Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies

If you’re looking for a Christmas treat that’s crunchy, creamy, salty, sweet, and unbelievably easy, these Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies are about to become your new holiday tradition. They’re the kind of treat you can whip up in 20 minutes with zero baking required, which makes them perfect for last-minute entertaining, class parties, cookie tins, or those moments when you just need something festive but don’t want to turn on the oven.

Growing up, these were one of the first holiday treats I learned to make. My mom called them “lazy day cookies,” because even on the busiest baking weekends, they still made it onto the cookie tray with their cheerful sprinkles and irresistible chocolate coating. The combination of buttery crackers, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate is pure magic — and once you try them, you’ll see why they disappear faster than anything else on the table.

Why You’ll Love Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies

• Quick and No-Bake: Ready in just 20 minutes — perfect for busy holiday schedules.
• Sweet + Salty Perfection: Buttery crackers, peanut butter, and chocolate create an irresistible flavor combo.
• Kid-Friendly: Easy enough for little helpers to assemble and decorate.
• Festive and Customizable: Use sprinkles, crushed candy canes, colored melting wafers, or even drizzle patterns.
• Budget-Friendly: Simple, affordable pantry ingredients that make a big batch.
• Ideal for Gifting: Sturdy, pretty, and long-lasting — perfect for cookie tins and treat boxes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These festive cookies only need a handful of simple ingredients:

• 40 Ritz crackers (or any round buttery cracker) – The salty crunch that balances the sweetness.
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter – Helps hold the sandwich cookies together while adding richness.
• 1 cup white chocolate chips or melting wafers – Melting wafers are easier to work with, but either works beautifully.
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips or melting wafers – For dipping the cookies halfway for a beautiful two-tone effect.
• Holiday sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or festive decorations – Adds color and crunch.

Optional Variations:

• Swap peanut butter for almond butter, cookie butter, or sunflower butter.
• Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate.
• Add crushed pretzels or mini marshmallows to the edges before the chocolate sets.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for perfect, pretty, and delicious Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies:

1. Prep your workspace

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. This keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

2. Spread the peanut butter

Spread a thin, even layer of peanut butter on the flat side of each Ritz cracker. You want enough to add flavor, but not so much that it squishes out the sides.

Place half of the peanut-buttered crackers onto the prepared baking sheet. These will be the bases for your sandwich cookies.

3. Melt the white chocolate

Place the white chocolate chips or wafers into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each until completely smooth.

White chocolate burns easily, so don’t rush the melting process.

4. Add the white chocolate layer

Spoon, spread, or pipe the white chocolate over the peanut butter side of each cracker on the baking sheet. Piping bags give the neatest results, but a spoon works fine, too.

5. Create the sandwich cookies

Top each prepared cracker with another peanut-buttered cracker, peanut-butter side down, forming perfect little sandwich cookies.

Press gently so they stick together.

6. Melt the milk chocolate

Using the same microwave technique, melt the milk chocolate chips or wafers until silky and smooth.

7. Dip the cookies

Holding each cookie by one end, dip it halfway into the melted milk chocolate. Let excess chocolate drip off so it forms a clean edge.

Place the dipped cookies back onto the parchment-lined tray.

8. Decorate

Before the chocolate sets, add festive toppings! Try:

• Red and green sprinkles
• White nonpareils
• Crushed candy canes
• Gold sugar crystals
• Mini chocolate chips

This step is especially fun for kids!

9. Chill to set

Refrigerate the cookies for 15–20 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely firm. After that, they’re ready to stack, package, or devour.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Ideas:

• Add them to holiday dessert platters alongside fudge, sugar cookies, and truffles.
• Pack them in cookie tins for neighbors, teachers, or friends.
• Serve with hot cocoa, coffee, or mulled cider for a cozy winter treat.
• Wrap individually in festive mini treat bags for stocking stuffers or party favors.

Storage:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• If storing at room temperature, keep them in a cool spot to prevent chocolate softening.
• Freeze for up to 3 months — thaw in the fridge before serving.

Travel-Friendly Tip:
Layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper to keep the chocolate from smudging.

Helpful Notes

• Use melting wafers for easier dipping. They melt smoother and set faster than chips.
• Avoid overfilling with peanut butter. A thin layer works best for clean edges.
• Use a fork for dipping. It lets excess chocolate drip off without leaving finger marks.
• Customize the chocolate. Try peppermint-flavored melting wafers, red and green candy melts, or drizzle patterns.
• Make ahead! These cookies stay delicious for days, making them perfect for holiday prep.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use almond or sunflower butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes! Almond butter, sunflower butter, and even cookie butter work beautifully.

2. My white chocolate seized — can I fix it?
Add 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and stir vigorously. If it doesn’t smooth out, start fresh — white chocolate is temperamental.

3. Can I cover the whole cookie in chocolate instead of half?
Absolutely. Full-dipped cookies are extra decadent — just double the chocolate.

4. What’s the best way to crush candy canes?
Place them in a zip-top bag and hit gently with a rolling pin.

5. Can I double or triple the recipe?
Yes — it scales perfectly for big holiday batches.

Final Thoughts

These Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies are everything a holiday treat should be — quick, festive, delicious, and made with simple ingredients that come together like magic. Whether you make them for parties, gifting, or just snacking by the Christmas tree, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles and sweet moments to your holiday season.

They’re nostalgic, they’re fun, and they’re proof that you don’t need a complicated recipe to make something that tastes downright irresistible. Once you try them, they’ll become a yearly must-make!