Ritz Crackers Holiday Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

If you’re searching for a fun, festive, and downright irresistible treat to make for the holidays, you have got to try my Ritz Crackers Holiday Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. These little bites of magic combine salty, sweet, creamy, and crunchy all in one, making every single bite a party for your taste buds. I absolutely love how this turns out — and I promise once you make them, they’ll become an annual tradition in your household too!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something so simple and satisfying about these ingredients working together. I always recommend grabbing good-quality white chocolate wafers—they melt beautifully and help the coating set just right. And, of course, Ritz crackers bring a buttery crunch every time.

• Ritz Crackers: The buttery, flaky texture of these crackers is key—they give you that perfect crunch and a slightly salty base.
• White Chocolate Melting Wafers: These melt smoothly without any hassle, creating that creamy coating.
• Coconut Oil (optional): Adding coconut oil helps with melting and makes the chocolate coating extra glossy and silky.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: I love creamy for easy spreading, but you can swap in your favorite nut butter for a twist.
• Festive Holiday Sprinkles: These fun sprinkles add holiday cheer and a little crunch on top.
• Flaky Sea Salt: A sprinkle at the end brightens all the flavors and balances sweetness beautifully.

Variations

I love that this Ritz Crackers Holiday Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is so versatile. I often tweak it depending on the mood or the crowd I’m baking for, and you’ll enjoy trying your own spins too!

• Chocolate Variation: Swap out white chocolate wafers for dark chocolate instead. I discovered this trick one year, and it adds a richer, more decadent flavor that my family goes crazy for.
• Nut Butter Swap: Don’t like peanut butter? No problem—try almond or cashew butter. It’s a great way to suit dietary preferences or just mix things up.
• No-Sprinkle Option: I sometimes skip sprinkles and just do extra flaky sea salt for a less sweet, more sophisticated cookie.
• Seasonal Themes: Change your sprinkles to match different holidays—think red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or hearts for Valentine’s Day.

How to Make Ritz Crackers Holiday Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Base

Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay out one sleeve of Ritz crackers flat side up—that’s where the peanut butter will go, so you want the smooth surface facing up for easy spreading. Trust me, this makes the next steps a breeze.

Step 2: Spread the Peanut Butter

Using about 2 teaspoons of creamy peanut butter per cracker, spread a nice, thick layer on each one. I usually eyeball it and make sure it’s generous because that peanut butter is what makes these cookies so luscious. Don’t go too thin or your cookie might feel dry.

Step 3: Make Your Sandwiches

Carefully place another cracker on top of each peanut-buttered cracker to make sandwiches. The rounded side should be facing up on the top cracker—this helps in dipping and gives a nice finish to your cookie. This step is fun because it’s like your own little salty-sweet sandwich.

Step 4: Melt the White Chocolate

Place your white chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for one minute, give them a good stir, then heat for another minute and stir again. You want your chocolate perfectly smooth—not scorching hot. If you want an extra silky dip, add 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil to the chocolate before melting. I usually skip it if I have high-quality wafers, but it’s a great tip if your chocolate looks thick or grainy.

Step 5: Dip and Decorate

Now for the fun part! Using a fork, dip each peanut butter sandwich cookie into the melted white chocolate, coating it completely. Hold it over the bowl for a second or two to let excess drip off. Place the dipped cookie back on the parchment-lined sheet. Drizzle any leftover chocolate over the cookies—you’ll love how pretty and professional it looks.

While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle on your festive holiday sprinkles and a pinch of flaky sea salt. The sea salt is my secret weapon—it amps up the flavor with that perfect little crunch and a burst of contrast.

Repeat this process until you’ve covered all cookies and then let them set at room temperature. Or, if you’re in a hurry like me some days, pop them in the fridge for 10-15 minutes until firm.

How to Serve Ritz Crackers Holiday Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve these, I like to go classic with colorful holiday sprinkles on top of the chocolate. Sometimes, I add a tiny edible gold star or a dusting of powdered sugar for that extra festive look. It makes the cookies pop visually and adds a playful texture.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm mug of spiced hot cocoa or a creamy latte. For a crowd, I love setting out a holiday cookie platter with these alongside gingerbread men, peppermint bark, and sugar cookies for a festive snack table everyone can enjoy.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re gifting or hosting, arrange these cookies in a glass jar layered with festive tissue paper, or stack them in a pretty tin tied with a ribbon. For parties, I sometimes arrange them on evergreen sprigs on a serving tray for that winter woodland vibe—guests always comment on how cute they look!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. These cookies stay perfectly fresh and crisp for up to a week, though honestly, they rarely last that long around my family!

Freezing

If you want to prep early, these freeze beautifully. I like to arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking. They keep well for up to 3 months, which is such a lifesaver during busy holidays.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy, just let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you want the chocolate to look glossy again, a quick 5-second zap in the microwave on low can do the trick—but be careful not to melt them too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ritz Crackers Holiday Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe truly holds a special place in my kitchen every holiday season. It’s the kind of easy recipe that feels festive but doesn’t add stress—perfect for sharing with friends, family, or as a sweet gift. I hope you enjoy making and eating these as much as I do, and that they help create some cozy, joyful moments this year!

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