Delightful Caramel Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies

Crunchy Caramel Ritz Christmas Treats are my go-to December lifesaver when time's tight but I still want to add something special to a cookie tray. What makes these treats amazing is how simple they are – crispy Ritz crackers with gooey caramel inside, dipped in smooth white chocolate and topped with colorful holiday sprinkles. They're the perfect last-minute sweet that gets compliments every holiday season.

I first whipped these up when I needed something quick for a holiday gathering using whatever was in my pantry – they ended up being the hit of the party and now my friends message me every December asking if I'm bringing them again

Collect Your Ingredients

• Ritz crackers: give you that salty crunch foundation – grab the traditional buttery ones and make sure they're fresh
• Caramel sauce or melted caramel candies: creates the sweet sticky center – try to use a thicker sauce that won't drip everywhere
• White chocolate chips or white candy melts: makes the festive outer layer – go for a quality brand for better melting and taste
• Vegetable oil: thins the chocolate for easier dipping – stick with something flavorless for best results
• Red white and green festive sprinkles: bring the holiday magic – pick good quality ones that won't run colors into your chocolate

How to Make It

Prepare the Setup:

Cover a big baking sheet with parchment paper to stop sticking and get all your stuff ready nearby for quick assembly

Assemble the Caramel Sandwiches:

Put half the Ritz crackers flat side up on your sheet Add a big spoonful of caramel on each one then place another cracker on top to make sandwiches Push down lightly without squeezing out the filling

Melt the White Chocolate:

In a heat-safe bowl combine white chocolate chips with vegetable oil Microwave in twenty-second bursts stirring between until it's totally smooth and shiny or use a double boiler if you want more control

Coat the Sandwiches:

Dunk each filled cracker into the melted chocolate Flip it with two forks until fully covered Lift it out letting extra chocolate drip away then put it back on the parchment paper

Decorate for the Holidays:

Quickly add festive sprinkles on top of each freshly dipped treat while the chocolate's still wet so they'll stick Do this fast before the coating hardens

Let the Cookies Set:

Allow treats to sit at room temp for around twenty minutes until the chocolate gets firm and doesn't feel sticky If you're in a hurry pop the tray in the fridge

My absolute favorite thing about making these treats is using the glittery sprinkles my grandma gave me which makes each batch extra special My children love choosing which decorations go on each cookie and it's become one of our yearly family traditions

Tasty Enhancements

Cool your caramel sandwiches in the fridge before dipping for neater chocolate coating Try sprinkling a tiny bit of sea salt on top for fans of salted caramel Leave plenty of room between treats on the tray so chocolate edges can set nicely

Serving Ideas

These treats go wonderfully with hot chocolate or warm spiced apple cider Put them on a holiday plate with other small goodies like chocolate dipped pretzels and chunks of peppermint bark You can wrap them one by one in clear plastic bags or small boxes for homemade gifts

Creative Twists

When you only have hard caramel candies warm them up slowly with a bit of cream to make them spreadable Try milk chocolate or dark chocolate instead of white for different flavors or looks Use gluten-free crackers for friends who can't have wheat Pick pastel decorations to make these for Easter Black and orange sprinkles work for Halloween parties Birthday celebrations can use colorful round sprinkles instead

If you want holiday treats that deliver both taste and memories these should definitely be in your collection Nobody ever realizes how quick they are to make which is just another reason to love them

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought sauce?

Absolutely, homemade caramel works wonderfully and adds an extra special touch. Just let it cool down a bit so it's easier to spread on the crackers.

→ How do I melt white chocolate chips smoothly?

Put your white chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short 20-second bursts, making sure to stir between each round so it doesn't burn or clump up.

→ How should I store these cookies?

Just pop them in an airtight container and they'll stay fresh at room temperature for about a week. If you want them to last longer, stick them in the fridge or freezer.

→ Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

You can definitely make them a few days before you need them. Wait until the chocolate gets a little tacky before adding sprinkles so they don't slide off.

→ Are there other topping options besides sprinkles?

Get creative with smashed candy canes, chopped nuts, or even a zigzag of dark chocolate drizzle to change up the flavor and add some crunch.