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Nothing gets the family gathered in the kitchen quite like these Caramel Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies. This recipe takes just a handful of classic ingredients and turns them into a festive, giftable treat that always disappears fast from cookie trays at our house. They offer a perfect salty sweet crunch with a creamy caramel center and vivid holiday colors, and since there is no baking involved, the cookies are ready in a flash for last-minute parties or cookie exchanges.
Every year, my niece and I plan a cookie day and these are always the first ones she wants to dunk and decorate. I have memories of tiny hands covering every cookie with sprinkles long before they were set.
Ingredients
- Ritz crackers: the buttery salty base that contrasts the sweet caramel use the freshest crackers for max crunch
- Caramel sauce or melted caramel candies: for that gooey, dreamy center thicker caramel holds better between crackers
- White chocolate chips or white candy melts: give you a holiday look and a sweet shell choose high quality chips for smooth melting
- Vegetable oil: helps the chocolate coat the cookies evenly just a splash is all you need
- Red white and green festive sprinkles: for decoration pick colors and shapes you love for extra cheer
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet:
- Lay a large sheet of parchment paper over your baking sheet making sure the edges curl upward so the finished cookies lift off smoothly
- Make the Caramel-Filled Sandwiches:
- Put a generous spoonful of caramel on half of the crackers try to keep it in the center then gently press another cracker on top to create a sandwich press just until you see the caramel peek out
- Melt the White Chocolate:
- Pour the white chocolate chips and vegetable oil into a microwave-safe glass bowl then microwave in bursts of 30 seconds pausing to stir well between each time until the chocolate is fully smooth and fluid
- Coat the Cookies in White Chocolate:
- Drop one caramel cracker sandwich at a time into the melted chocolate turning with a fork to coat every side evenly tap off the excess chocolate then place the cookie onto the prepared baking sheet
- Decorate with Sprinkles:
- Before the chocolate on each cookie sets quickly shake your sprinkles over the top as much or as little as you like pressing down lightly if needed
- Let the Cookies Set:
- Let your tray of cookies cool at room temp until the chocolate hardens or slip the pan into the fridge for speedier setting once cool they are ready to share
Sprinkles are hands down my favorite part because each little cookie comes out looking different and more joyful than the last I always remember my brother dumping a pile of extra sprinkles on his cookies because he wanted them to shimmer for Santa
Storage Tips
Keep these cookies fresh by storing them in a single layer or with parchment between stacks in an airtight container at cool room temperature They will stay crisp for several days If your house is warm pop them in the fridge but bring them to room temp before serving for best crunch
Ingredient Substitutions
Try using gluten free round crackers if someone in your family is sensitive swap in dairy free chocolate or caramel if needed If you want a richer bite go dark or milk chocolate instead of white and try topping with chopped nuts or even mini candies instead of sprinkles
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are a party favorite on Christmas cookie platters Pair with hot cocoa or coffee for a sweet salty finish after dinner They wrap up beautifully for gifts tucked in cellophane with a bow and look especially cheerful with homemade gift tags
Cultural and Holiday Fun
No matter your background the sweet salty combo unites people all season long This treat is a twist on classic Ritz cracker cookies found at so many Midwest holiday parties Using white chocolate and red green sprinkles makes them especially cheery for Christmas gatherings
Seasonal Adaptations
Switch the sprinkle colors for Valentine’s or Halloween Use gold and blue for winter celebrations Try peppermint extract in the chocolate for a December twist
Success Stories
I have friends who made this recipe a new tradition using baby spoons to fill the caramel and tiny hands to add the sprinkles Even if they do not look perfect every batch is met with grins and laughter
Freezer Meal Conversion
These cookies freeze surprisingly well Place in layers between parchment in a sturdy container They defrost in minutes with no soggy texture which makes them perfect to prepare ahead for busy weeks or festive events
Share these cookies with family and friends for instant holiday joy. They are sure to bring smiles with every bite.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Yes, dark or milk chocolate can be substituted for a richer or milder flavor instead of white chocolate.
- → Are there gluten-free options?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free Ritz-style crackers for a similar crunch and taste.
- → How do I store these treats?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- → Can I make them in advance?
Yes, these can be made ahead; just be sure they set completely before stacking or packing.
- → What else can I decorate them with?
Try crushed candies, chopped nuts, or colored sugar for extra texture and flavor variety.