If you love the perfect combination of crunchy, creamy, and chocolatey, then you are going to adore this Chocolate Ritz Cookies Recipe. It takes the humble Ritz cracker and transforms it into a delightful treat with layers of peanut butter and a rich chocolate coating. Every bite offers a wonderful contrast of textures and flavors that make these cookies absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a party, a snack, or a sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea, this recipe is straightforward, fun, and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chocolate Ritz Cookies Recipe lies in its simple ingredients that come together to create complex, satisfying flavors. Each item is thoughtfully chosen to provide the ideal balance of crunch, creaminess, and sweetness that makes these cookies stand out.
- 72 Ritz crackers: The salty, buttery base that adds crunch and personality to every bite.
- 1 cup peanut butter: Smooth and creamy, it binds the sandwich and adds rich flavor.
- 12 oz chocolate almond bark: Melts easily to coat the sandwiches with luscious chocolate perfection.
- 2 tablespoons sprinkles: Adds a pop of color and a bit of festive fun when garnishing.
- 1 ounce white almond bark: Perfect for decorative drizzle or details to elevate presentation.
- 2 teaspoons flakey salt: Balances sweetness with a hint of savory punch that makes these cookies addictive.
How to Make Chocolate Ritz Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Sandwiches
The first step is delightfully simple—take a Ritz cracker and spread a small dollop of peanut butter right in the center, then gently press another cracker on top to create a sandwich. This creamy center paired with the crispy crackers is the foundation of these irresistible treats.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Almond Bark
Using a microwave-safe dish, melt your chocolate almond bark in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each to ensure a smooth, glossy finish. Taking your time here is key to preventing lumps and achieving that perfect coating.
Step 3: Dip the Sandwiches in Chocolate
Lay out a large sheet of parchment or wax paper on your countertop. Using a fork, carefully submerge each peanut butter sandwich into the melted chocolate, coating it thoroughly. Lift it out and gently tap the fork to shake off any excess chocolate before placing the cookie on the paper to set.
Step 4: Garnish Your Cookies
This is your chance to get creative and customize! While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle colorful sprinkles, drizzle melted white almond bark, or sprinkle a pinch of flakey salt. These garnishes not only look stunning but add delightful flavor contrasts that make every bite exciting.
How to Serve Chocolate Ritz Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sprinkles or a drizzle of white almond bark instantly makes these cookies party-ready and inviting. For those who enjoy a flavor burst, topping with a sprinkle of flakey salt enhances the taste by giving that perfect sweet-salty combination. It’s a simple touch that elevates the whole experience.
Side Dishes
Chocolate Ritz Cookies shine on their own but pairing them with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns the snack into a decadent dessert. For a tea party or casual gathering, serving them alongside fresh fruit or a cup of rich coffee creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies in neat stacks, place them in decorative jars, or display them on a tiered cake stand to enhance their appeal. Wrapping a few individually in clear cellophane tied with ribbons makes a charming gift. The versatility of the presentation is part of the fun with this Chocolate Ritz Cookies Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your cookies fresh and crunchy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay delicious for up to a week, making them perfect for prepping in advance for parties or snack cravings later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to make these well ahead, freezing is an excellent option. Place the baked and decorated cookies on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. This helps avoid sticking and keeps them fresh for up to a month.
Reheating
These cookies are best enjoyed as is, but if you prefer a slightly melty texture, you can warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. Just keep an eye on them to prevent the chocolate from burning or melting too much.
FAQs
Can I use other types of nut butter instead of peanut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter both work beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure the nut butter has a similar consistency to peanut butter to keep the sandwiches intact.
What if I don’t have chocolate almond bark?
You can substitute regular chocolate chips or melting chocolate, but almond bark melts more smoothly and hardens nicely, which is ideal for coating these cookies.
How long do these cookies last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, they remain fresh for up to one week at room temperature. Beyond that, their texture might soften but they’re still tasty.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the Ritz crackers for a gluten-free cracker or cookie that has a similar texture and thickness for the best results.
Is it necessary to add the flakey salt?
While optional, flakey salt offers a wonderful balance by cutting through the sweetness and enhancing the flavors. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Chocolate Ritz Cookies Recipe that brings simple ingredients together to create a snack you’ll keep coming back to. It’s easy enough for a spontaneous treat but impressive enough to share with friends and family. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that perfect blend of crunch, creaminess, and chocolate in every bite!
Print
Chocolate Ritz Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 36 servings
Description
These Chocolate Ritz Cookies are a delightful, no-bake treat consisting of peanut butter sandwiched between crunchy Ritz crackers, then coated in smooth melted chocolate and sprinkled with festive toppings. Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, they make an irresistible snack or party dessert.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 72 Ritz crackers (about 3 sleeves)
- 1 cup peanut butter
Chocolate Coating
- 12 oz chocolate almond bark (or chocolate melting candy)
- 1 ounce white almond bark
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons sprinkles
- 2 teaspoons flaky salt
Instructions
- Assemble sandwiches: Place a small dollop of peanut butter on one Ritz cracker and press another cracker on top to form a sandwich. Repeat until all crackers are used.
- Melt chocolate: Place the 12 oz chocolate almond bark in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30 second increments, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
- Coat cookies: Lay out a large piece of parchment or wax paper. Using a fork, dip each peanut butter sandwich cookie into the melted chocolate, fully submerging it. Lift the cookie out and gently tap the fork to remove excess chocolate. Transfer coated cookies onto the parchment paper to set.
- Decorate: While the chocolate is still wet, garnish the cookies with sprinkles, drizzle melted white almond bark decoratively, or sprinkle flaky salt as desired. Allow the chocolate to harden completely before serving.
Notes
- Use smooth or crunchy peanut butter based on preference for texture.
- Melt the white almond bark separately to drizzle or decorate as desired.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a dairy-free option, select dairy-free chocolate almond bark and peanut butter.
- Flaky salt adds a lovely contrast to the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
