🎄✨ Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies 🎄

Introduction

There’s something magical about homemade treats during the holiday season, and these Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies are no exception. They’ve become a staple in my holiday baking because they’re simple yet indulgent, with the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy peanut butter goodness. Every year, my family eagerly anticipates these cookies, and they’re often the first to disappear from our holiday dessert spread. The best part? They’re easy to make, kid-friendly, and look festive on any holiday table with their cheerful sprinkles and chocolate coating. Here’s how to make these beloved holiday treats.

Ingredients

• 1 box Ritz crackers
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 cups melting chocolate (milk or dark chocolate)
• 1/4 cup white chocolate (optional for drizzling)
• Holiday sprinkles or nonpareils for decoration

Instructions

1. Prepare Peanut Butter Sandwiches: Spread a generous layer of peanut butter on one Ritz cracker and top with another cracker to form a sandwich. Repeat until all crackers are used.
2. Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate in 30-second increments, stirring in between until smooth and fully melted.
3. Dip the Sandwiches: Dip each peanut butter sandwich into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Allow the excess chocolate to drip off before placing the cookie on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Decorate: Drizzle white chocolate over the cookies (optional) and decorate with holiday sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet.
5. Set and Serve: Let the cookies set at room temperature or refrigerate until the chocolate hardens. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories: Approximately 120 per cookie

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Setting Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve

• As a dessert platter: Add these cookies to a festive dessert board alongside other holiday cookies.
• With a hot drink: Pair them with hot cocoa, coffee, or tea for a cozy winter treat.
• In gift boxes: Wrap them in decorative cellophane bags or boxes as edible holiday gifts.
• At a cookie exchange: These are perfect for sharing at holiday cookie swaps.
• As an after-dinner treat: Serve these alongside other holiday desserts for a delightful end to the meal.

Additional Tips

1. Use creamy peanut butter for the best texture. Crunchy peanut butter can make the filling uneven.
2. Chill the cookies before serving to set the chocolate faster and avoid fingerprints on the coating.
3. Experiment with chocolate types: Dark, milk, or even white chocolate can be used for different flavor profiles.
4. Decorate while chocolate is wet: Add sprinkles immediately after dipping for best results.
5. Make extra: These cookies are addictive, so plan for a larger batch if you’re sharing!

Recipe Variations

• Nut-Free Option: Substitute the peanut butter with a nut-free alternative like sunflower seed butter.
• Flavor Infusion: Add a hint of vanilla or cinnamon to the peanut butter for extra holiday flavor.
• Chocolate Choices: Try dark chocolate for a richer taste, or white chocolate for a milder, sweeter bite.
• Crunchy Texture: Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture in the filling.
• Festive Colors: Use colored melting chocolate in red, green, or white for extra holiday cheer.

Serving Suggestions

• With Ice Cream: Crumble a few cookies over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a delicious, easy dessert.
• Gift Wrapping: Pack in decorative tins or jars for a festive, homemade gift idea.
• On a Dessert Platter: Arrange these cookies with other festive treats like candy canes and fudge for a beautiful presentation.
• Holiday Brunch: Serve with coffee or tea for a sweet addition to a holiday brunch.
• Party Favors: Individually wrap them for guests to take home as a parting gift.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store these cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Room Temperature Storage: These cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, though refrigeration helps them stay fresh longer.

FAQ

1. Can I use different types of crackers?
   Ritz crackers work best for their slightly salty, buttery taste, but any similar round cracker can work.
2. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
   Yes, but it will make the filling less smooth. Creamy peanut butter is recommended for the best texture.
3. What if I don’t have melting chocolate?
   You can use chocolate chips, but add a bit of coconut oil or butter for easier melting.
4. Do I need to drizzle white chocolate?
   No, it’s optional. The white chocolate drizzle adds a decorative touch but isn’t necessary.
5. Can I make these cookies vegan?
   Yes, by using dairy-free chocolate and a plant-based nut butter.
6. Can I add more peanut butter filling?
   Absolutely! Just adjust the amount of peanut butter as desired.
7. Will these cookies melt at room temperature?
   They should be fine at room temperature, but they keep their shape better if refrigerated.
8. How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing?
   Melt it slowly in the microwave in short bursts or use a double boiler method.
9. What if I’m allergic to peanuts?
   Substitute the peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter.
10. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, this recipe is easy to scale up. Just adjust the ingredient amounts as needed.

Conclusion

Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies are a delightful, festive treat that’s sure to add a bit of holiday magic to any gathering. Their perfect balance of salty, sweet, and creamy flavors makes them a favorite for kids and adults alike, while the simple ingredients and easy preparation mean they’re great for any skill level. Whether you’re making these cookies as a gift, bringing them to a holiday party, or just looking to enjoy a cozy evening treat, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This holiday season, add a little extra sparkle to your baking with these irresistible Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies!

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