If you’re anything like me and love a cookie with a little crunch, creaminess, and festive flair, you’re in for a treat with this Ritz Cracker Peanut Butter White Chocolate Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a nostalgic nod to holiday classics but easy enough to whip up anytime you want a sweet and salty snack. Trust me, once you make these, your family and friends will start asking for them every season — or even year-round!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Quick: You can have these cookies ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute gatherings or sweet cravings.
- Perfect Sweet & Salty Combo: The salty crunch of Ritz crackers pairs so well with creamy peanut butter and sweet white chocolate – it’s addictive!
- Versatile & Customizable: Whether you swap white chocolate for dark or peanut butter for another nut butter, this recipe adapts beautifully.
- Great for Holidays & Gifting: These festive little cookies decorated with sprinkles and flaky sea salt always steal the show on any dessert platter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Ritz Cracker Peanut Butter White Chocolate Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of ingredients you choose. It’s all about that crispy, buttery cracker base smothered in peanut butter and dipped in smooth melted white chocolate – topped with sprinkles and a hint of salt.

- Ritz Crackers: Their buttery, crispy texture is perfect for cookie sandwiches and holds up well under dipping.
- White chocolate melting wafers: These melt smoothly and coat the cookies beautifully without seizing up.
- Coconut oil (optional): Helps make the chocolate melt silkier and easier to work with, but not necessary if you have good quality wafers.
- Creamy peanut butter: Choose a smooth variety for easy spreading and that perfect creamy layer inside each sandwich.
- Festive holiday sprinkles: Adds a cheerful pop of color and fun to each cookie.
- Flaky sea salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Ritz Cracker Peanut Butter White Chocolate Cookies Recipe because it’s so forgiving. You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs and still get amazing results.
- Dark Chocolate: When I first tried dipping with dark chocolate wafers instead of white, the richness added a nice depth and reduced sweetness, which I liked especially after Thanksgiving.
- Nut Butters: Feel free to try almond or cashew butter for a different flavor profile – just make sure it’s smooth and creamy for easy spreading.
- Sprinkle-Free or Holiday Themes: For non-holiday seasons, I skip sprinkles or use crushed nuts or mini chocolate chips as toppings for a more subdued look.
- Salt-Free: If salty snacks aren’t your thing, just omit the flaky sea salt, but I recommend trying it once — it really takes the cookie to another level.
How to Make Ritz Cracker Peanut Butter White Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Crackers and Peanut Butter
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper – this makes clean-up a breeze and keeps your cookies from sticking. Lay out half your Ritz crackers flat side up. I usually eyeball about 2 teaspoons of peanut butter per cracker; spreading it thick enough makes each bite creamy and indulgent. Place a second cracker on top with the rounded side up to make your sandwich. It’s a simple step but key for that perfect bite texture you’ll love.
Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate
Place your white chocolate melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute increments, stirring in between so the chocolate melts smoothly without burning. If you want, add a tablespoon or two of coconut oil to make the coating silky and easier to work with, but if you have quality wafers, they often melt nicely on their own. I’ve learned from experience that rushing this part leads to grainy chocolate — patience is key!
Step 3: Dunk & Decorate Your Cookies
Use a fork to gently dunk each peanut butter sandwich into the melted chocolate, flipping to cover all sides. Tap off the excess back into the bowl, then place each coated cookie back on your parchment-lined sheet. Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle your festive decorations and finish off with a few flakes of sea salt. This step is where the magic happens — the combination of crunchy, creamy, sweet, and salty textures!
Step 4: Let Them Set
Allow the cookies to set at room temperature or pop them in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes until the white chocolate hardens. Once set, they’re ready to enjoy or package up as gifts. Seriously, your friends will think you bought these at a fancy bakery.
Pro Tips for Making Ritz Cracker Peanut Butter White Chocolate Cookies Recipe
- Temperature Control: Don’t rush melting your white chocolate – low and slow in the microwave prevents burns and graininess.
- Balancing the Peanut Butter Layer: Too thin and it dries out; too thick and it oozes out when dunking. Practice makes perfect!
