Easy No-Bake Ritz Cracker Cookies: The Ultimate Sweet & Salty Chocolate Peanut Butter Treat
No-bake Ritz cookies are a dessert sensation, requiring just four simple ingredients to create a truly irresistible treat. These delightful cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and salty, bursting with a rich chocolate-peanut butter flavor that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for an easy addition to a holiday cookie exchange, a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family, or simply a quick and satisfying sweet snack, these Ritz cracker cookies are an absolute winner.
Cookies made with Ritz crackers? It might sound like an unconventional combination at first, but trust me when I say the results are nothing short of delicious! Imagine crisp, buttery Ritz crackers lovingly sandwiched together with a creamy, sweet peanut butter filling. Each delectable sandwich is then generously dunked in smooth, melted chocolate, creating a symphony of textures and flavors in every bite. The salty crunch of the cracker perfectly complements the rich peanut butter and sweet chocolate, making these no-bake Ritz cracker cookies truly addictive.
For a festive touch, I often top my cookies with vibrant red and green sprinkles, making them ideal for holiday gatherings. However, this incredibly easy no-bake dessert can be enjoyed any time of year. Since this recipe requires only four basic ingredients, it’s also wonderfully flexible. You can effortlessly customize your Ritz cookies by experimenting with different types of chocolate, various nut butters, and a wide array of toppings to suit your taste or occasion. These chocolate peanut butter Ritz cookies are so versatile!
If you find yourself in need of a quick, simple, yet impressive dessert for an upcoming cookie exchange, potluck, or any event, whipping up a big batch of these no-bake Ritz cookies is the perfect solution. I can attest from personal experience that when I bring these to a party, I never come home with a single leftover. They disappear quickly, earning rave reviews every time!
Simple & Delicious Ritz Cracker Cookie Ingredients
Crafting these delectable no-bake Ritz peanut butter cookies requires just a handful of readily available ingredients. This recipe is quite forgiving and adaptable, allowing for creative substitutions which I’ll detail later in this post. But first, let’s go over what you’ll need for the classic version that delivers that iconic sweet and salty goodness:
- Ritz Crackers: These are truly the star of the show! Their distinctive buttery flavor and perfectly crisp, salty texture provide the ideal foundation for these chocolate peanut butter delights. You’ll need approximately 60 crackers for this recipe, which makes 30 sandwich cookies.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: For the best results and a smooth, consistent filling, it’s crucial to use a creamy, no-stir peanut butter. Brands like Jif or Skippy are perfect choices. Natural peanut butter, while delicious for other uses, tends to separate more easily and can be too oily, making it less ideal for creating the firm, luscious filling needed for these cookies. The goal is a rich, spreadable consistency that holds its shape.
- Quality Chocolate: For a superior coating that melts beautifully and sets perfectly, I highly recommend using good quality chocolate bars, such as Bakers or Ghirardelli. These are formulated to melt smoothly without seizing. While chocolate chips can work in a pinch, be aware that they often contain stabilizers that prevent them from melting as smoothly as baking bars. If you opt for chocolate chips, you might need to add a few teaspoons of coconut oil (or a neutral vegetable oil) to help thin out the melted chocolate, ensuring an easier and more even coating. Both semi-sweet and white chocolate are fantastic options, offering different flavor profiles.
- Powdered Sugar: This essential ingredient serves a dual purpose: it sweetens the peanut butter filling and, crucially, helps to thicken it, giving it a more stable, cookie-like consistency. It also dissolves smoothly into the peanut butter, preventing any grainy texture.
- Sprinkles (Optional): Sprinkles are entirely optional but add a wonderful festive touch and a pop of color. Feel free to use any color or type of sprinkles you like to match the season, a specific holiday, or simply your mood. They are particularly fun for making these no-bake Ritz cookies holiday-ready!
How to Prepare No-Bake Ritz Cracker Cookies
Making these delightful no-bake Ritz cookies is incredibly straightforward and doesn’t require any baking expertise. Follow these simple steps for perfectly sweet, salty, and satisfying chocolate peanut butter treats:
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling: Begin by combining the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Stir the mixture thoroughly until the powdered sugar is completely incorporated and the peanut butter filling is smooth and uniform. A sturdy wooden spoon or a rubber spatula will work perfectly for this step, ensuring everything is well combined and lump-free. The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape.
