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These caramel Ritz cracker Christmas cookies bring a festive spin to a classic sweet treat. They combine the salty crunch of Ritz crackers with gooey caramel and creamy white chocolate, finished off with colorful sprinkles that make them perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting. The simplicity of assembling these cookies makes them an easy yet impressive addition to your holiday dessert table.
I first made these for a Christmas party and ended up making a second batch because everyone asked for more. Now they are a holiday tradition in our house.
Ingredients
- Twenty four Ritz crackers: their buttery and salty flavor is the base of the cookies
- Half a cup of caramel sauce or melted caramel candies: adds a rich, gooey sweetness that balances the saltiness
- One cup of white chocolate chips or white candy melts: used to coat the cookies and add creamy sweetness. Choose good quality chips that melt smoothly
- One tablespoon of vegetable oil: helps the chocolate melt evenly and gives a nice shine to the coating
- Red, white, and green festive sprinkles: provide a cheerful holiday touch and make the cookies look special
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make transferring the cookies easier and prevent them from sticking as the chocolate sets.
- Make the Caramel-Filled Sandwiches:
- Place a generous dollop of caramel sauce on half of the Ritz crackers. Then, top each one with another cracker to create a sandwich. Press lightly to spread the caramel but avoid squeezing too hard or the caramel will spill out.
- Melt the White Chocolate:
- Combine the white chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each to avoid burning. Continue until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Coat the Cookies in White Chocolate:
- Dip each caramel-filled Ritz cracker sandwich into the melted white chocolate. Use a fork to lift it out and gently shake to let excess chocolate drip off. Place the coated cookies on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Decorate with Sprinkles:
- While the chocolate coating is still wet, sprinkle the festive red, white, and green sprinkles over each cookie to add a holiday flair.
- Let the Cookies Set:
- Allow the cookies to rest at room temperature until the chocolate is firm or pop them in the refrigerator for quicker setting. Handle carefully once set to avoid cracking the chocolate shell.
These cookies are eye-catching with colorful sprinkles, making them perfect for festive occasions. The Ritz crackers are my favorite ingredient here because their light saltiness perfectly counters the rich caramel and sweet white chocolate. I remember making these with my kids and their faces lighting up when they got to add the sprinkles was priceless. It truly makes the process as joyful as the taste of the cookies themselves.
Storage Tips
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration helps keep the chocolate firm but may slightly alter the texture of the crackers. To maintain crispiness, allow refrigerated cookies to sit at room temperature before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap caramel sauce for dulce de leche or even Nutella for a different twist. If white chocolate chips aren’t your favorite, milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips work well too. For a dairy-free version, use vegan caramel and dairy-free chocolate.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea. They also make a charming edible gift when wrapped in cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon.
These cookies are a delightful and easy treat that bring holiday cheer with every bite.
FAQs about Recipes
- → How do you prevent the crackers from becoming soggy?
By sandwiching the caramel between two crackers and dipping quickly in melted chocolate, the crispness is maintained without sogginess.
- → Can I substitute white chocolate chips with candy melts?
Yes, white candy melts work similarly and provide a smooth coating for easier dipping and decorating.
- → What is the purpose of adding vegetable oil to the chocolate?
Vegetable oil helps achieve a smoother, shinier coating and prevents the white chocolate from thickening too much.
- → How should these treats be stored after preparation?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate briefly to keep the chocolate firm and the crackers crisp.
- → Can I customize the sprinkles for other occasions?
Absolutely, using different sprinkles allows for seasonal or themed variations suited to your event.