- Use a Fork for Dunking: It helps coat thoroughly and lets excess chocolate drip off so your cookies aren’t too messy.
- Flaky Salt Finish: Adding flaky sea salt last minute gives such a great contrast – don’t skip it unless you have a salt sensitivity.
How to Serve Ritz Cracker Peanut Butter White Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Garnishes
I love to garnish these cookies with colorful holiday sprinkles for a festive look, but I’ve also used crushed freeze-dried raspberries or chopped pistachios for a fresh twist. The sea salt flakes aren’t just pretty – they give that little punch of flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. For holiday gatherings, I’ve served them alongside rich hot chocolate or a variety of nuts and dried fruits to round out the snack table.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gifting, I’ve wrapped stacks of these cookies in clear cellophane tied with ribbons and added small pine sprigs for a rustic touch. They also look adorable displayed on a festive platter with edible glitter or powdered sugar dusted around for a snow effect — your guests will be impressed by how fancy yet simple they are!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keep them on parchment or wax paper between layers so they don’t stick together. I’ve found that the texture holds up nicely and they remain just as tasty days later.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, freezing is a lifesaver. I place the cookies in a single layer on a tray first to freeze them solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They keep wonderfully for up to three months and thaw quickly when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly made feel, I like to let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. If your chocolate feels too firm, a quick 5-second blast in the microwave (watching carefully!) softens them just right without melting the coating.
FAQs
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Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy in this recipe?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add an extra bit of texture inside the sandwich, which some people love. Just make sure it’s easy enough to spread so it doesn’t break the crackers when assembling.
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Is it necessary to use white chocolate melting wafers?
While white chocolate melting wafers are designed to melt smoothly without seizing, you can use good quality white chocolate bars. Just chop finely and melt slowly, stirring often, or add a bit of coconut oil to help with the consistency.
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How long do these cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies last about one week. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet — they keep great for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.
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Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the Ritz crackers with a gluten-free cracker of similar texture and flavor. Just be sure to check all other ingredients for gluten-free certifications.
Final Thoughts
This Ritz Cracker Peanut Butter White Chocolate Cookies Recipe has quickly become one of my favorites because it’s so straightforward yet delivers maximum flavor and texture. I love how the sweet white chocolate and nutty peanut butter meet the buttery crunch of Ritz in each bite — plus the festive sprinkles and salt bring it all together. Give it a try like I’m sharing it with a friend because, honestly, these cookies are too good to keep to myself. You’ll thank me later when everyone’s asking for the recipe!
Print
Ritz Cracker Peanut Butter White Chocolate Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies are a festive and delicious treat featuring peanut butter sandwich cookies dipped in smooth white chocolate and topped with holiday sprinkles and flaky sea salt. Perfect for the holiday season, these no-bake cookies combine the salty crunch of Ritz crackers with creamy peanut butter and sweet white chocolate for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 2 sleeves Ritz Crackers, approximately 60 crackers
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (or nut butter of choice)
Coating and Toppings
- 20 oz. Ghirardelli white chocolate melting wafers
- 1-2 Tbsp coconut oil (optional, to aid melting)
- 1/4 cup festive holiday sprinkles
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing
Instructions
- Prepare Base: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and arrange one sleeve of Ritz crackers flat side up evenly spaced on the sheet.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spread approximately 2 teaspoons of peanut butter on each cracker, ensuring a thick layer. Top each with another cracker, rounded side up, to form sandwiches.
- Melt Chocolate: Place white chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and fully melted. Optionally, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil to improve chocolate consistency.
- Dip Cookies: Using a fork, carefully dunk each peanut butter sandwich cookie into the melted white chocolate until fully coated. Let excess chocolate drip off before returning the cookie to the parchment paper. Drizzle leftover chocolate over the cookies for decoration.
- Add Toppings: Immediately sprinkle festive holiday sprinkles and a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the dipped cookies while the chocolate is still wet.
- Set and Serve: Allow the chocolate to harden at room temperature before serving. Store in an airtight container or freeze for longer preservation.
Notes
- Dark chocolate melting wafers can be used instead of white chocolate for a different flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freeze cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months to extend shelf life.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg

