If there’s one treat that manages to feel both nostalgic and delightfully grown-up, it’s Ritz Cookies. These chocolate-dipped peanut butter sandwich cookies are absurdly simple to make and absolutely addictive to eat. They bring together the buttery saltiness of Ritz crackers, the creamy comfort of peanut butter, and a glossy chocolate coating that is pure bliss. Whether you’re making a batch for a party platter or sneaking a few for a late-night treat, Ritz Cookies always hit the sweet spot between salty, sweet, and crunchy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Ritz Cookies lies in their humble but powerful list of ingredients. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a treat that tastes far more decadent than its simple components suggest. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters.

Ritz crackers: These iconic, buttery crackers are the essential base, bringing a perfectly crisp, salty bite to every cookie.
Creamy peanut butter: Smooth and rich, peanut butter melts into the crackers and delivers that timeless sweet-salty combo everyone loves.
Chocolate chips: Any good chocolate works, but chips melt easily into a coat that sets up beautifully around the cookie sandwiches.
Coconut oil (optional): This helps thin the chocolate so it glides over the cookies, giving a satiny sheen and just the right snap when you bite in.
Flaky sea salt or sprinkles (optional): Sea salt adds a sophisticated finish and a visual flair, while sprinkles turn these into a party treat—use whichever suits the occasion.

How to Make Ritz Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

To keep things tidy and make removal a breeze, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. This not only prevents sticking but also makes clean-up painless—a win-win before you even begin assembling your Ritz Cookies!

Step 2: Build the Sandwiches

Lay out half of your crackers—24 to be exact—on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little wiggle room between each. Spoon about 1/2 tablespoon of creamy peanut butter onto the center of each cracker. Then, gently press another cracker on top to form a sandwich. This step is as satisfying as it sounds, and you’ll instantly see your Ritz Cookies start to come together.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

Place the chocolate chips, along with the coconut oil if you’re using it, into a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in short, 30-second bursts, stirring thoroughly after each session. As soon as the chocolate is smooth and glossy, stop heating—you’re aiming for silky, not scorched! Alternatively, a double boiler over simmering water does the trick if you’re a chocolate-melting purist.

Step 4: Dip the Sandwiches

Now comes the fun part: coating each peanut butter sandwich in chocolate. Drop a sandwich into the melted chocolate, and use two forks to maneuver it so it’s covered on all sides. When it’s coated, lift it out with one fork, letting the excess drip off by gently tapping the fork on the bowl’s edge. Place the dipped sandwich back onto your lined sheet. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt or festive sprinkles at this point if you’d like!

Step 5: Finish and Chill

Keep dipping until every last sandwich is cloaked in chocolate and looking fabulous. When all your Ritz Cookies are ready, let them rest until the coating hardens. If you’re a little impatient—or just want to speed things along—pop the tray in the refrigerator for faster setting. Once the chocolate is firm, your cookies are ready for prime snacking.

How to Serve Ritz Cookies

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of flaky sea salt is my favorite way to garnish Ritz Cookies—it heightens the sweet and salty flavor and looks sophisticated. If you’re in the mood for color or whimsy, opt for rainbow sprinkles or crushed nuts for extra crunch. Even a drizzle of white chocolate can give these an elegant, bakery-worthy finish.

Side Dishes

Ritz Cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, hot chocolate, or piping hot coffee. For parties, set them alongside a platter of fresh berries or an assortment of other no-bake treats to create a dessert spread that’s both inviting and wildly satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them in clear treat bags tied with ribbon for thoughtful homemade gifts. Arrange them in a circular pattern on a pretty platter for instant visual appeal. If you want to be a little extra, alternate Ritz Cookies with fresh fruit or marshmallows on a dessert board, and watch them disappear at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Ritz Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. The chocolate helps preserve the sandy crunch of the crackers, but they’re honestly at their best in the first couple of days when that textural contrast is most pronounced.

Freezing

These cookies freeze exceptionally well. Arrange them in layers separated by parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just let them sit out at room temperature for fifteen minutes, and they’ll be snack-ready—great for make-ahead dessert planning!

Reheating

No reheating is required for Ritz Cookies, just grab and go! If you’d like to restore a just-made freshness, simply let cold cookies come to room temperature before serving so the peanut butter and chocolate soften ever so slightly.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds more texture and extra peanutty goodness. Just make sure it’s not too stiff so you can easily spread it between the crackers.

What kind of chocolate works best for dipping Ritz Cookies?

You can use semisweet, dark, or even milk chocolate chips—whatever suits your taste. Just be careful when melting, and consider using the optional coconut oil for extra smoothness and shine.

How do I keep the chocolate coating from cracking?

Allow the cookies to come to room temperature before serving, especially if they’ve been chilled. That way, the chocolate won’t be overly brittle and will have less risk of cracking when bitten into.

Can Ritz Cookies be made with other fillings?

Definitely! Try swapping in almond butter, hazelnut spread, or even cookie butter for a fun twist. Each brings its own unique flavor to the classic Ritz Cookie structure.

How do I prevent the peanut butter from oozing out?

Use just enough peanut butter to sandwich the crackers without overfilling, and press the crackers together gently. The peanut butter should stay securely inside once dipped and set in chocolate.

Final Thoughts

When you’re craving something quick, irresistible, and just a little bit nostalgic, nothing beats a batch of homemade Ritz Cookies. They’re easy enough for a beginner, yet so delicious that even seasoned bakers keep them in their repertoire. Trust me—these are the cookies you’ll turn to again and again for parties, gifts, or just a dose of simple comfort. Go ahead and give Ritz Cookies a try; you’re in for a treat!