If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines salty, sweet, creamy, and crunchy all in one bite, the Ritz Cracker Cookies with Peanut Butter and Chocolate Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, layering buttery Ritz crackers with rich peanut butter and enveloping the whole creation in luscious melted chocolate. The touch of sea salt or fun sprinkles on top adds that perfect finishing touch, making every bite an addictive mix of flavors and textures that’s impossible to resist. These cookies aren’t just delicious; they’re super simple to make and perfect for sharing at any gathering or just indulging in your cozy moments at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of ingredients to whip up these irresistible Ritz Cracker Cookies with Peanut Butter and Chocolate Recipe. Each ingredient plays a role in creating that balance of crunch, creaminess, and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate goodness that’ll keep you coming back for more.
- 84 Ritz crackers: These provide the iconic buttery crunch that forms the cookie’s sturdy but tender base.
- 1 cup creamy no-stir peanut butter: Using creamy peanut butter ensures a smooth, luscious layer that sticks the crackers together perfectly while adding rich flavor.
- 1 ¼ cups dark chocolate chips: Dark chocolate offers a deep, slightly bitter contrast that balances the sweetness and blends beautifully with peanut butter.
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: These add just the right amount of sugary sweetness and smooth texture for coating the cookies.
- Flaked sea salt or sprinkles: A sprinkle of salt enhances all the flavors, while colorful sprinkles turn these treats into little festive bites.
How to Make Ritz Cracker Cookies with Peanut Butter and Chocolate Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Surface
Start by lining a baking sheet with wax paper. This simple step prevents your cookies from sticking while they chill, making cleanup a breeze and keeping your cookies neat and perfect.
Step 2: Lay Out the Ritz Crackers
Arrange 28 Ritz crackers on the baking sheet with the flat side facing up. This orientation will help you build the layers neatly and create that classic cookie shape everyone loves.
Step 3: Build the Peanut Butter and Ritz Stack
Spoon a layer of creamy peanut butter onto each cracker, then top with another Ritz cracker flat side up. Repeat by adding another peanut butter layer and finally, crown the stack with a third Ritz cracker, this time with the rounded side up. This layering creates a satisfying texture mix and makes sure both ends have that beautiful rounded “pretty” edge showing.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
Carefully melt the dark chocolate chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips together in the microwave. To avoid burning, heat them in 30-second increments, stirring well between each until smooth and glossy. This silky chocolate will be the perfect coating for your cookies.
Step 5: Dip and Decorate
Using a fork, dip each stacked cookie into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s well-coated but not dripping excessively. Give the fork a gentle shake to let any extra chocolate fall off before placing the cookie back on the wax paper-lined sheet. Immediately sprinkle flaked sea salt or fun sprinkles on top before the chocolate hardens to add that extra flavor and eye-catching appeal.
Step 6: Chill Until Set
Pop the tray in the fridge and let your cookies chill for 1 to 2 hours. This step allows the chocolate coating to fully harden, setting all those delicious layers into a neat, snackable treat.
How to Serve Ritz Cracker Cookies with Peanut Butter and Chocolate Recipe
Garnishes
A little garnish elevates the charm of your Ritz Cracker Cookies with Peanut Butter and Chocolate Recipe. Flaked sea salt enhances the chocolate’s depth, while colorful sprinkles add a fun pop, perfect for parties or gifting. For an extra touch, a dusting of cocoa powder or finely chopped nuts can bring even more texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a nostalgic comfort combo, or serve them alongside hot coffee or tea to balance their sweetness. They also make a lovely addition to a dessert platter featuring fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Arrange your cookies on a decorative platter and drape a ribbon around the tray for a gift-worthy presentation. You can also stack them in cute jars or wrap them individually in parchment and twine for party favors or lunchbox treats. For a fancy touch, serve with a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Ritz Cracker Cookies with Peanut Butter and Chocolate Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Keeping them chilled ensures the chocolate coating stays firm and the crackers remain crisp.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving to maintain that perfect texture.
Reheating
Since these cookies are best enjoyed chilled, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer room temperature, simply let them sit out for 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can soften the crackers and melt the chocolate in a way that loses the crisp charm.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful extra crunch to these cookies, complementing the buttery Ritz crackers nicely. Just keep in mind it might make spreading a bit trickier.
What if I don’t have both dark and semi-sweet chocolate chips?
You can use just one type of chocolate if needed. Dark chocolate alone will give a more intense flavor, while semi-sweet will make the overall taste sweeter. Mixing both gives the best balance but feel free to adjust to your preference.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Classic Ritz crackers contain gluten, so this recipe is not gluten-free as written. You can experiment with gluten-free buttery crackers to make a gluten-free version, but the texture and flavor might differ slightly.
How long will these cookies last at room temperature?
Because of the peanut butter and melted chocolate, it’s best to keep these cookies refrigerated. Left at room temperature, they may become too soft or the chocolate may melt, especially in warmer environments.
Can I make these cookies nut-free?
Since peanut butter is a key ingredient, this recipe isn’t suitable for nut-free diets unless you substitute it with a seed butter like sunflower seed butter. Just ensure the alternatives spread well and taste good to you.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Ritz Cracker Cookies with Peanut Butter and Chocolate Recipe. They’re simple to make, irresistibly tasty, and perfect for any occasion that calls for a quick, sweet snack with a fun twist. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting friends, or simply craving a satisfying bite, this recipe delivers all the warm, nostalgic goodness you hope for. So, grab your ingredients and treat yourself to this deliciously addictive combination—you won’t regret it!
Print
Ritz Cracker Cookies with Peanut Butter and Chocolate Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 28 cookies
Description
Delight in these irresistible Ritz Cracker Cookies featuring layers of creamy peanut butter sandwiched between crunchy Ritz crackers, all coated in a luscious blend of dark and semi-sweet chocolate. Topped with a sprinkle of sea salt or festive sprinkles, these no-bake treats combine sweet, salty, and crunchy textures perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 84 Ritz crackers
- 1 cup creamy no-stir peanut butter
Chocolate Coating
- 1 ¼ cups dark chocolate chips
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Toppings
- Flaked sea salt or sprinkles (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with wax paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Arrange first cracker layer: Place 28 Ritz crackers on the lined baking sheet, flat side facing up.
- Build the cookie layers: Spread a layer of creamy peanut butter on each cracker, then top with another Ritz cracker, flat side up. Add another layer of peanut butter and finish with a third Ritz cracker, this time with the rounded side facing up for an attractive presentation. Each cookie will have a sandwich structure with Ritz crackers and peanut butter layered.
- Melt the chocolate: Combine the dark chocolate chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth, taking care not to burn the chocolate.
- Dip cookies in chocolate: Using a fork, dip each assembled cookie into the melted chocolate. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing the cookie back onto the lined baking sheet.
- Add toppings: While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the cookies with flaked sea salt or colorful sprinkles, depending on your preference.
- Chill to set: Place the baking sheet with cookies in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours, or until the chocolate coating is fully hardened.
- Storage: Once set, store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain freshness and texture.
Notes
- The peanut butter used should be creamy and no-stir for easy spreading.
- Ensure the chocolate chips are melted slowly to avoid burning; stirring regularly is key.
- Chilling the cookies thoroughly is essential for the chocolate to harden properly and for easy handling.
- These cookies can be stored for up to two weeks in the refrigerator or longer in the freezer.
- You can customize toppings with different sprinkles or sea salt for different occasions or tastes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
