Christmas is my favorite time of year because the kitchen always smells like melted chocolate and sweet peanut butter. I remember standing on a stool as a child, helping my grandmother dip these salty, sweet crackers into a big pot of chocolate while holiday music played in the background. This Treat is the ultimate holiday shortcut that tastes exactly like a gourmet peanut butter cup but with an extra satisfying crunch that everyone loves.

Recipe Details

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 24 treats
Difficulty: Easy

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 165
Protein: 3g
Carbs: 17g
Fat: 10g

Why You’ll Love This Treat

This Treat is a holiday lifesaver because it requires absolutely no baking, making it perfect for those busy December days when your oven is already occupied by a turkey or a ham. The combination of the buttery, salty Ritz cracker with the smooth, sugary peanut butter filling creates a flavor profile that is nostalgic and comforting. It is a crowd pleaser at any Christmas cookie exchange, and the best part is that you can make a huge batch in under an hour. Plus, the simple ingredients are likely already sitting in your pantry right now.

This Treat Ingredients & Substitutions

48 Ritz crackers
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
12 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil
Festive red and green sprinkles for decoration

If you prefer a bit of texture, you can substitute the creamy peanut butter for a crunchy variety, or use almond butter for a different nutty flavor. For the coating, milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips work beautifully depending on your sweetness preference. If you do not have coconut oil, a small amount of vegetable shortening will help the chocolate melt smoothly and create a nice sheen. You can also use gluten free round crackers if you want to accommodate specific dietary needs without changing the classic taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make This Treat

Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and alcohol-free vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to cream these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and slightly fluffy. This ensures the filling is easy to spread and has a melt in your mouth texture once the treats are set.

Step 2: Assemble the Cracker Sandwiches

Lay out half of the Ritz crackers on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, bottom side up. Place about a tablespoon of the peanut butter mixture onto the center of each cracker. Top each one with another cracker, pressing down gently until the filling reaches the edges. You should now have 24 little cracker sandwiches ready for their chocolate bath.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Coating

In a microwave safe bowl, combine the semi sweet chocolate chips and the coconut oil. Heat in 30 second intervals, stirring well between each session, until the chocolate is completely smooth and glossy. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn easily. The coconut oil helps thin the chocolate slightly, making it much easier to coat the crackers evenly.

Step 4: The Dipping Process

Using a fork or a specialized dipping tool, submerge one cracker sandwich at a time into the melted chocolate. Lift the treat out and tap the fork gently against the side of the bowl to let any excess chocolate drip off. Carefully slide the chocolate covered cracker back onto the parchment paper. This method keeps the treats looking professional and prevents a messy pool of chocolate from forming at the base.

Step 5: Decorate and Set

While the chocolate is still wet, immediately top each treat with red and green sprinkles or a tiny pinch of sea salt for a festive touch. Once all the crackers are dipped, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the chocolate to firm up and creates that iconic snap when you take your first bite.

Tips for Success

For the best results, make sure your crackers are fresh and crispy before you start. If you find the peanut butter filling is too soft, you can pop the assembled sandwiches in the freezer for 10 minutes before dipping them in the chocolate, which helps them stay together. When dipping, try to keep the chocolate warm by placing the bowl over a larger bowl of warm water if you are working in a cold kitchen. Using a toothpick to pop any tiny air bubbles in the chocolate will give your treats a smooth, glass like finish that looks beautiful on a holiday platter.

