Ritz Cracker Christmas Ornaments: A Festive No-Bake Treat

Looking for a delightful and effortless holiday treat? These Ritz Cracker Christmas Ornaments are the answer! This no-bake recipe is incredibly simple, making it a fantastic holiday project for all ages. Imagine peanut butter-filled Ritz cracker sandwiches, dipped in vibrant red candy melts, drizzled with creamy white chocolate, and adorned with festive sprinkles, a Rolo candy, and a miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. These adorable ornaments add a touch of whimsy to any cookie tray and are guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults.

I’m a huge fan of easy holiday recipes that look impressive but require minimal effort. These chocolate-covered Ritz crackers perfectly fit the bill. Inspired by my previous success with reindeer Ritz cracker cookies, I knew I had to create another equally fun and festive variation. The combination of salty Ritz crackers and creamy peanut butter is already a classic, but transforming them into miniature Christmas ornaments elevates them into something truly special. I often prepare a large batch for cookie exchanges or wrap them as charming edible Christmas gifts. Everyone always raves about them!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Ritz Cracker Ornaments

• Choose Regular Peanut Butter: Avoid natural peanut butter, as its tendency to separate can cause the cracker sandwiches to fall apart. Opt for Jif or Skippy for the best binding results.
• Candy Melts vs. White Chocolate Chips: While white chocolate chips can be used, candy melts are preferred for their superior hardening properties. If using white chocolate chips, mix them with about a tablespoon of coconut oil after melting to ensure proper setting.
• Work in Small Batches: Candy melts can cool and solidify quickly. Dip only a few crackers at a time, and reheat the chocolate in short 10-15 second intervals if needed.
• Remove Excess Chocolate: After dipping each cracker sandwich, gently tap the fork on the edge of the bowl to remove excess candy coating. This will ensure a smooth, even finish and prevent unsightly puddles.

Recipe: Ritz Cracker Christmas Ornaments

Yields: 30 cookies

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (Jif or Skippy recommended)
• 60 Ritz crackers
• 12 oz Wilton red candy melts
• 12 oz Wilton vanilla candy melts (or Ghirardelli vanilla melting wafers)
• Red, green, and white holiday sprinkles
• 15 Rolo candies, unwrapped
• 15 mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, unwrapped

Instructions:

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
2. Spread approximately 2 teaspoons of peanut butter onto 30 Ritz crackers. Top with the remaining 30 crackers to create peanut butter sandwiches.
3. Melt the red candy melts according to the package instructions until smooth and completely melted.
4. Place a peanut butter sandwich on a fork and dip it into the melted red chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Gently tap the fork on the edge of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate. Transfer the dipped cracker to the prepared baking sheet and let it set.
5. While the red chocolate is setting, use a bit of the leftover melted red chocolate to attach a Rolo candy and a mini Reese’s peanut butter cup to the top of each ornament. Let the chocolate harden.
6. Melt the vanilla candy melts according to package directions. Transfer the melted white chocolate to a piping bag or a plastic bag with a small corner snipped off. Drizzle the white chocolate over the red-coated cookies. Immediately sprinkle with holiday sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
7. Allow the cookies to fully harden at room temperature, or place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for approximately 10-15 minutes to speed up the setting process.
8. Serve and enjoy these adorable and delicious Ritz Cracker Christmas Ornaments!

Recipe Notes:

• Nut Butter Alternatives: For dietary restrictions, you can substitute almond butter, cookie butter, or SunButter. Ensure the nut butter isn’t too oily, or the cookies won’t hold their shape.
• Candy Topping Variations: Replace Rolos and Reese’s with Lindt truffles, mini Kisses, or M&M’s, or any other small candies you prefer.
• Candy Melt Color Variations: Feel free to swap the red candy melts with any holiday color to match your theme.

Nutrition Information (per cookie):

• Calories: 163
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0.1g
• Cholesterol: 1mg
• Sodium: 118mg
• Potassium: 73mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 11g
• Vitamin A: 6IU
• Vitamin C: 0.04mg
• Calcium: 21mg
• Iron: 0.5mg

Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Ritz Cracker Christmas Ornaments

Gather the ingredients: Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients at hand. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

Make the peanut butter sandwiches: Spread approximately 2 teaspoons of creamy peanut butter onto 30 of the Ritz crackers. Top each with another Ritz cracker to create a sandwich.

Dip the sandwich cookies: Melt the red candy melts according to the package directions until smooth. Use a fork to dip each peanut butter cracker sandwich into the melted red candy, ensuring a complete coating. Gently tap the fork on the edge of the bowl to remove excess chocolate. Place the dipped cookies on the prepared baking sheet to set.

Attach the ornament tops: Use a small amount of the leftover melted red candy to attach a Rolo candy and a mini Reese’s peanut butter cup to the top of each cookie, creating the “ornament” look. Allow the chocolate to set.

Drizzle with vanilla candy melts: Melt the vanilla candy melts according to the package instructions. Transfer the melted vanilla coating to a piping bag (or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off) and drizzle it over the red-coated cookies. Immediately sprinkle with red, green, and white holiday sprinkles while the vanilla drizzle is still wet.

Harden the cookies: Allow the cookies to fully harden at room temperature. For faster setting, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.

Serve and enjoy: Your delightful Ritz Cracker Christmas Ornaments are ready to be served and enjoyed!

Serving Suggestions for Ritz Cracker Christmas Ornaments

These festive Ritz Cracker Christmas Ornaments make a wonderful addition to any holiday dessert spread. Their vibrant colors and charming appearance are sure to catch everyone’s attention. Incorporate them into your holiday dessert boards, cookie trays with Lofthouse cookies and pistachio cookies, or package them in treat boxes for neighbors. They’re also perfect for setting out alongside gingerbread cookies for guests to enjoy while building gingerbread houses. You can even tuck them into tins with fudge, peppermint bark, and classic spritz cookies for an easy and festive holiday mix.

How to Store Leftover Ritz Cracker Christmas Ornaments

• Counter Storage: Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keep them away from direct heat and moisture.
• Refrigerator Storage: For a firmer chocolate coating, you can store them in the refrigerator for 10-14 days.
• Freezer Storage: To freeze, place the cookies on a baking sheet to harden, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving to prevent the chocolate from sweating. You can also prepare the peanut butter cracker sandwiches 1-2 days in advance and dip them just before serving to save time during the holiday rush.

More Festive Holiday Cookie Recipes

• Perfect Coconut Macaroons
• Christmas Italian Cookies
• Grinch Cookies
• Butter Cookies
• Hot Cocoa Cookies

I hope you enjoy this easy and delicious recipe! Be sure to leave a review below. Also, don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!