Easy 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Ritz Cracker Cookies: Your Go-To Holiday Treat
These Peanut Butter Ritz Cracker Cookies are a true revelation: incredibly easy to make, requiring only 3 simple ingredients, and dangerously addicting! They are absolutely perfect for your Christmas cookie tray, family gatherings, or just a quick snack when a craving hits. I promise, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “holiday cheer!”
There are some recipes that just stick with you through the years, becoming etched into the fabric of your family’s traditions. For me, these delightful Peanut Butter Ritz Cracker Cookies are one of those treasured recipes. They’ve been a beloved family favorite for as long as I can remember, a staple at every Christmas celebration. I distinctly recall the joy of seeing these yummy treats laid out alongside all the other hard-to-resist goodies that my mom and grandma would lovingly prepare each year.
These aren’t just any cookies; they hold a special place in my heart, especially as they happen to be one of my dad’s absolute favorite Christmas cookies. It’s funny how, over the years, I sometimes overlooked these simple gems in my quest for new and exciting holiday bakes. Each year, I’d create a fresh list of Christmas goodies, rarely repeating a recipe from the previous season. However, a few days ago, as I pondered what cookies to bake for this year’s festivities, these nostalgic delights instantly sprang to mind. It was a clear sign: it was time to revisit the classics.
I’ve realized that there’s an undeniable charm and comfort in going back to the “oldies but goodies.” You simply can’t go wrong with them, can you? Beyond my own nostalgic cravings, I also have a strong desire to ensure my children experience some of the same joyous culinary traditions I cherished as a kid. Passing down these simple, yet profoundly delicious, recipes to the next generation is incredibly important to me. These cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a piece of our family history, a taste of childhood, and a promise of future memories.
The Magic Behind the Simplicity: Just 3 Core Ingredients
Another reason these Peanut Butter Ritz Cracker Cookies are so utterly fantastic is their incredible ease of preparation! This isn’t just a claim; it’s a fact. They truly only require three (yes, you read that right, just three!) very simple and readily available ingredients. We’re talking about items you likely already have in your pantry or can easily grab at any grocery store. During the bustling holiday season, who has time for a scavenger hunt for obscure, “special” ingredients? Not me, and certainly not you!
For these quick and easy no-bake cookies, all you will need are:
- Ritz Crackers (the salty foundation)
- Your favorite Peanut Butter (the creamy, dreamy center)
- Melting Chocolate or Almond Bark (the luscious coating)
And, if you’re feeling particularly festive and want to add a touch of holiday sparkle, some Christmas sprinkles will do the trick perfectly! They’re entirely optional but add that extra layer of seasonal charm.
Why Melting Chocolate Makes All the Difference
When it comes to the chocolate coating, I highly recommend using melting chocolate or almond bark. Why? Because it sets up significantly quicker and creates a smoother, more professional-looking finish compared to regular chocolate chips or chocolate bars. This rapid setting time is a game-changer, especially when you’re in a hurry (which, let’s be honest, is most of us during the holidays!). Plus, when you have eager little hands patiently (or not-so-patiently) waiting for a cookie, getting the job done efficiently is always a win.
While you certainly *can* use standard chocolate chips or a chopped chocolate bar, just be aware that you’ll need to allow for extra drying time. Sometimes, this can mean popping them in the fridge to speed things up. But for ultimate convenience and a reliably quick set, melting wafers or almond bark are your best friends for these 3-ingredient peanut butter Ritz cracker cookies.
Peanut Butter Perfection: Creamy or Chunky?
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the peanut butter! I personally prefer using chunky peanut butter for these easy Christmas cookies. It adds a wonderful texture contrast with the crisp crackers and smooth chocolate. However, I know most people gravitate towards creamy peanut butter, and if that’s what you have on hand or prefer, it works beautifully too. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility!
But here’s my golden rule, a non-negotiable tip for the best experience: please, please, please, pile the peanut butter on thick! Seriously, do not skimp. None of those meager, light smears that get completely lost between the cracker layers. When I bite into one of these, I want to see and taste that rich peanut butter. It’s the heart and soul of these addicting no-bake treats. Just take a look at the picture below – that’s the kind of nice, thick layer we’re aiming for!
Making Your Easy Peanut Butter Ritz Cracker Cookies
The assembly process for these simple cookie recipe is as straightforward as the ingredient list. It’s so easy, even the youngest aspiring bakers can lend a hand! You’ll create delicious little sandwiches, generously filling each one with peanut butter, then dunk them into melted chocolate, and finally, adorn them with sprinkles if desired. It’s a fun, mess-free (mostly!) activity that yields incredible results.
Pro Tips for Perfect Execution
- Peanut Butter Application: Lay out all your Ritz crackers. For speed, spread peanut butter on half of them, then top with the remaining half. A slight twist helps secure the “sandwich.”
- Melting Chocolate: Use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until smooth. Be careful not to overheat, which can cause the chocolate to seize.
- Dipping Technique: Use a fork or a dipping tool to submerge each cookie. Gently tap the fork against the side of the bowl to shake off excess chocolate. This prevents puddles and ensures an even coating.
- Setting Up: Immediately after dipping and sprinkling, place the cookies on parchment paper or wax paper. This prevents sticking. Allow them to dry completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator for faster setting.
So, if you’re on the hunt for an easy 3-ingredient Christmas cookie that delivers big on flavor and nostalgia, look no further than these Peanut Butter Ritz Cracker Cookies! They are truly a marvel of simplicity and taste. For those who love to expand their holiday cookie repertoire, I also highly recommend checking out these equally fantastic recipes:
- These easy White Chocolate Chip Cranberry Cookies offer a lovely tart and sweet contrast.
- Or these incredible Chocolate Samoa Cookies (a personal favorite of mine!) for a more intricate, but equally rewarding, bake.
Peanut Butter Ritz Cracker Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 sleeve ritz crackers
- ½ pound melting chocolate or almond bark
- Peanut butter creamy or chunky
- Sprinkles if desired
Instructions
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Spread a thick layer of peanut butter on one ritz cracker. Top with another cracker and give a slight twist to secure the top. Set aside and repeat with remaining crackers. Tear a small piece of parchment or wax paper and set aside.
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Melt chocolate in a microwave safe bowl stirring every 30 seconds until melted and smooth.
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Dip each cookie in melted chocolate and gently shake off the excess. Carefully place on the parchment or wax paper and sprinkle with sprinkles if desired. Repeat with remaining cookies. Allow to dry completely before storing in a air tight container.
Notes
- Store these in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Store between layers of wax paper or parchment paper.
