker Cookies:
- Drizzle with White Chocolate: For an elegant touch and a beautiful color contrast, wait until your chocolate coating has fully hardened, then melt some white chocolate chips and drizzle them artfully over the top. You can even tint the white chocolate with food coloring for holidays like pink for Valentine’s Day or green for St. Patrick’s Day.
- Seasonal Sprinkles: Tailor your sprinkles to any holiday or event! Use red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, red, white, and blue for patriotic holidays, or school colors for graduation parties. The possibilities are endless for making them fit your theme.
- Alternate Nut or Seed Butters: While creamy peanut butter is classic, feel free to experiment with other fillings. Cookie butter (like Biscoff), almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter (for nut-free options) can offer delicious and unique flavor profiles. Just ensure they are creamy and spreadable.
- Add a Jam Layer: For a PB&J twist, spread a thin layer of your favorite jam or fruit preserve on one of the cracker layers before adding the final Ritz cracker. Raspberry or strawberry jam would be particularly delicious.
- Mix-Ins for Peanut Butter: Stir in mini chocolate chips, finely chopped nuts, or even a tiny pinch of cinnamon into your peanut butter before spreading for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
These simple variations ensure that your Ritz Cracker Cookies can be a fresh and exciting treat every time you make them!
More Irresistible No-Bake & Holiday Desserts
If you love the ease and deliciousness of these Ritz Cracker Cookies, you’ll definitely want to explore more of our fantastic no-bake and holiday-ready dessert recipes. These treats are perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying at home without the fuss of turning on the oven.
- Christmas Crack: A highly addictive sweet and salty toffee made with saltine crackers.
- Christmas Oreo Balls: Decadent Oreo truffles, festive for the season.
- Hot Chocolate Dip: A creamy, chocolatey dip perfect for parties.
- Chocolate Peppermint Bark: A classic holiday treat with refreshing peppermint.
- Graham Cracker Toffee: Another simple and delicious cracker-based toffee.
- Peanut Clusters: Easy chocolate and peanut clusters for a quick sweet fix.
- Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bars: The perfect combination of salty, sweet, and chewy.
- Chocolate Covered Oreos: A customizable and always popular treat.
- Chocolate Covered Pretzels: The ultimate sweet and salty snack, endlessly versatile.
Expand your repertoire of easy desserts with these delightful recipes!
For more incredible chocolate and peanut butter desserts, be sure to try these equally addictive Peanut Butter Balls with Graham Crackers – another no-bake triumph!
Ritz Cracker Cookies
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Ingredients
- 84 Ritz crackers (approx. 1 standard sleeve for 28 cookies)
- 1 cup creamy no-stir peanut butter
- 1 ¼ cups dark chocolate chips (or desired dark chocolate)
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or desired milk chocolate)
- Flaked sea salt or sprinkles, for topping (use holiday sprinkles for festive look)
Instructions
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Line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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Place 28 individual Ritz crackers on the lined baking sheet, flat side facing up.
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Top each of these 28 crackers with a layer of creamy peanut butter. Then, place another Ritz cracker (flat side up) on top of the peanut butter. Add a second layer of peanut butter, and finish with a third Ritz cracker, this time with the rounded side facing up.
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Each completed sandwich should follow this pattern: Ritz cracker (flat side up), peanut butter, Ritz cracker (flat side up), peanut butter, Ritz cracker (rounded side up). This ensures both outer crackers show their “pretty” rounded side.
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In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to burn it.
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Using a fork, gently dip each peanut butter Ritz cracker sandwich into the melted chocolate. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off by tapping the fork against the side of the bowl. Place the chocolate-coated cookie back onto the prepared baking sheet.
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Immediately sprinkle the tops of the wet chocolate with flaked sea salt or your chosen sprinkles before the chocolate has a chance to harden.
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Transfer the baking sheet with the Ritz cookies to the refrigerator. Chill for 1 – 2 hours, or until the chocolate is completely set and firm.
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Once hardened, store the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or in the freezer for longer enjoyment.
Nutrition
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