Description
This Copycat Ritz Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches recipe lets you enjoy the classic buttery, crispy crackers paired with a rich, creamy peanut butter filling, all homemade for an authentic snack experience. The crackers are lightly salted and perfectly baked to golden brown, then sandwiched with a sweetened peanut butter filling for a nostalgic treat.
Ingredients
Crackers
- 1 1/2 cups bread flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- A few pinches of kosher salt for topping
Peanut Butter Filling
- 3/4 cup unsweetened natural peanut butter
- 4-5 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Make your dough: Add bread flour, cold unsalted butter, baking powder, sugar, and kosher salt to a food processor. Pulse a few times until the butter pieces resemble peas. If you don’t have a food processor, you can use your hands or a pastry cutter to work the ingredients together.
- Incorporate water: Add the cold water to the mixture and pulse a few more times until the dough starts to come together.
- Shape and chill the dough: Transfer the dough to a clean surface or baking mat. Press it together into a ball, then divide into two equal parts. Flatten each piece into a 1/2 inch thick rectangle, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least one hour.
- Preheat oven: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C).
- Roll out dough and cut crackers: Roll each chilled dough portion into a circle about 9-10 inches in diameter, approximately 1/8 inch thick. Use a fluted pastry ring to cut the dough into rounds, then transfer the crackers carefully to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Space them closely as they do not expand much during baking.
- Prepare crackers for baking: Use a skewer to poke holes into each cracker—9 holes for authenticity, although 2-4 holes are acceptable. Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush the mixture lightly over each cracker. Sprinkle a few pinches of kosher salt on top.
- Bake crackers: Place the crackers in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Make filling and assemble: Let crackers cool completely at room temperature. Mix the unsweetened natural peanut butter with powdered sugar until smooth. Spread or pipe the peanut butter mixture onto one cracker, then top with another cracker to form a sandwich.
Notes
- Use bread flour for a crispier texture similar to commercial Ritz crackers.
- Chilling the dough is important to ensure easy rolling and cutting.
- The number of holes can be adjusted depending on your preference; more holes give a more authentic look.
- Powdered sugar in the peanut butter filling is optional but adds a subtle sweetness.
- Store sandwiches in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- You can substitute natural peanut butter with your preferred brand or creamy peanut butter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
