Must-Make Caramel Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies | Easy Christmas Sweet Treats

Posted on December 18, 2025

Caramel-filled Ritz cracker sandwiches dipped in white chocolate and topped with red, white, and green sprinkles on a festive plate, Christmas Sweet Treats.

Christmas Sweet Treats: Caramel Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies (Quick & Irresistible)

Christmas Sweet Treats that come together in minutes and still steal the show? Yes, please. These Caramel Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies deliver crunchy, salty crackers, gooey caramel, and silky white chocolate all dressed up in festive sprinkles. They’re stupid-easy and wildly addictive — the kind of recipe you’ll stash in your holiday back pocket.

Brief introduction to the recipe

Imagine two Ritz crackers hugging a soft caramel center, then getting dipped in white chocolate and garnished with red, white, and green sprinkles. No oven required (well, unless you want to melt chocolate on the stove). These bite-size wonders belong on every Christmas Dessert Table because they look cute, taste luxe, and vanish fast. Want simple? Want showy? This checks both boxes.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Why add it to your holiday rotation? Because it’s fast, fun, and forgiving. You don’t need baker-level skills to get bakery-level results. They balance sweet and salty like a dream, and kids love the sprinkles — adults love that caramel pull. Plus, these count as one of those brilliant Ritz Cracker Recipes that feel gourmet without fuss.

The story behind the cookies

This idea riffs on the viral “Christmas crack” trend — salty crackers topped with caramel and chocolate. Bakers turned it into a festive classic by sandwiching caramel between crackers and coating them. I first made a tray of these during a chaotic holiday prep day; they calmed the mood immediately. FYI: they also double as bribery when you need someone to wrap presents. 😉

Ingredients breakdown (short blurbs)

Here’s what you need and why each ingredient matters.

24 Ritz crackers — the crunchy, buttery base that gives the cookies their signature snap.
1/2 cup caramel sauce (or melted caramels) — the gooey star. Use good caramel. Don’t be shy.
1 cup white chocolate chips (or white candy melts) — provides a glossy, sweet coating.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil — thins the chocolate so it dips smoothly.
Red, white, and green festive sprinkles — optional but essential for holiday vibes.

Substitutions: Swap in dark or milk chocolate if you want less sweetness. Use gluten-free Ritz-style crackers for dietary needs.

Step-by-step “How to Make It”

Follow these six small steps and you’ll have a platter-sized pile of holiday joy.

Step 1: Prep the work station

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set out crackers, caramel, and sprinkles. A tidy station speeds everything up.

Step 2: Build the caramel sandwiches

Place dollops of caramel on half the crackers (about a teaspoon each). Top with a second cracker and press gently to seal. The caramel should squish just enough to stick but not ooze everywhere.

Step 3: Melt the white chocolate

Combine white chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. You can also melt over a double boiler if you prefer. Don’t overheat the chocolate; it seizes fast.

Step 4: Dip each sandwich

Using a fork or dipping tool, submerge the caramel sandwiches in the melted chocolate. Tap off excess and place them on the parchment-lined sheet.

Step 5: Add sprinkles

While the coating remains wet, scatter sprinkles on top. Work quickly — the chocolate sets fast.

Step 6: Let them set

Leave at room temperature until firm, or pop the tray in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to speed things up.

Pro tips for perfect results

Use high-quality caramel sauce for richer flavor. Don’t skimp here.
Work in small batches so the chocolate stays smooth and dip-friendly.
If white chocolate thickens, stir in a little more vegetable oil to loosen it.
Chill briefly for firmer texture and easier stacking.
Want glossy finishes? Warm a knife and smooth the top after dipping.

Bold tip: Always dry the crackers on the counter before dipping — no moisture allowed.

Helpful cooking tips (aka kitchen hacks)

Prefer the double boiler method? Go for it. It gives you total control over heat and prevents overheating.
If you hate sticky fingers, use candy liners or mini cupcake liners to present the cookies.
Want clean edges? Use a fork to lift the cookie, tap against the bowl, and then use a second fork or spoon to rub off drips.