Variations of This Treat

There are so many ways to customize this recipe for the Christmas season. You can use white chocolate for the coating and drizzle it with dark chocolate for a sophisticated look. For a minty twist, add a drop of peppermint extract to the chocolate or top the treats with crushed candy canes. If you love a variety of textures, try rolling the edges of the peanut butter filling in crushed pretzels before dipping. Another fun idea is to use star shaped crackers or different sprinkles to match whatever holiday theme you are celebrating.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with This Treat

These treats are wonderful when served alongside a steaming mug of hot cocoa or a tall glass of cold milk. They make a fantastic addition to a holiday dessert charcuterie board, paired with dried cranberries, roasted nuts, and orange slices. If you are hosting a formal Christmas dinner, serve these on a silver platter with some alcohol-free sparkling cider for a fun contrast between the salty snack and the bubbly drink. They also pack well in tins, making them a thoughtful and delicious gift for neighbors, teachers, or coworkers.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Store these chocolate covered crackers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The cool temperature keeps the chocolate from melting and preserves the crispness of the cracker. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to three months, just make sure to layer them with parchment paper so they do not stick together. There is no need to reheat these, they are best enjoyed straight from the fridge or at room temperature. If they have been frozen, let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

Memories Made Around the Table

Every year, these peanut butter crackers are the first thing to disappear from our holiday dessert table. My children now take over the “sprinkle duty,” and the kitchen is always filled with laughter and sticky chocolate fingers. It is a simple tradition, but it reminds us that the best parts of Christmas are often the simplest things we do together. Sharing a plate of these while watching a classic holiday movie has become a staple in our home, and I hope they bring that same sense of joy and connection to your family as well.

FAQs

Can I make these treats without a microwave?

Yes, you can use a double boiler method. Place a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir the chocolate and coconut oil constantly until melted and smooth. This is actually a very safe way to melt chocolate without the risk of hot spots or burning.

Do I have to use Ritz crackers?

While Ritz crackers provide the classic buttery flavor and saltiness that mimics a Reese’s cup, you can use any round butter cracker. Some people even use saltines, though the texture will be slightly different. The key is to find a cracker that offers a good balance of salt to complement the sweet filling.

Why is my chocolate thick and lumpy?

Chocolate can become lumpy if a tiny bit of water gets into it, which is called seizing, or if it is overheated. To fix this, you can try adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil or coconut oil and stirring vigorously. If it has seized from water, it may be hard to save for dipping, but it can still be used for brownies or other baked goods.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Natural peanut butter that requires stirring can be a bit oily for this recipe. If you do use it, make sure it is very well mixed. You might need to add a little extra powdered sugar to the filling to ensure it is stiff enough to hold its shape between the crackers without oozing out.

How do I get a perfectly smooth chocolate finish?

The secret is the coconut oil and the temperature. Ensure your chocolate is fully melted but not boiling hot. When you dip the cracker, the gentle tapping of the fork against the bowl is the most important step to remove excess chocolate. This prevents the “foot” or pool of chocolate from forming around the base as it sets.

Final Thoughts

This Treat is a wonderful reminder that you do not need a lot of time or expensive ingredients to create something truly special for the holidays. Whether you are making them for your own family or as a gift for others, the love and care you put into each little sandwich will definitely shine through. I hope this recipe becomes a new Christmas tradition in your kitchen, bringing as much sweetness and joy to your home as it has to mine over the years.

Ritz Cracker Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Print Recipe

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

48 Ritz crackers
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
12 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil
Festive red and green sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and alcohol-free vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to cream these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and slightly fluffy.
Lay out half of the Ritz crackers on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, bottom side up. Place about a tablespoon of the peanut butter mixture onto the center of each cracker. Top each one with another cracker, pressing down gently until the filling reaches the edges.
In a microwave safe bowl, combine the semi sweet chocolate chips and the coconut oil. Heat in 30 second intervals, stirring well between each session, until the chocolate is completely smooth and glossy.
Using a fork or a specialized dipping tool, submerge one cracker sandwich at a time into the melted chocolate. Lift the treat out and tap the fork gently against the side of the bowl to let any excess chocolate drip off. Carefully slide the chocolate covered cracker back onto the parchment paper.
While the chocolate is still wet, immediately top each treat with red and green sprinkles or a tiny pinch of sea salt for a festive touch. Once all the crackers are dipped, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Cook Time: 40 minutes
Diet: Vegetarian