There’s something irresistible about the combination of salty and sweet, creamy and crunchy. These homemade chocolate-covered Ritz peanut butter cookies bring all those textures and flavors into one addictive, no-bake treat. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of these sweet-salty delights that taste like a gourmet dessert but take less than 30 minutes to make.
Perfect for parties, cookie trays, edible gifts, or anytime you crave something decadent, these cookies are always a crowd-pleaser. And once you’ve mastered the classic version, you can easily switch things up with fun mint or caramel twists.
Whether you use creamy or crunchy peanut butter, dark or milk chocolate, or add your own flavor finishes, this is one of those easy recipes that will stick with you for life.
Ingredients
1 box Ritz crackers (about 48 crackers for 24 sandwich cookies)
1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, based on preference)
400 g (about 14 oz) chocolate chips or melting chocolate (milk, dark, or semi-sweet)
1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother coating)
Optional toppings:
Sea salt flakes
White chocolate drizzle
Crushed nuts
Festive sprinkles
Instructions
- Make the peanut butter sandwiches
Lay out half of the Ritz crackers on a clean tray or parchment-lined surface. Spread about 1 to 2 teaspoons of peanut butter on each cracker, then top with another cracker to make a sandwich. Press gently so the peanut butter spreads evenly to the edges. - Melt the chocolate
Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. This usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes depending on your microwave.
If you prefer, you can melt the chocolate using a double boiler over gently simmering water.
- Dip the sandwiches
Using a fork or dipping tool, carefully dip each sandwich cookie into the melted chocolate. Make sure it’s fully coated, then gently tap the fork on the edge of the bowl to remove excess chocolate. - Let them set
Place the dipped cookies on a tray lined with parchment paper or foil. If desired, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, chopped nuts, or festive sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet.
Let the cookies sit at room temperature until the chocolate hardens. To speed things up, refrigerate for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Enjoy or store
Once the chocolate is firm, your cookies are ready to enjoy. These keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week or in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Mint Variation
To make a refreshing minty version of these cookies, follow the base recipe with one small adjustment.
- Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the melted chocolate before dipping. Stir well to incorporate the flavor evenly.
- Use dark chocolate for a deeper contrast with the mint.
- Optionally, top with crushed peppermint candies or candy canes while the chocolate is wet.
This version is especially popular during the winter holiday season but works beautifully year-round for mint lovers.
Caramel Variation
Adding caramel makes these cookies extra indulgent. You can either use soft caramel candies or jarred caramel sauce.
Option 1: Caramel layer inside
- Spread a thin layer of caramel on top of the peanut butter before adding the second cracker.
- Press together gently, making sure the filling doesn’t ooze out too much.
Option 2: Caramel drizzle
- Prepare the classic cookies and drizzle melted soft caramel over the chocolate coating once it has set.
Option 3: Stuffed with soft caramel
- Flatten a small piece of soft caramel candy and press it between the two crackers along with the peanut butter.
The combination of peanut butter and caramel inside the crispy cracker, all encased in a layer of chocolate, is pure magic.
Tips for Success
- Use high-quality melting chocolate for the smoothest coating and best flavor
- Don’t overload the crackers with peanut butter to avoid filling oozing out when dipping
- If your chocolate starts to thicken while dipping, reheat it gently in the microwave or over a double boiler
- Work in batches to keep things clean and organized
Make-Ahead and Storage
These cookies are perfect for make-ahead baking and can easily be stored or gifted.
- Store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking
- Keep them at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks
- They also freeze well for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving
Gifting Ideas
Chocolate-covered Ritz cookies make a beautiful edible gift. Here are a few packaging ideas:
- Stack in a clear treat bag tied with ribbon
- Arrange in a festive cookie tin with parchment paper
- Pair with hot chocolate packets or coffee beans for a sweet gift set
- Use seasonal sprinkles or drizzle white chocolate in patterns for decorative flair
Flavor Variations to Explore
This base recipe invites creativity. Try these fun flavor swaps and additions:
- Use almond butter, cashew butter, or hazelnut spread in place of peanut butter
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the peanut butter before spreading
- Top dipped cookies with crushed pretzels for extra crunch
- Use white chocolate for coating and drizzle with dark chocolate for contrast
- Add a tiny bit of espresso powder to the chocolate for a mocha twist
Kid-Friendly Version
If making with kids, skip the coconut oil and use candy melts or baking chocolate for a quicker, safer dipping process. Kids can help with:
- Spreading peanut butter
- Assembling sandwiches
- Dipping and decorating with sprinkles
It’s a fun, low-mess activity that results in a sweet reward.
Holiday & Event Themes
Customize your cookies for any occasion:
- Valentine’s Day: red and pink sprinkles, heart-shaped decorations
- Easter: pastel-colored drizzle, mini candy eggs
- Halloween: orange drizzle and candy eyeballs
- Christmas: crushed candy cane, gold or green sugar
- Birthdays: rainbow sprinkles and white chocolate drizzle
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Chocolate not melting smoothly
- Add a bit of coconut oil or shortening to help it loosen
- Make sure no water gets into the chocolate (causes seizing)
Peanut butter leaking out
- Don’t overfill the sandwiches
- Chill them briefly before dipping if needed
Chocolate too thick to dip
- Warm slightly and stir in a bit of oil to thin it out
Cookies sticking to parchment
- Allow them to cool completely before trying to lift them
- Use nonstick parchment or lightly greased foil
Conclusion
These homemade chocolate-covered Ritz peanut butter cookies are incredibly simple but endlessly satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of hands-on time, you can create something that looks store-bought, tastes amazing, and keeps well for days.
Whether you’re looking for a no-bake treat, a fun holiday recipe, or a way to impress guests with minimal effort, this recipe fits the bill. Try the classic, mint, or caramel versions—or invent your own. However you make them, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your cookie collection.