Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies

If you’re searching for a festive, quick, and absolutely delicious treat, you’ve come to the right place! This Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies recipe is perfect for holiday celebrations, combining crispy Ritz crackers with sweet, colorful toppings that will delight kids and adults alike. These cookies are simple to make, require minimal ingredients, and deliver that perfect blend of salty and sweet—a snack that’s ideal for sharing or gifting during the Christmas season. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just looking for a fun project, these Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies will quickly become a holiday favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: The recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy holiday schedules.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples, making it easy to whip up without extra shopping.
• Kid-Friendly: Perfect for a family activity, kids love helping decorate these festive treats.
• Crunchy and Flavorful: The salty buttery crackers balance perfectly with the sugary toppings.
• Customizable: You can easily switch up toppings and decorations to fit your taste and style.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering straightforward but essential ingredients ensures these Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies come out crispy and packed with flavor. Each component adds its unique touch, from salty crunch to sweet decoration.

• Ritz Crackers: The base of the cookie, providing buttery, flaky texture with just the right saltiness.
• Chocolate Chips: Melts perfectly over the crackers to create a luscious, gooey center.
• Sprinkles: Adds festive color and a little extra sweetness, making each cookie pop with holiday cheer.
• Optional Sea Salt: Just a pinch enhances the balance between sweet and salty flavors.
• Parchment Paper: Essential for lining your baking tray and making cleanup a breeze.

Variations for Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies

Feel free to personalize your Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies! This recipe is super adaptable, letting you tailor it to dietary preferences or to add new flavor twists.

• Nut Butter Swap: Replace chocolate with peanut butter or almond butter for a nutty twist and creamy texture.
• White Chocolate Chips: Use white chocolate instead of milk or dark chocolate for a sweeter, richer flavor.
• Holiday Sprinkles Mix: Try themed sprinkles like red and green sanding sugar or snowflake shapes to match your decor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free crackers and sprinkles to make a festive treat suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
• Added Nuts or Dried Fruits: Sprinkle chopped pecans or dried cranberries on top for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

How to Make Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup quick. Arrange the Ritz crackers in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap for even baking.

Step 2: Add the Chocolate Chips

Place one or two chocolate chips on top of each cracker. The quantity depends on how chocolaty you want each cookie to be, but one or two chips per cracker usually works perfectly.

Step 3: Bake Until Chocolate Melts

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 4-6 minutes, just until the chocolate chips begin to melt but haven’t spread completely.

Step 4: Decorate with Sprinkles

Remove the sheet from the oven and immediately add your festive sprinkles over the semi-melted chocolate. Press each sprinkle lightly so they stick well as the chocolate cools.

Step 5: Cool and Set

Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet. This setting time ensures that the chocolate hardens again with the sprinkles firmly attached, resulting in perfectly crisp, sweet cookies.

Pro Tips for Making Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies

• Use Room Temperature Chocolate Chips: This helps the chocolate melt evenly without burning in the oven.
• Watch the Bake Time: Keep a close eye to avoid overbaking, which can make crackers too crispy or chocolate burn.
• Quick Cooling: Transfer the baking sheet to a wire rack after a few minutes to cool evenly and speed up setting.
• Sprinkle Immediately: Adding sprinkles right after removing from the oven ensures they melt lightly into the chocolate.
• Batch Baking: Use multiple baking sheets for large batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure even heat circulation.

How to Serve Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies

Garnishes

Enhance the appearance by dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling melted white chocolate lightly on top just before serving. Fresh mint leaves or edible glitter also add a beautiful, festive touch.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of cocoa, peppermint tea, or eggnog for a delightful holiday snack combo. They also complement cheese boards or fruit platters nicely, balancing sweet and savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies in a decorative holiday tin, layered with wax paper, or stack them in clear jars tied with colorful ribbons. They also make charming additions to festive gift baskets or cookie exchanges.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This preserves their crunch and festive colors without melting or sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies by layering them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving to maintain their crisp texture.

Reheating

If you prefer a slightly warm cookie, reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes or until just warmed. Avoid microwaving as it could melt the toppings and soften the crackers.

FAQs

Can I use other types of crackers besides Ritz?

Yes! While Ritz crackers offer the perfect buttery crunch, you can experiment with saltines, graham crackers, or gluten-free options for different textures and flavors.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies remain fresh for up to one week without losing crispness.

Are these cookies suitable for kids to make?

Absolutely! This recipe is very kid-friendly, simple enough for little hands to decorate and fun for family activities during the holiday season.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, swap the chocolate chips with vegan-friendly chocolate and use vegan crackers to make a vegan version of these festive cookies.

What is the best way to prevent sprinkles from falling off?

Sprinkle immediately after removing the cookies from the oven when the chocolate is still soft, then press gently to help them adhere as the chocolate cools and hardens.

Final Thoughts

The joy of making and sharing Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies is truly unbeatable—they’re effortless, festive, and irresistibly tasty. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a cozy night in, these cookies are guaranteed to spread holiday cheer. So, gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and start this sweet holiday tradition today!

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