Salted Caramel Ritz Cookies – 1 Trending Easy

Are You Ready for the Most Addictive Holiday Treat This Season?

The holiday baking season is upon us, and if you’re looking for a simple yet impressive treat to add to your repertoire, look no further than salted caramel ritz cookies. These delectable little sandwich cookies have been taking social media by storm this year, and for good reason!

The perfect balance of sweet caramel, salty crackers, and rich chocolate creates an irresistible bite-sized treat that’s ready in minutes. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these ritz cracker cookies, chocolate caramel cookies, easy Christmas cookies, trending festive treats, holiday snacks will become your new go-to for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients List

• 48 Ritz crackers (1 sleeve plus a few extra)
• 24 soft caramel candies (unwrapped) or 1/2 cup caramel bits
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening (helps thin the chocolate)
• Sea salt flakes for sprinkling
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or crushed pretzels for topping

Substitution tip: For a darker chocolate flavor, use 60% cacao chips. If you prefer milk chocolate, substitute milk chocolate chips for a sweeter taste.

Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Setting Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

These salted caramel ritz cookies come together in less than an hour – that’s 75% faster than traditional holiday cookies that require dough chilling, rolling, and multiple batches of baking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange 24 Ritz crackers salt-side down. Have another 24 crackers ready for the sandwich tops.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Filling

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth (about 1-2 minutes total).

Pro tip: Watch the caramel closely – it goes from perfect to burnt quickly!

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies

Working quickly, spoon about 1 teaspoon of melted caramel onto each cracker. Top with a second cracker, pressing gently to spread the caramel to the edges. Let cool for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Coating

Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth (about 1-1.5 minutes total).

Step 5: Dip and Decorate

Dip each sandwich cookie halfway into the melted chocolate, or fully coat for extra decadence. Place on parchment paper and immediately sprinkle with sea salt and optional toppings before the chocolate sets.

Nutritional Information

Per cookie (approximate):

• Calories: 145
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 12g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz
• Dairy-free: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use dairy-free chocolate chips
• Lower sugar: Use dark chocolate (70% or higher) and reduce the amount of caramel
• Keto-friendly: Use almond flour crackers and sugar-free caramel and chocolate

Serving Suggestions

Serve these salted caramel ritz cookies on a festive platter alongside other holiday treats. They pair perfectly with:

• Hot chocolate or coffee for an afternoon treat
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert
• A glass of dessert wine for adult gatherings

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overheating the caramel, which makes it bitter
• Using cold crackers from the refrigerator (they can crack when assembling)
• Rushing the cooling process before dipping in chocolate
• Adding salt too late after the chocolate has begun to set

Storing Tips for the Recipe

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. If freezing, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

These salted caramel ritz cookies deliver maximum flavor with minimum effort, making them the perfect addition to your holiday baking lineup. The contrast between salty and sweet creates an addictive treat that guests will be asking about long after the holidays are over. Try them this weekend and share your creations with us in the comments below!

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! They actually taste better after the flavors have had time to meld. Make them 1-2 days in advance for best results.

My chocolate seized up when melting. What happened?
Water is chocolate’s enemy. Even a tiny drop can cause seizing. Make sure your bowl and utensils are completely dry before melting.

Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?
Yes! If using homemade, cook it to firm-ball stage (245°F) so it sets properly in the cookies.

How do I prevent my crackers from getting soggy?
The chocolate coating actually helps create a barrier that keeps the crackers crisp. Just be sure to let the caramel cool slightly before assembling.

Can I mail these cookies as gifts?
Yes, they ship well! Layer them with parchment paper in a sturdy container and ship using expedited methods during hot weather.