Caramel Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies: A Festive Delight

Looking for a sweet and salty treat to add to your holiday dessert spread? Look no further than Caramel Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies! These decadent cookies combine the buttery crispness of Ritz crackers with rich caramel and creamy chocolate, making them impossible to resist. They are the perfect indulgence for the festive season, adding a touch of gourmet flair to your cookie platter.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Caramel Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring only a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation time. Their unique balance of sweet and salty flavors creates a delightful experience for your taste buds—perfect for anyone who loves the combination of caramel and chocolate. They are an ideal treat for holiday parties, family gatherings, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Not only do these cookies offer a satisfying crunch, but they also have a luxurious texture due to the gooey caramel nestled between each cracker layer. Plus, their glistening chocolate coating ensures they are as beautiful to look at as they are delicious to eat!

Context/Background

The origins of pairing salty crackers with sweet caramel can be attributed to the Southern United States, where pralines and caramel treats often incorporate nuts and salt to heighten flavor profiles. This simple yet elegant dessert combines American ingenuity with festive spirit, making it a beloved classic during Christmas time. The technique of enrobing caramel in chocolate is a nod to traditional confectionery practices, elevating humble ingredients into a holiday showstopper.

Recipe Details

Serves: 24 cookies

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 48 Ritz crackers
• 1 cup caramel sauce
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon shortening (optional, for smoother chocolate)
• Sprinkles or sea salt, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange half of the Ritz crackers in a single layer on the sheet.
3. Top each cracker with about 1-2 teaspoons of caramel sauce.
4. Place another Ritz cracker on top to form a sandwich.
5. Melt chocolate chips and shortening together in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
6. Dip each sandwich into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s completely covered.
7. Return to the baking sheet and decorate with sprinkles or a sprinkle of sea salt.
8. Chill in the refrigerator until the chocolate is set, about 30 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Caramel Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies

• Ensure crackers are well-coated in chocolate for a professional look.
• Use good quality caramel for better flavor.
• Practice patience; allow time for the cookies to set completely before serving.
• Experiment with different toppings like crushed nuts or festive decoratives.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect on a holiday dessert platter alongside other favorites such as sugar cookies and gingerbread. They pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa, making them a great treat for the cold winter months.

Storage and Leftovers

Store leftover Caramel Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They also freeze well; simply place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Final Thoughts

Caramel Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies offer a delightful twist on holiday baking traditions. Their easy preparation, combined with an irresistibly delicious flavor profile, make them a must-try treat for any festive occasion. Whip up a batch this season and watch them disappear just as quickly as they were made!

Recipe Notes

• Substitute milk chocolate or dark chocolate based on preference for the chocolate coating.
• Try a homemade caramel sauce for an even richer flavor.
• For added crunch, sprinkle crushed pretzels on the caramel before topping with the second cracker.