Ritz Cracker Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that’s as fun to make as it is delicious, you’ve got to try my Ritz Cracker Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. These little sandwich cookies combine salty, sweet, and creamy flavors in a way that makes every bite totally irresistible. Trust me, whether you’re making these for a holiday party or just a cozy night at home, everyone will be asking for the recipe (and maybe even sneaking an extra or two before you realize!).

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Ritz Cracker Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe comes from the simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients. I always recommend using creamy peanut butter for ease of spreading and smooth flavor, but don’t be shy to experiment with your favorite nut butter. The Ghirardelli white chocolate melting wafers give you a silky, glossy coating that’s just divine.

• Ritz Crackers: The classic combo—salty, buttery, and crispy to create the perfect cookie base.
• White Chocolate Melting Wafers: These melt super smoothly and cover the cookies beautifully; you can use dark chocolate too if you prefer.
• Coconut Oil (optional): Adding a little helps the chocolate melt easier and gives a nice sheen, but it’s totally optional.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Smooth spreads make sandwiching easy and keep the cookies from being too dry.
• Festive Holiday Sprinkles: For that joyful, colorful pop—use your favorite sprinkles or skip if you want a simpler look.
• Flaky Sea Salt: A sprinkle on top balances the sweetness perfectly and adds a gourmet touch.

Variations

I love how versatile the Ritz Cracker Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is—you can totally make it your own! Whether you want to dial up the chocolate or change the nut butter, there’s room to customize and make the cookies fit your taste buds perfectly.

• Nut Butter Swap: I’ve tried almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter, and the cookies still came out creamy and delicious—just a different flavor twist.
• Chocolate Options: If you prefer something richer, switch out the white chocolate for dark or milk chocolate melting wafers. I always recommend the melting wafers because they coat the crackers perfectly.
• Sprinkle-Free: For a less festive but still tasty treat, skip the sprinkles and just finish with flaky sea salt. The salt really amps up the flavor contrast beautifully.
• Add Crunch: Sprinkle some finely chopped peanuts on top before the chocolate sets for an extra nutty crunch I discovered at a holiday bake-off once—people went wild for it!

How to Make Ritz Cracker Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Base with Ritz Crackers

Start by lining a cookie sheet with parchment paper—that’s essential because these cookies get dipped in chocolate and can get sticky. Lay out one sleeve of Ritz crackers flat side up. This flat side is where you’ll spread your peanut butter, so it sticks nicely and creates a sturdy base.

Step 2: Spread the Peanut Butter

I usually eyeball about 2 teaspoons per cracker; you want a nice thick layer without it oozing out when you add the top cracker. The creamy peanut butter spreads smoothly and helps the cookies stick together perfectly. Remember, the peanut butter is the star sticky agent here, so don’t be shy with it!

Step 3: Create Your Sandwich Cookies

Place a second Ritz cracker on top, this time rounded side up for that classic sandwich look. Press lightly so everything sticks together but doesn’t squish out the peanut butter. Once you have your sandwiches ready, you’re ready to dip.

Step 4: Melt and Dip in White Chocolate

Pop your white chocolate melting wafers into a microwave-safe bowl. I typically microwave them for 1 minute, stir, then another minute and stir again until silky smooth. If your chocolate seems a little thick, feel free to stir in 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil to help it flow more easily. Then, using a fork, dunk each peanut butter sandwich cookie one by one into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. A quick tip: tap off any excess chocolate before setting the cookie back on the parchment to keep things neat.

Step 5: Add Sprinkles and Sea Salt, then Chill

Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle your festive holiday sprinkles on top for that cheerful holiday pop. Then don’t forget a little flaky sea salt—it sounds fancy, but it balances the sweetness so perfectly and gives that professional bakery taste. Let the cookies sit at room temperature until the chocolate hardens, then get ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Ritz Cracker Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for the combination of sprinkles and flaky sea salt on top—that crunch and color really elevate these cookies from everyday to festive. Sometimes, I swap out the sprinkles for crushed roasted peanuts or even mini chocolate chips if I want a different texture. These little touches are great when serving to guests or for that holiday cookie exchange.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic on their own, but if you’re hosting a party, pairing them with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee is a crowd-pleaser. For holiday brunches, I like to set up a cookie platter alongside fresh fruit and cheese – it’s a fun mix of sweet, salty, and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

When I made these for Christmas last year, I arranged them in a festive tin lined with parchment paper and tied it up with a big red ribbon. Another time, I placed them in small mason jars layered with tissue paper and decorative twine—you’d be amazed how these little presentation extras make the cookies feel like a truly special gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your cookies have completely set, I store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually keep beautifully for up to a week, and I find they even get better after a day or two as the flavors meld. Just be sure to layer them with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, freezing is a lifesaver. I freeze these cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature, perfect for last-minute guests or extra holiday treats.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t usually necessary since these are best enjoyed at room temp or chilled, but if you want to soften the peanut butter inside, just pop a couple in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Don’t overdo it or the chocolate might melt too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ritz Cracker Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe quickly became one of my favorites because it’s so simple yet feels like a special treat. I love how easy it is to make these with few ingredients and how well they bring smiles to friends and family. If you’re craving a cookie that’s crunchy, creamy, sweet, and salty all at once, this is the one to make. Trust me, once you try these cookies, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for every holiday and special occasion!

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