Ritz Cookies
A Holiday Tradition
Oh, I can’t wait to share the magic of these Ritz Cookies with you! You know, for the past twenty years, our holiday season wouldn’t feel complete without what we fondly call “chocolate dipping.” This isn’t just a recipe—it’s a whole experience, where simple Ritz crackers, peanut butter, marshmallow cream, and chocolate come together to create little bites of pure holiday joy.
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This whole tradition actually started with my husband and brother, and it’s only grown from there. These days, the “chocolate dipping” gathering has become a huge part of our family’s holiday get-togethers, filled with laughter, smiles, and a sweet mess that keeps everyone coming back year after year. Honestly, it’s not just about making Ritz Cookies; it’s about making memories.
Picture this: kids with chocolate-covered faces at their own dipping station, eyes wide with excitement, and adults melting chocolate to the perfect consistency (a job that’s taken very seriously, by the way). The whole room fills with the delicious scent of melting chocolate, and there’s so much joy in watching everyone pitch in, from the youngest kids to the “kids at heart” in their 60s.
How to Make Ritz Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to dive in? Here’s everything you need to create this tradition at home.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ritz crackers
- Peanut butter
- Marshmallow cream
- Coating chocolate (chocolate discs or big bars that you can chop up work great)
A Quick Tip: It’s tempting to go heavy on the peanut butter and marshmallow cream, but a thin layer is just right. Otherwise, the filling oozes out when you dip them in chocolate. Trust me, we learned this the hard way!
Start with Peanut Butter
Take one Ritz cracker and spread a thin layer of peanut butter on it. The nutty richness is perfect with the marshmallow that’s coming up next.
Add Marshmallow Cream
On a second Ritz cracker, spread a light layer of marshmallow cream. This adds a touch of sweetness that’s just heavenly.
Sandwich Time!
Press the peanut butter and marshmallow-covered crackers together, and there you have it—a peanut butter-marshmallow “sandwich” that’s already delicious on its own.
Dip in Chocolate
Now for the best part! Melt about 2 cups of chocolate coating discs (or chopped chocolate) in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals at full power, stirring between each round, until smooth and creamy. Or you can melt in a double boiler. Avoid overheating, or the chocolate can seize. Once ready, dip each cookie sandwich in the chocolate using a fork, gently tap off the excess, and place it on wax paper to set. Depending on room temperature, this can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour.
A Holiday Staple
Every year, these Ritz Cookies find their spot on our holiday cookie trays alongside gingerbread men, sugar cookies, and all the festive classics. Their glossy chocolate coat and creamy filling make them irresistible, and they bring smiles every single time.
Gift-Worthy Goodness
We also love giving these as gifts. Every holiday season, we put together gift boxes filled with Ritz Cookies to share with friends and neighbors. These aren’t just treats—they’re a piece of our family tradition wrapped up to share.
So, if you’re looking to start a new holiday tradition or just want a fun, easy treat to make with loved ones, give these Ritz Cookies a try. Here’s to creating your own holiday memories—one chocolate-dipped, peanut butter-marshmallow-filled bite at a time! Enjoy!
How to Store Ritz Cookies
One of the great things about Ritz Cookies is that they keep well, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time and enjoying throughout the holiday season. We make them at the beginning of November and are still eating them into January!!! However, there’s one thing to keep in mind: they don’t freeze well. Freezing can cause the chocolate to bloom (that white coating that appears when chocolate is exposed to moisture) and can make the texture of the crackers less crisp. So, here’s the best way to store them:
- Use an Airtight Container: Store the cookies in a single layer or with parchment paper between layers in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents the chocolate from smudging.
- Room Temperature is Best: Keep them at room temperature in a cool, dry place—away from direct sunlight or any heat sources. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week or more this way.
- Avoid the Fridge: Refrigerating can cause the chocolate to develop condensation when brought back to room temperature, which can impact the texture and appearance.
By following these tips, you’ll have beautifully coated, crispy Ritz Cookies ready to enjoy whenever you like during the holiday season!
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Ritz Cookies
Ingredients
- 100 ritz ritz crackers about 4 sleeves
- 3/4 cup peanut butter
- 3/4 cup marshmallow cream
- 2 pound coating chocolate white or dark, recommend coating disks or wilburs coating chocolate
Instructions
- Begin by spreading 1/2 of the crackers with a thin layer of peanut butter, and 1/2 the crackers with a thin layer of marshmallow cream. Sandwich 1 peanut butter 1/2 with 1 marshmallow 1/2.
- Place about 2 cups of the chocolate discs or chopped wilburs block chocolate into a microwave safe dish. Microwave on 100% power at 30 second intervals stirring between each, Until the chocolate is melted. Do not overheat.
- Using a fork, take one ritz cookie and place in chocolate, covering all the surface. Gently tap fork on side of dish to let excess chocolate run off. Place on parchment paper or wax paper. While chocolate is still wet sprinkle with sprinkles if desired. Let chocolate set for 30 minutes – 1 hour depending on the temperature and humidity of your home.