Variations to try

Get creative — these cookies take flavor swaps like a champ.

Chocolate-dipped Caramel Ritz: Use dark chocolate for a less sweet, more complex bite.
Peanut butter twist: Spread a thin layer of peanut butter on the cracker before adding caramel. Dreamy.
Minty holiday: Add crushed peppermint or a drop of peppermint extract to the white chocolate for a refreshing finish.
Nutty crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted nuts over the wet chocolate for texture.
Stuffed versions: Sandwich a small piece of soft caramel candy or a mini chocolate between crackers for extra gooeyness.

Best ways to serve

Arrange them on a tiered tray for serious visual impact.
Mix with other small bites — think pretzel twists or holiday bark — to build a varied Christmas Dessert Table.
Serve with hot cocoa, coffee, or mulled cider for a cozy spread.
Want to gift them? Stack in a clear box with ribbon. Instant holiday cred.

Quick tips for storage and leftovers

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Refrigerate to firm the caramel, but know that refrigeration may slightly change texture.
Freeze for longer storage: flash-freeze on the tray, then transfer to a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge.

Storage note: Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.

Nutrition & portion info (short)

These are small, indulgent treats — roughly 110 calories per cookie depending on size and exact ingredients. Perfect for sharing, not for single-handedly eating the whole batch…unless you commit. 😉

Common FAQs (quick answers)

Can I use milk chocolate instead of white?

Yes — milk or dark chocolate works great and cuts sweetness.

How do I keep the chocolate from setting too fast?

Work in small batches, and keep the chocolate warm on low heat or over a double boiler.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Absolutely — use gluten-free Ritz-style crackers.

How far in advance can I make them?

You can make them up to a week ahead if stored correctly. They actually flavor-harmonize after a day or two.

Do they travel well?

Yes. Pack in layers with parchment and hold them steady in a rigid container to avoid breakage.

Pairings that pop

These cookies pair beautifully with hot and cold beverages alike.

Hot chocolate — match sweetness with warmth.
Strong coffee or espresso — the bitterness balances the candy.
Mulled cider — festive and fragrant.
Sparkling water — cleanses the palate between bites.

Why this recipe shines at holiday gatherings

You need quick, visually appealing things for a busy holiday spread. These are no-bake(ish), portable, and fun to decorate. They join the ranks of classic Christmas Baking Recipes that deliver big returns for minimal effort. Plus, they live on cookie trays, potlucks, and teacher gifts — versatility for the win.

Quick troubleshooting

If chocolate seizes: add a tiny amount of neutral oil and stir gently.
If caramel oozes out: don’t overfill — a teaspoon is plenty.
If crackers go soggy: assemble and dip just before serving, or store them with parchment in between layers.

More ways to switch it up (party versions)

Make mini stacks for bite-sized appetizers.
Drizzle contrasting chocolate over the top for a decorator finish.
Use colored sprinkles for themed parties (not just Christmas).
Add edible glitter for extra holiday sparkle. IMO, edible glitter makes everything sassier.

Related recipe ideas to expand your menu

If you love this idea, try other no-bake or quick-assembly sweets: holiday bark, pretzel clusters, or caramel-stuffed dates. These small treats complement each other on a Christmas Food Desserts spread and keep people grazing happily.

Final thoughts and wrap-up

These Caramel Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies embody everything good about holiday snacks: fast, festive, and ridiculously tasty. Whether you make these for a crowd or just because you need a quick sugar fix, they deliver that satisfying sweet-and-salty combo everyone craves. They belong in the canon of easy Christmas Cookies Easy recipes and deserve a top spot on your next cookie tray.

So, are you making a batch tonight or what? Go on — melt some chocolate, crush some sprinkles, and enjoy the applause.

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