- Arrange the Crackers: Next, line a large baking sheet with a sheet of parchment paper. This crucial step prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup later. Carefully arrange 30 Ritz crackers on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they are spaced out enough to allow for easy handling.
- Assemble the Cookie Sandwiches: Scoop approximately 2 teaspoons of the peanut butter mixture onto the center of each cracker. The exact amount can vary slightly, but aim for enough to spread to the edges without overflowing. Then, gently place another Ritz cracker on top of each peanut butter-dolloped cracker, forming a sandwich. Press down softly, just until the peanut butter filling reaches the edges of the crackers. Be careful not to press too hard, as Ritz crackers are delicate and can break easily.
- Chill Before Dipping: Carefully place the baking sheet with the assembled Ritz cracker sandwiches into the freezer for about 15 to 20 minutes. While this step is optional, it’s highly recommended! Chilling the cookies firms up the peanut butter filling, making them much easier to dip into the melted chocolate without the filling squeezing out or the crackers falling apart. This also helps the chocolate set faster.
- Melt the Chocolate: While the cookies are chilling in the freezer, chop your chocolate bars into small, uniform pieces. Place the chopped chocolate in a heat-safe bowl. Microwave the chocolate in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each interval, until it is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize. If you don’t have a microwave, you can use a double boiler method on the stove.
- Dip and Decorate: Line another baking sheet with parchment paper. To keep the cookies firm for dipping, remove only half of the chilled Ritz cookies from the freezer at a time. Take one cookie and carefully submerge it in the melted chocolate. I find that using a fork is the easiest way to dip and lift the cookies. Gently tap the fork against the side of the bowl to allow any excess chocolate to drip off, ensuring a thin, even coat. Slide the chocolate-coated cookie off the fork onto the prepared baking sheet using a toothpick or a second fork. If you’re adding sprinkles or other toppings, do so immediately after dipping, while the chocolate is still wet. Repeat this process with the remaining frozen cookies, working quickly.
- Set the Chocolate: Once all the no-bake Ritz cookies have been coated in chocolate and decorated, transfer the baking sheet back to the refrigerator. Chill for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chocolate is completely firm and set. This final chill is important for the chocolate to harden properly, giving you that satisfying snap.
Delicious Recipe Variations & Customization Ideas
This simple no-bake Ritz cookie recipe is a fantastic canvas for creativity. It can be easily adapted by swapping out the type of chocolate for the coating, using a different nut butter in the filling, or adding various toppings. Here are some of my favorite flavor variations to inspire your next batch of Ritz cracker cookies:
- Experiment with Chocolate: Don’t limit yourself to just semi-sweet or white chocolate! Milk chocolate offers a sweeter, creamier profile, while dark chocolate provides a sophisticated, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet peanut butter. You could even use a mix of two or three different kinds for a visually appealing and varied batch. Try swirling white and dark chocolate together for a marbled effect!
- Alternative Coatings: Beyond traditional chocolate, consider dipping your Ritz cookies in melted butterscotch chips for a rich, caramel-like flavor, or melted peanut butter chips for an extra boost of peanut goodness. Remember, baking chips often contain stabilizers, so you might need to stir in a teaspoon or two of coconut oil to achieve a smoother, more dippable consistency. You could also use candy melts in various colors to create vibrant, themed treats for parties.
- Creative Fillings: While the classic peanut butter filling is beloved, there are many ways to switch it up! For an even richer, gooier center, try mixing some marshmallow creme into the peanut butter. Alternatively, you could entirely swap out the peanut butter filling for soft caramel candies, or even a creamy Nutella spread for a chocolate-hazelnut twist. Exploring other nut butters like almond butter or cashew butter can also yield delicious results, catering to different preferences or dietary needs.
- Colorful Creations: If you’re using white chocolate for your coating, it’s incredibly easy to add a few drops of food coloring to create vibrant and festive cookies. This is perfect for birthday parties, school events, or tailoring your treats to specific holiday themes.
- Diverse Toppings: Sprinkles are just the beginning! Elevate your no-bake Ritz cookies with different toppings like finely chopped nuts (pecans, peanuts, almonds), shredded coconut for a tropical flair, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt immediately after dipping to further enhance that irresistible sweet and salty contrast. Crushed candy canes make for a festive holiday treat, while mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of contrasting chocolate can add visual appeal.
