Irresistible Caramel Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies

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I’ve been making these irresistible caramel Ritz cracker Christmas cookies for years, and every time I do, they vanish within minutes. There’s just something about the perfect balance of salty, sweet, creamy, and crunchy that makes these cookies unbelievably addictive. Whether it’s a casual cookie swap or a full-on holiday dessert table, these always end up being the star of the show. And the best part? They’re ridiculously easy to make.

What I love most is how deceptively simple they are. With only a handful of ingredients, no oven required, and a flavor profile that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—these cookies are my go-to holiday hack. The buttery crispiness of Ritz crackers, the rich caramel center, smooth white chocolate coating, and the festive pop of sprinkles make these cookies a must-have each holiday season.

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Why You’ll Love These Irresistible Caramel Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies

These cookies hit all the right notes. They’re:

• No-bake and incredibly easy to make.
• A perfect blend of sweet and salty.
• Visually festive with minimal effort.
• Great for gifting or serving at holiday parties.
• Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly.

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What Kind of Caramel Should I Use?

Soft caramel squares (like Kraft or Werther’s) work beautifully here. Just melt them down with a splash of heavy cream to get that gooey, spreadable consistency that pairs perfectly between two crisp crackers. If you’re short on time, pre-made caramel sauce can be a decent alternative—just make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape.

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Options for Substitutions

• Chocolate Coating: Don’t like white chocolate? Use milk or dark chocolate for a richer twist.
• Crackers: While Ritz crackers give that signature buttery crunch, you can swap them for any buttery round cracker.
• Caramel Filling: A peanut butter-caramel combo is an amazing variation for added depth.
• Sprinkles: Holiday sprinkles are fun, but crushed peppermint or toffee bits make for a delicious alternative.

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Ingredients for These Irresistible Caramel Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies

• Ritz Crackers: These provide a salty, buttery crunch that balances the sweet caramel and chocolate coating perfectly.
• Soft Caramel Candies: The heart of the cookie sandwich—melted into a luscious filling that oozes slightly with every bite.
• Heavy Cream: Just a splash helps melt and smooth out the caramel to the ideal spreading consistency.
• White Chocolate or Almond Bark: For dipping the cookies—creates a creamy, sweet coating that hardens beautifully.
• Holiday Sprinkles: Adds color, crunch, and festive flair to the finished cookies.
• Optional Sea Salt Flakes: For those who enjoy a deeper salty-sweet contrast.

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Step 1: Melt the Caramel

Unwrap your soft caramel candies and place them in a saucepan with a splash of heavy cream. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Don’t walk away—caramel can scorch easily.

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Step 2: Sandwich the Crackers

Lay out half of your Ritz crackers, flat side up. Spoon or pipe about a teaspoon of warm caramel onto each cracker. Top with another cracker, flat side down, pressing gently to make a sandwich. Allow them to set slightly while you prepare the coating.

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Step 3: Melt the White Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate or almond bark in 20–30 second intervals, stirring between each round, until smooth and fully melted. You can also use a double boiler if you prefer more control.

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Step 4: Dip the Cookie Sandwiches

Using tongs or a fork, dip each cookie sandwich into the melted white chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Gently tap off excess chocolate and place the coated cookie on a parchment-lined tray.

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Step 5: Decorate with Sprinkles

Before the chocolate hardens, top each cookie with your choice of holiday sprinkles. Work quickly so the sprinkles stick before the coating sets.

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Step 6: Let Them Set

Allow the cookies to sit at room temperature or chill in the fridge until the chocolate coating is completely set. Once hardened, they’re ready to serve or store.

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How Long to Prepare the Irresistible Caramel Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies

Preparation Time: Most of the time goes into assembling and coating the cookies, not baking. You’ll spend about 20 minutes preparing the caramel and assembling the cookie sandwiches, and another 15–20 minutes dipping and decorating them.

Chilling Time: If you’re short on time, pop them in the fridge for about 10–15 minutes to speed up the chocolate setting. Otherwise, letting them set at room temperature can take 30–40 minutes.

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Tips for Perfect Irresistible Caramel Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies

• Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
• Make sure your caramel isn’t too runny—if it’s too thin, it’ll leak out of the sides.
• Don’t overheat the white chocolate; melt it gently to avoid clumping or burning.
• Dip cookies with a fork or dipping tool for a clean, even coating.
• Allow time for the cookies to fully set before packaging or serving.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Burning the Caramel: It heats quickly and can go from smooth to scorched in seconds.
• Too Much Caramel: Overfilling will cause the caramel to spill out and make the cookies hard to coat.
• Skipping the Chill Time: If you don’t let the chocolate fully harden, the cookies can smudge or stick together.
• Wet Utensils: Even a little water can seize your chocolate—keep everything dry.
• Overdipping: Too much chocolate can make the cookies messy and overly sweet.

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What to Serve With Irresistible Caramel Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies?

1. Hot Cocoa or Peppermint Mocha

Warm drinks bring out the cozy sweetness in these cookies.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve one or two cookies on a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

3. Cheese Board

Surprisingly, these cookies pair well with a salty-sweet grazing board—try them next to nuts, dried fruits, and mild cheeses.

4. Fruit Compote or Berry Sauce

A drizzle of tart berries balances the sweet richness.

5. Holiday Cocktails

Serve with eggnog, spiked cider, or Bailey’s over ice for a festive grown-up treat.

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Storage Instructions

At Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days. Keep them in a cool, dry spot to avoid melting.

Refrigerator: These cookies can be stored in the fridge for 1–2 weeks. They’ll stay firm and fresh, especially if your house is warm.

Freezer: Freeze in layers with parchment paper in between for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving—do not microwave or the chocolate will melt.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per cookie (based on standard ingredients):

• Calories: ~150
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Sugar: 12g
• Protein: 1g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fiber: 0g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make these cookies?

You can make them up to a week in advance if kept in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, but make sure it’s thick and not too runny. You want it to hold its shape between the crackers.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of white?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate gives a deeper flavor and cuts some of the sweetness.

Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?

Only if your kitchen is very warm or you want to extend their shelf life.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Ritz crackers contain gluten, but you can use a gluten-free cracker alternative to make this recipe gluten-free.

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Conclusion

Irresistible Caramel Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies are a celebration of all things joyful and indulgent during the holidays. They’re sweet, crunchy, festive, and just the kind of easy treat that brings everyone together. With a quick prep time, fun decorating options, and that unbeatable salty-sweet combo, these cookies will quickly become a staple in your holiday traditions. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or wrapping up homemade gifts, this no-bake wonder is guaranteed to leave a lasting (and delicious) impression.

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