Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate sweet-and-salty treat: Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies! These no-bake delights are as easy as they are irresistible. Creamy peanut butter sandwiched between crisp, buttery Ritz crackers, dipped in silky-smooth chocolate, and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or festive sprinklesβwhatβs not to love?
Whether youβre whipping up a batch for holiday parties, gifting them to friends, or just treating yourself (because you deserve it!), these cookies are the perfect combo of crunchy, creamy, sweet, and salty. And the best part? You only need a handful of simple ingredients and no oven time!
Why Youβll Love These Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies
- No-Bake Simplicity: No oven requiredβjust assemble, dip, and let them set.
- Sweet & Salty Perfection: The buttery, salty crackers balance perfectly with creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate.
- Quick to Make: You can have a whole batch ready in under 30 minutes (plus setting time).
- Perfect for Gifting: They look fancy but are super easy to make, making them a great homemade gift for the holidays or any occasion.
What Do They Taste Like? π€€
Imagine the classic peanut butter cup but with an added crunch and a salty kick. The Ritz crackers bring a buttery crispness, the peanut butter adds creamy richness, and the chocolate coating ties everything together with its smooth, decadent finish. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top takes the flavor to the next level, balancing the sweetness and making each bite completely addictive.
The Benefits of This Recipe
- Minimal Ingredients: Just 5 pantry staples!
- Customizable: Switch up the chocolate, use different nut butters, or add fun toppings.
- Kid-Friendly: Both to make and to eatβperfect for family baking sessions.
- Great for Crowds: Easy to double or triple for parties, cookie swaps, or gifts.
Ingredients Youβll Need
- 48 Ritz crackers π§ (about two sleeves)
- ΒΎ cup creamy peanut butter π₯ (natural or regular, as long as itβs not too runny)
- 2ΒΎ cups chocolate chips π« (semi-sweet, milk, or darkβyour choice!)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother, shinier chocolate)
- Flaky sea salt or sprinkles (optional, for garnish) β¨
Tip: If you love extra peanut butter, feel free to add a little more to each sandwich!
Tools Youβll Need
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or wax paper
- Microwave-safe bowl (or a double boiler for melting chocolate)
- Forks or dipping tools
- Spatula or butter knife (for spreading the peanut butter)
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
- Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter or cookie butter instead of peanut butter.
- Different Chocolates: Try white chocolate or even a drizzle of caramel for a fun twist.
- Extra Crunch: Add crushed pretzels or chopped nuts inside the sandwich with the peanut butter.
- Festive Touch: Use colored sprinkles for holidaysβred and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, etc.
How to Make Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies
Step 1: Make the Sandwiches
Lay half of the Ritz crackers on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread about 1 to 1Β½ teaspoons of creamy peanut butter onto each cracker. Top with the remaining crackers to form little sandwiches, pressing gently so the peanut butter spreads evenly.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, melt the chocolate in a double boiler on the stovetop.
Step 3: Dip the Cookies
Using a fork or dipping tool, carefully dip each peanut butter sandwich into the melted chocolate, ensuring itβs fully coated. Let the excess chocolate drip off, then place the coated cookie back on the parchment paper.
Step 4: Add Toppings
While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with flaky sea salt or decorative sprinkles. This adds both a flavor boost and a pretty finish.
Step 5: Let Them Set
Allow the cookies to set at room temperature until the chocolate hardens. If youβre in a hurry, pop the baking sheet into the fridge for about 15-20 minutes.
What to Serve with These Cookies
- Hot Chocolate or Coffee: Perfect for balancing the sweet, rich flavors.
- Milk: A classic pairing that never fails.
- Dessert Boards: Add them to a festive cookie platter with fudge, truffles, and other holiday treats.
Tips for Perfect Ritz Peanut Butter Cookies
- Donβt Overfill: While itβs tempting to load on the peanut butter, too much can cause the crackers to slide around when dipping.
- Smooth Chocolate: Adding coconut oil helps the chocolate stay glossy and smooth when set.
- Chill Before Dipping: If your sandwiches feel too soft, chill them in the fridge for 10 minutes before dipping. This helps them hold together better.
- Mess-Free Dipping: Use a fork to lift the cookies out of the chocolate, tapping gently on the bowlβs edge to remove excess.
How to Store These Cookies
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep in a cool spot to prevent the chocolate from melting.
- Refrigerate: If your kitchen is warm, store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freeze: Yes, you can freeze them! Layer with parchment paper in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but make sure itβs not too runny, or it might cause the sandwiches to slide apart. Stir well to mix in any separated oils.
2. How do I keep the chocolate from seizing?
Make sure no water gets into the chocolate while melting. Adding a bit of coconut oil also helps keep it smooth.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Theyβre great for prepping ahead, and they even taste better after a day as the flavors meld together.
4. What if I donβt have coconut oil?
No problemβjust melt the chocolate without it. The coconut oil simply makes the chocolate shinier and easier to work with.
Wrapping It Up π
These Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies are proof that simple ingredients can create something absolutely magical. Theyβre crunchy, creamy, sweet, salty, and totally addictive. Whether youβre making them for a special occasion, a holiday treat, or just because you need a little chocolate-peanut butter fix (weβve all been there), this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
If you give them a try, Iβd love to hear how they turned out! Leave a review, snap a photo, and share it on Pinterest or Instagram. Tag your creationsβI canβt wait to see your delicious results! π«π₯β¨
Craving More Easy, No-Bake Treats?
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge
- No-Bake Oatmeal Energy Bites
- White Chocolate Pretzel Bark
Happy no-baking, and enjoy every sweet, salty, chocolatey bite! ππͺ