Every Christmas, I find myself looking for that perfect balance of salty and sweet to fill my holiday gift tins. I absolutely love making these crunchy snacks because they taste just like a classic peanut butter cup but with an extra layer of buttery goodness from the crackers. They are so easy to whip up during the busy holiday season, and I often find my family sneaking into the kitchen to grab one before the chocolate has even finished setting.

Recipe Details

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 24 treats
Difficulty: Easy

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 165
Protein: 3g
Carbs: 18g
Fat: 10g

Why You’ll Love This Treat

This recipe is a holiday favorite because it requires zero baking, making it a stress-free addition to your Christmas dessert spread. The combination of the flaky, salted cracker and the smooth, sweet peanut butter filling creates a texture that is far more satisfying than a standard candy bar. Since they are bite-sized, they are perfect for parties, cookie exchanges, or just a quick indulgence while you are wrapping presents. Plus, the ingredients are simple staples that you likely already have in your pantry.

This Treat Ingredients & Substitutions

48 Ritz crackers
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons softened butter
12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
Festive sprinkles for decoration

If you prefer a bit of texture, you can swap the creamy peanut butter for a crunchy variety or even use almond butter for a different nutty flavor profile. For the coating, milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips work beautifully, and the coconut oil can be replaced with a small amount of vegetable shortening to help the chocolate melt smoothly and set firmly. If you do not have festive sprinkles, a simple sprinkle of sea salt on top adds a sophisticated touch to the holiday presentation.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make This Treat

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, and alcohol-free vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and slightly stiff. This ensures that the filling stays put between the crackers and does not ooze out during the dipping process.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches

Lay out 24 crackers on a piece of parchment paper with the flat side facing up. Place about a teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture onto the center of each cracker. Top each one with a second cracker, flat side down, and press gently to create a sandwich. Be careful not to press too hard, as the crackers are delicate and can crumble easily.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Coating

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and the coconut oil. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each session, until the chocolate is completely melted and glossy. The coconut oil helps create a thinner, more manageable coating that snaps beautifully once it has cooled down.

Step 4: Dip and Coat the Crackers

Using a fork or a dipping tool, submerge one cracker sandwich into the melted chocolate. Lift it out and tap the fork gently against the side of the bowl to let the excess chocolate drip off. Place the coated sandwich back onto the parchment paper. Repeat this process until all of the sandwiches are fully covered in chocolate.

Step 5: Garnish and Set

While the chocolate is still wet, add your festive Christmas sprinkles or a tiny pinch of sea salt to the top of each treat. Let the crackers sit at room temperature for about an hour, or place them in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes until the chocolate is firm to the touch and completely set.

Tips for Success

To get the smoothest finish, make sure your peanut butter filling is chilled for a few minutes if it feels too soft before you start dipping. When melting the chocolate, avoid getting even a single drop of water in the bowl, as this will cause the chocolate to seize and become grainy. If you find the chocolate thickening as you work, simply pop it back into the microwave for ten seconds to loosen it up again. For a professional look, use a toothpick to pop any small air bubbles that appear on the surface of the chocolate right after dipping.

Variations of This Treat

For a winter wonderland theme, try dipping these sandwiches in white chocolate and topping them with crushed peppermint pieces. You can also create a double-chocolate version by drizzling melted dark chocolate over milk chocolate coated crackers. If you want to lean into the Christmas spirit, add a drop of peppermint extract to the peanut butter filling for a cool, refreshing twist. For those who love a “salty-sweet-salty” combo, try topping them with crushed pretzels instead of sprinkles.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with This Treat

These treats are the ultimate companion to a warm mug of hot cocoa or a spicy gingerbread latte. During a Christmas party, I like to serve them on a large wooden board alongside fresh raspberries, walnuts, and a few slices of sharp cheddar cheese to balance the sweetness. They also make wonderful party favors when tucked into small cellophane bags tied with a red ribbon. If you are serving a full dessert course, these crackers provide a lovely crunch next to a soft slice of pound cake or a scoop of alcohol-free vanilla bean ice cream.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

These snacks should be stored in an airtight container to keep the crackers from losing their crispness. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to five days, but they are best kept in the refrigerator where they can last for up to two weeks. If you enjoy them cold, you can eat them straight from the fridge. Reheating is not recommended as it will melt the chocolate coating and turn the crackers soft, but if they have been in the freezer, let them sit at room temperature for ten minutes before serving.

Memories Made Around the Table

I remember sitting at my grandmother’s wooden kitchen table every December, helping her assemble dozens of these little treats. We would listen to old holiday records while I carefully placed the “hats” on each peanut butter cracker. The kitchen always smelled like melted chocolate and toasted nuts, a scent that still brings back the feeling of pure holiday magic. Now, I make them with my own children, and we laugh as we try to see who can decorate theirs with the most sprinkles without making too much of a mess.

FAQs

How long do these treats stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, these treats will stay fresh and crunchy for about five to seven days. If you keep them in the refrigerator, they can last up to two weeks without losing their flavor or texture.

Can I make these ahead of time for a party?

Yes, these are the perfect make-ahead dessert. In fact, making them a day in advance allows the chocolate to fully set and the flavors to meld together. Just keep them in a cool spot so the chocolate does not soften before your guests arrive.

Why is my chocolate not setting properly?

If the chocolate remains soft or tacky, it may be due to the humidity in the room or not using enough coconut oil or shortening to help it stabilize. Placing the treats in the refrigerator for twenty minutes should solve the problem and help the coating firm up.

Can I freeze these peanut butter crackers?

Absolutely. These freeze remarkably well and can be kept in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Many people actually prefer the taste and texture of these treats when eaten directly from the freezer while they are still very cold.

Do I have to use Ritz crackers?

While Ritz crackers provide the classic buttery flavor and perfect saltiness, you can use any similar round butter cracker. Just ensure the cracker is sturdy enough to hold the filling and withstand being dipped into the warm chocolate.

Final Thoughts

These Ritz cracker treats are a testament to the idea that some of the best holiday memories come from the simplest recipes. They bring a nostalgic touch to any Christmas gathering and are consistently the first thing to disappear from the dessert table. Whether you are making them for your family or as a thoughtful homemade gift for a neighbor, the combination of salty crackers, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate is sure to spread plenty of joy this season. Enjoy the process of making them as much as you enjoy the first delicious bite.

Ritz Cracker Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Print Recipe

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

48 Ritz crackers
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons softened butter
12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
Festive sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, and alcohol-free vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and slightly stiff. This ensures that the filling stays put between the crackers and does not ooze out during the dipping process.
Lay out 24 crackers on a piece of parchment paper with the flat side facing up. Place about a teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture onto the center of each cracker. Top each one with a second cracker, flat side down, and press gently to create a sandwich. Be careful not to press too hard, as the crackers are delicate and can crumble easily.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and the coconut oil. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each session, until the chocolate is completely melted and glossy. The coconut oil helps create a thinner, more manageable coating that snaps beautifully once it has cooled down.
Using a fork or a dipping tool, submerge one cracker sandwich into the melted chocolate. Lift it out and tap the fork gently against the side of the bowl to let the excess chocolate drip off. Place the coated sandwich back onto the parchment paper. Repeat this process until all of the sandwiches are fully covered in chocolate.
While the chocolate is still wet, add your festive Christmas sprinkles or a tiny pinch of sea salt to the top of each treat. Let the crackers sit at room temperature for about an hour, or place them in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes until the chocolate is firm to the touch and completely set.

Cook Time: 35 minutes
Diet: Vegetarian