Looking for a quick, no-bake dessert that’s outrageously good? These Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies are the answer. Packed with creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and that buttery crunch only Ritz crackers can offer, this treat is a go-to for holiday platters, snack trays, and last-minute sweet cravings. Best of all, they’re ridiculously simple to make. In this guide, you’ll learn everything from classic ingredients and variations to expert chocolate-dipping tips, freezing tricks, and creative presentation ideas.
Don’t miss our Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles for another no-bake favorite loaded with seasonal flavor!
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Why Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies Are So Addictive
The perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy
Chocolate and peanut butter is a legendary combo, but add a salty, buttery Ritz cracker to the mix and it reaches a whole new level. Each bite hits all the right notes—smooth chocolate coating, creamy peanut butter center, and a crunchy base with just enough salt to keep things balanced. That salty-sweet contrast is what makes these cookies borderline addictive.
A nostalgic treat turned modern favorite
These cookies may remind you of something your mom or grandma used to make around the holidays. That’s because they’ve been around for decades—often showing up on cookie trays and in tins gifted to neighbors. But with today’s variety of chocolate coatings, festive sprinkles, and gourmet sea salts, these no-bake wonders have stepped into the spotlight as a modern dessert favorite.
Loved by all ages – the universal cookie
Whether you’re 7 or 70, there’s something instantly lovable about a dessert that takes minutes to make and vanishes even faster. Kids can help with the peanut butter filling, while adults can handle the chocolate dipping. They’re great for parties, potlucks, or a rainy afternoon when the oven’s just not happening.
Check out our Better Than Sex Fruit Salad Recipe if you’re after more crowd-pleasers for your next gathering!
Essential Ingredients and Variations to Explore
Core ingredients for the classic version
To make the traditional Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz Cookie, you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ritz Crackers | 48 (24 sandwiches) | Buttery and salty base |
| Peanut Butter | ¾ cup | Creamy style works best |
| Chocolate Chips | 8 oz (semisweet) | Use high-quality like Guittard |
| Almond Bark | 8 oz | Helps chocolate set and not melt later |
| Sea Salt Flakes | Optional | Adds crunch and visual appeal |
These ingredients are pantry staples, making this a convenient treat to whip up anytime.
Chocolate options: bark vs chips
Using just chocolate chips can leave your coating soft at room temperature. That’s why almond bark is the secret weapon here. A 50/50 mix gives you the rich flavor of real chocolate and the firm finish of candy coating. Want to play with flavors? White chocolate, dark chocolate, and even flavored candy melts work well too.
Fun and festive variations for any occasion
Don’t be afraid to mix it up. Want something colorful? Add holiday sprinkles before the chocolate sets. Prefer a nut-free version? Use sunflower butter. Looking for extra crunch? Stir crushed pretzels into the peanut butter before assembling. The possibilities are endless, which is why this recipe never gets old.
Looking for inspiration? Try our Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream for another creative dessert twist that’s freezer-friendly and seasonal.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies Step-by-Step
You don’t need an oven, fancy tools, or special training to make this treat. With a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of rich, chocolatey sandwich cookies that rival anything from a bakery.
Prepping your workstation
Start by lining a rimmed baking sheet with wax or parchment paper. This helps the chocolate-dipped cookies set without sticking. Have your crackers, peanut butter, and chocolate ready. If kids are helping, let them handle the cracker layering while you manage the hot chocolate.
Tools You’ll Need:
- 15″ x 10″ rimmed baking sheet
- Wax paper or parchment
- Two forks (for dipping)
- A small spoon or scoop for peanut butter
- Heat-safe bowl or double boiler
Check out Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies for another fun recipe that’s great for prepping ahead.
Assembling the cookie sandwiches
Place 24 Ritz crackers on your prepared sheet, bottom side up. Add a generous tablespoon of peanut butter in the center of each one. There’s no need to spread it—just drop it on.
Then top with another cracker, gently pressing down until the peanut butter spreads to the edges but doesn’t spill over. This forms your sandwich cookie base.
Tip: You can reduce the peanut butter to a teaspoon if you want a tidier cookie or need to stretch your ingredients.
Dipping in chocolate like a pro
Once all the sandwiches are assembled, it’s time for the fun part—chocolate dipping. Melt your chocolate almond bark and semisweet chips together, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Drop one sandwich into the melted chocolate. Use two forks to flip and fully coat it. Lift it out with one fork, tap it gently on the bowl’s edge to remove excess, then drag the bottom along the rim to minimize drips. Place on the lined tray and use a toothpick to slide it off cleanly.
Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle with flaky sea salt or holiday-themed sprinkles if desired.
Don’t miss our Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars if you’re a fan of sweet-salty perfection!
