Irresistible Caramel Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies

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Every holiday season, I find myself coming back to these delightful Caramel Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies. They bring together the perfect balance of salty and sweet with a smooth caramel center, sandwiched between crisp Ritz crackers and dipped in creamy white chocolate. What seals the deal? A generous sprinkle of festive red, green, and white nonpareils that make each bite a celebration.

I love how effortlessly these cookies come together with just a handful of pantry staples. They’re the kind of treat that looks like you spent hours on them, but in reality, they’re one of the easiest no-bake holiday desserts out there. These are my go-to for cookie swaps, school parties, and gifting — and they never last long once they’re out on the table.

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Caramel Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies Recipe

These cookies hit every note of what a Christmas treat should be. They’re:

• No-bake and super quick to assemble
• Perfect for making in large batches
• Loved by both kids and adults
• Visually stunning on any cookie platter
• Easy to customize with different toppings or chocolates

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What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use for Dipping?

I always reach for high-quality white chocolate or white almond bark for this recipe. Almond bark is especially forgiving and smooth when melted, making it perfect for coating the cookies evenly. If you’re using white chocolate chips, make sure to add a bit of coconut oil or shortening to get that glossy, dippable texture.

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Options for Substitutions

• Chocolate: Swap the white chocolate for dark or milk chocolate for a richer twist.
• Caramel: Use store-bought caramel squares or homemade caramel sauce (just be sure it thickens well).
• Sprinkles: Switch up the sprinkle colors for different holidays — think pastels for Easter or orange and black for Halloween.
• Crackers: While Ritz are ideal for their buttery flavor, any buttery round cracker can do in a pinch.
• Filling: Try adding a touch of peanut butter with the caramel for a salty-sweet flavor combo.

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Ingredients for Irresistible Caramel Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies

• Ritz Crackers: These buttery, crisp crackers provide the perfect salty base for the sweet caramel and chocolate.
• Soft Caramel Candies: Melting these creates the gooey, rich center that contrasts perfectly with the crunch of the crackers.
• White Chocolate or Almond Bark: Used for dipping, this coats each cookie in a smooth, sweet finish. Almond bark is ideal for easy melting and hardening.
• Festive Sprinkles: Adds color, texture, and a cheerful holiday vibe to each cookie.
• Optional Coconut Oil or Shortening: Helps thin the chocolate for smoother dipping if using chocolate chips.

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Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and unwrap all your caramel candies in advance. Having everything ready before assembly will make the process smooth and mess-free.

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Step 2: Sandwich the Caramels

Place one unwrapped caramel between two Ritz crackers, gently pressing them together to form a sandwich. Repeat until all caramels are used. If your caramels are very firm, microwave them for 5–10 seconds to soften slightly before pressing.

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Step 3: Melt the White Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt your white chocolate or almond bark in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until completely smooth. If it’s too thick, stir in 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening to thin it.

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Step 4: Dip and Decorate

Using tongs or a fork, dip each caramel-cracker sandwich into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Lift, let the excess chocolate drip off, and place on the prepared baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle with festive sprinkles before the coating hardens.

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Step 5: Let Them Set

Allow the cookies to sit at room temperature or place them in the fridge for 15–20 minutes until the chocolate is firm to the touch.

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Step 6: Serve or Store

Once set, the cookies are ready to enjoy! Stack them in cookie tins or arrange them on a festive tray for serving.

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How Long to Prepare Irresistible Caramel Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies

Prep Time: Most of your time will go into assembling the caramel sandwiches and dipping them in chocolate. Unwrapping the caramels and organizing your setup takes about 10 minutes. Assembling the cracker sandwiches should take another 10–15 minutes, depending on your pace.

Chill Time: Once dipped, the cookies need to set. You can either let them sit at room temperature for 30–40 minutes or speed up the process by chilling them in the refrigerator for about 15–20 minutes. Overall, you’re looking at just around 30–45 minutes total.

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Tips for Perfect Irresistible Caramel Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies

• Use fresh, soft caramels for easy sandwiching and better texture.
• Microwave caramels briefly to make them more pliable.
• Melt chocolate slowly to avoid seizing—30-second microwave bursts work best.
• Add coconut oil if your melted chocolate feels too thick.
• Work in batches so the chocolate doesn’t harden before you’re done decorating.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overheating the Chocolate: This can cause it to seize and become grainy. Melt slowly and stir often.
• Not Pressing Crackers Firmly Enough: Loose sandwiches fall apart during dipping.
• Skipping the Chill Step: Without chilling, the chocolate may not harden fully, making them messy to serve.
• Using Hard Caramels: They won’t melt properly and can make the cookies unpleasantly chewy.
• Not Adding Sprinkles Quickly: The chocolate sets fast; decorate right after dipping each one.

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What to Serve With Irresistible Caramel Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies?

1. Hot Chocolate

Rich and creamy hot cocoa makes the perfect match for these sweet-salty treats.

2. Eggnog

A classic holiday drink that complements the caramel and white chocolate flavors beautifully.

3. Coffee or Espresso

The bold bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the cookies.

4. Mulled Wine

Warm, spiced wine adds a festive touch and pairs surprisingly well with sweet snacks.

5. Cheese Platter

A savory cheese board can balance out the dessert-heavy side of your holiday spread.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to one week. Separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Refrigerator: For slightly firmer cookies, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 10 days.

Freezer: These freeze beautifully! Arrange in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, using parchment between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Let thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per cookie (approximate values):

• Calories: 140
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different crackers?

Yes! While Ritz gives the best buttery taste and texture, you can use any round buttery cracker.

Do I need to refrigerate them?

Only if you prefer a firmer bite. They store well at room temperature too.

What’s the best caramel to use?

Soft, chewy caramels (like Kraft or Werther’s soft) are ideal. Avoid hard or overly sticky varieties.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! These are great for big batches. Just make sure to melt chocolate in portions so it doesn’t harden.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, they hold up great for several days and even better if stored in the fridge or freezer.

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Conclusion

Irresistible Caramel Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies are a holiday must-have in my kitchen. They’re quick to prepare, festive in appearance, and deliver that amazing salty-sweet bite everyone loves. Whether you’re making them for a party, gifting them to neighbors, or sneaking a few with your coffee, these cookies are guaranteed to bring a little extra joy to your season.

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