Storage Instructions for Your No-Bake Ritz Cookies
Ensuring your delicious Ritz cookies stay fresh and enjoyable is simple with these storage guidelines:
You can safely store your no-bake Ritz cookies at room temperature for up to one week. To maintain their freshness, prevent them from drying out, and keep them protected, I strongly recommend storing them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
These chocolate peanut butter Ritz cookies also freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for meal prep or enjoying a quick treat later! They’ll last beautifully for up to three months in an airtight container or a freezer bag. When freezing, it’s a good idea to place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between layers of cookies. This simple step prevents them from sticking to one another, making it easy to grab just one or a few at a time without breaking them. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or enjoy them straight from the freezer for a delightful frozen treat!
Top Tips for Perfect No-Bake Ritz Cookies
Achieving perfect no-bake Ritz cookies every time is easy with a few key tips:
- Always Line Your Baking Sheet: This cannot be stressed enough! Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper is crucial. It prevents the cookies from sticking, especially after chilling, ensuring they can be removed cleanly and easily without any breakage. It also makes cleanup a breeze!
- Opt for No-Stir Creamy Peanut Butter: As mentioned in the ingredients section, the type of peanut butter makes a significant difference. Natural peanut butters tend to separate oil, making the filling too runny and unstable. Stick with traditional, creamy, no-stir varieties from brands like Jif or Skippy for the best, most consistent peanut butter filling texture.
- Melting Chocolate Alternatives: If you don’t own a microwave or prefer a different method, you can easily melt the chocolate on the stovetop using a double boiler. Place your chopped chocolate in a heat-proof bowl and set it over a saucepan filled with about an inch of simmering water. The steam will gently melt the chocolate, allowing you to stir it until it’s smooth and perfectly melted. Be sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the simmering water.
- Work in Batches for Dipping: To ensure your cookies remain firm and easy to handle, remove only half of the chilled Ritz cracker sandwiches from the freezer at a time. This prevents the peanut butter filling from softening too much while you’re busy dipping, leading to a much cleaner and more efficient process.
- Have Toppings Ready: If you plan to add sprinkles, chopped nuts, or other decorations, make sure they are prepared and within reach *before* you start dipping. You’ll need to add them immediately after coating each cookie, while the chocolate is still wet and sticky, to ensure they adhere properly.
- Chill Thoroughly: Don’t rush the chilling process. Allowing the cookies ample time to freeze before dipping and then refrigerating them until the chocolate is fully set is vital for structure and appearance. A properly chilled cookie is firm, easy to handle, and has a satisfying snap to its chocolate coating.
More Delicious No-Bake Peanut Butter Desserts to Try!
- Cranberry Bliss Bars
- Homemade Caramel Popcorn
- Easy Butter Cookies
- Pecan Pralines
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Video Tutorial
Ritz Cookies
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Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (similar to Jif or Skippy; 250 grams)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (60 grams)
- 60 Ritz crackers
- 16 ounces semi-sweet or white chocolate roughly chopped (I like Bakers or Ghirardelli chocolate bars)
- Optional: Sprinkles for topping
Instructions
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Combine the peanut butter and powdered sugar in a medium-sized mixing bowl and stir until all of the powdered sugar is mixed into the peanut butter. Set aside.
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Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place 30 ritz crackers onto the prepared baking sheet and set aside.
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Scoop small mounds of the peanut butter mixture in the middle of each ritz cracker (about 2 teaspoons per cracker).
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Place another cracker on top of each one and gently press it down just until the peanut butter mixture is at the edges of each one.
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Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer to freeze for 15 to 20 minutes while you prepare the chocolate.
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Combine the chopped chocolate in a heat-safe bowl and microwave in 30 second increments, stirring well after each increment, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
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Line a separate baking sheet with another piece of parchment paper.
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Remove half of the cookies from the freezer, to prevent them from defrosting before dipping them in the chocolate. Place one into the melted chocolate and use a fork to move it around so it’s completely coated in chocolate. Using the fork, lift it out of the chocolate, and tap the fork on the side of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate. Place on the prepared baking sheet, using a toothpick to help slide it off of the fork. Repeat with the remaining cookies. If adding sprinkles, make sure to add them right after dipping.
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Once all of the cookies are coated in chocolate, transfer the baking sheet to the fridge to chill for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the chocolate has hardened.
Notes
Freezing Instructions: Cookies may be frozen for up to 3 months. Store in a large freezer bag with pieces of parchment paper between each layer of cookies. Thaw overnight in the fridge.