Expert Tips for Melting Chocolate Without a Mess
Double boiler vs microwave method
The key to perfect chocolate? Low, slow heat. If you have a double boiler, use it—it gives you full control without the risk of scorching. No double boiler? Set a heat-safe bowl over a saucepan with simmering water (but not touching the water). Stir until smooth.
Microwaving is faster, but trickier. Heat in short 20-second bursts, stirring in between. Stop as soon as the chocolate is mostly melted—residual heat will finish the job.
Avoiding scorching and seizing
Scorched chocolate smells burnt and turns grainy—if that happens, it’s game over. Always melt gently, and never allow water to mix with your chocolate. Even one drop can cause seizing, making the chocolate thick and unusable.
If using chocolate chips only, consider adding a teaspoon of shortening or coconut oil to thin the mixture and create a glossier finish.
Getting that smooth, glossy finish
After coating, let your cookies rest at room temp or refrigerate them for 20 minutes to harden the chocolate. Don’t cover or stack them until completely firm. Want that Instagram-worthy shine? Use high-quality chocolate and avoid touching the tops after dipping.
Discover great ideas like Chocolate Strawberry Brownies if glossy, rich finishes are your thing.
Storing and Freezing for Maximum Freshness
How long they last at room temperature
These cookies stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days if stored in an airtight container. Keep them in a cool, dry place—away from sunlight or heat, which can soften the chocolate and make them sticky.
Best practices for freezing and defrosting
If you’re planning ahead for holidays or gifting, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe container, layering with wax paper to prevent sticking. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer.
When ready to serve, just remove from the freezer and let them come to room temp—no need to defrost in the fridge.
Transporting cookies without damage
Need to travel with these? Layer them in a sturdy container with parchment or wax paper between each layer. Add crumpled paper towels or bubble wrap around the edges to keep them from shifting during transport.
Don’t miss our Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes for another dessert that travels well and impresses guests.
Customizing Ritz Cookies for Every Celebration
Holiday-themed sprinkles and decor
Christmas, Halloween, Valentine’s Day—this cookie is a blank canvas. Just swap your sprinkles or drizzle on some red, green, or themed-colored candy melts. For a quick party upgrade, dip half the cookie in dark chocolate and the other in white.
Using nut butters other than peanut
Need a peanut-free version? Try almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or cookie butter for a twist. Just be sure the spread is thick and not too oily, or it’ll slide out between the crackers.
Party platter ideas and pairings
Pair these cookies with a bowl of mixed berries, some salty pretzels, or mini cheesecakes on a dessert tray. They add texture, color, and that irresistible sweet-salty combo.
Looking for inspiration? Try our Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies to round out your cookie spread.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What chocolate is best for Ritz cookies?
A 50/50 blend of chocolate almond bark and semisweet chips works best. It provides a firm finish and rich flavor.
How do I prevent the peanut butter from spilling out?
Use thick peanut butter and avoid overfilling. Press gently when sandwiching the crackers, and keep them upright before dipping.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free butter crackers instead of regular Ritz. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What’s the best way to store them long term?
Place in an airtight container layered with wax paper and freeze. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months.
Conclusion – Why You’ll Make These Again and Again
There’s no denying the charm of Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies. They’re easy, nostalgic, ridiculously good, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you need a quick holiday dessert, a fun project with the kids, or something new to wow your guests—this recipe checks all the boxes. Simple ingredients, zero baking, and all the flavor? That’s a win.
Don’t miss our Ultimate Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies if you’re planning a full holiday cookie platter.
PrintChocolate Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies
Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies are an easy, no-bake sweet and salty treat made with buttery crackers, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate. Perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime snacking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 48 Ritz crackers
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz chocolate almond bark
- 8 oz semisweet chocolate chips
- Sea salt flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Line a 15″ x 10″ rimmed baking sheet with wax paper.
- Place 24 Ritz crackers on the sheet, bottom side up.
- Add about 1 tablespoon of peanut butter to the center of each cracker.
- Top each with another cracker and press gently to spread the peanut butter.
- In a heat-safe bowl or double boiler, melt the chocolate almond bark and chocolate chips together.
- Drop each sandwich cookie into the melted chocolate, flip with forks to coat, and lift out using a fork.
- Tap off excess chocolate and place on the prepared tray.
- Use a toothpick to slide the cookie off the fork.
- Sprinkle with sea salt or sprinkles before the chocolate sets, if desired.
- Let the cookies cool at room temperature or refrigerate for 20 minutes until chocolate hardens.
Notes
- Use thick peanut butter to avoid leakage.
- Mix almond bark with chocolate chips for the best set and flavor.
- Cookies freeze well for up to 3 months in airtight containers.
- Customize with sprinkles or candy melts for holidays.
- Use gluten-free crackers for a gluten-free version.
