There’s something magical about holiday baking—the sweet smells, the festive colors, and that warm feeling of making something special for the people you love. But let’s be honest, sometimes we just don’t have the time (or energy!) to fuss with complicated recipes. That’s where these No Bake Caramel Ritz Cookies come in—they’re my family’s secret weapon for last-minute holiday treats that always disappear from the cookie tray first.
I first made these little gems with my grandma when I was about eight years old. She called them “magic crackers” because they transformed plain Ritz into something extraordinary with just a few simple steps. Now, every December, my kids beg me to make them—partly because they taste incredible (that sweet-salty combo is downright addictive), and partly because they can help with every step without needing to touch the oven.
What makes these cookies truly special is how they balance simplicity with festive flair. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have golden crackers sandwiched with gooey caramel, dipped in creamy white chocolate, and showered with colorful holiday sprinkles. They look like you spent hours in the kitchen, but our little secret? The hardest part is waiting for them to set before sneaking the first bite!
Why You’ll Love These No Bake Caramel Ritz Cookies
Oh my goodness, where do I even start? These little cookie sandwiches have stolen my heart (and probably will steal yours too) for so many reasons:
- They’re ridiculously easy – No oven, no mixer, no fancy skills needed. Just assemble, dip, and decorate!
- Perfect for last-minute gifts – Forgot to bake for the cookie exchange? Whip these up in 15 minutes flat.
- That magical sweet-salty combo – The buttery Ritz crackers with gooey caramel? Absolute perfection.
- Kid-friendly fun – My littles love helping with every step, especially the sprinkles part (though fair warning – it gets messy!).
- Festive holiday vibes – The white chocolate and colorful sprinkles make them look straight out of a Christmas movie.
Trust me, once you try these, you’ll understand why they’re my go-to holiday treat year after year!
Ingredients for No Bake Caramel Ritz Cookies
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these irresistible treats – and yes, every single ingredient matters! I’ve learned through many batches that quality makes all the difference with such a simple recipe.
- 1 box Ritz crackers (about 50 crackers) – The classic buttery rounds, not the low-sodium version
- 25 soft caramels (like Werther’s or Kraft) – Unwrapped and ready to melt
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream – Not milk! The extra fat helps the caramel stay smooth
- 1 cup white chocolate chips – Packed firmly in the measuring cup
- Christmas sprinkles – Go wild with red, green, and white!
- Optional: sea salt flakes – Just a pinch on top for that perfect sweet-salty bite
Pro tip from my grandma: Always unwrap your caramels before starting – you don’t want to be fumbling with wrappers when your melted caramel is cooling!
Equipment You’ll Need
Gathering your tools is half the battle with no-bake treats! Here’s what you’ll want to have ready:
- Microwave-safe bowl – For melting that caramel into gooey perfection
- Parchment paper – Trust me, you’ll thank me for this non-stick miracle
- Baking sheet – Any flat surface works, but this keeps things organized
- Measuring spoons – That 1 tsp caramel measurement matters!
See? Nothing fancy – just basic kitchen essentials you probably already have!
How to Make No Bake Caramel Ritz Cookies
Okay, let’s get to the fun part – making these magical little treats! I’ve broken it down into simple steps so you’ll have perfect cookies every time. The key is working quickly but carefully – and don’t worry if things get a little messy. That’s half the charm!
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Filling
First, grab those unwrapped caramels and your heavy cream. Toss them into a microwave-safe bowl (I use my trusty glass measuring cup) and microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each one. This slow-and-steady approach prevents scorching – trust me, burnt caramel smells awful!
When it’s perfectly smooth and dippable (about 2-3 minutes total), let it sit for 60 seconds to thicken slightly. You want it spreadable but not runny – think warm peanut butter consistency. If it’s too thick, add another teaspoon of cream.
Step 2: Assemble the Cookie Sandwiches
Line up your Ritz crackers like little soldiers on parchment paper. Using a teaspoon, dollop caramel onto each cracker – about 1 tsp per cookie is the sweet spot (pun intended!). Too much and it’ll ooze out when you press them together.
Gently press another cracker on top to make sandwiches. Pro tip: If the caramel starts hardening, pop the bowl back in the microwave for 10 seconds to loosen it up again.
Step 3: Dip in White Chocolate
Now for the fun part! Melt your white chocolate chips in the microwave (same 30-second intervals, stirring between each) until smooth and creamy. Hold each sandwich by the edges and dip just the top half into the chocolate, letting the excess drip off. I like to use a fork to help with this step – it gives me more control.
Place them back on the parchment paper chocolate-side up. Work quickly here – you want to add sprinkles before the chocolate sets!
Step 4: Add Sprinkles and Chill
Immediately after dipping, shower those cookies with sprinkles (or a pinch of sea salt if you’re going for that sweet-salty vibe). The sprinkles won’t stick once the chocolate starts setting, so this is your moment to get creative!
Finally, pop the whole tray in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to set. I know it’s tempting, but resist sneaking one early – that caramel needs time to firm up properly. When the chocolate is hard to the touch, they’re ready to devour!
Tips for Perfect No Bake Caramel Ritz Cookies
After making these cookies more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that take them from good to “Oh wow, how’d you make these?!” Here are my can’t-live-without tips:
- Parchment paper is your BFF – No sticking, easy cleanup, and you can slide the whole batch right into the fridge.
- Let caramel cool slightly – About 1 minute after microwaving makes it spreadable without melting the crackers.
- Sprinkle fast! Have your sprinkles ready in small bowls so you can shower them on while the chocolate’s still wet.
- Double-dip technique – For extra chocolatey goodness, let the first layer set, then dip again!
- Room temp is key – Store finished cookies in an airtight container at room temp – the fridge can make them sweat.
Follow these and you’ll have cookies so good, people will think you’re a holiday baking wizard!
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of these cookies? You can tweak them to fit what you’ve got on hand or match any holiday theme! Here are my favorite swaps and spins:
- Caramel shortcut: Out of caramels? Use ½ cup thick caramel sauce instead – just warm it slightly for easier spreading.
- Chocolate lovers: Swap white chocolate for dark or milk chocolate chips – or go half-and-half for a marbled effect!
- Dairy-free option: Coconut cream works perfectly in place of heavy cream, and dairy-free chocolate chips melt like a dream.
- Year-round fun: Change up sprinkles for any occasion – pastels for Easter, red/white/blue for July 4th, or orange/black for Halloween.
- Extra crunch: Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts between the caramel layers for texture.
That’s the magic – one simple recipe, endless delicious possibilities!
Storing and Serving No Bake Caramel Ritz Cookies
Here’s the best way to keep these treats fresh and make them shine on your holiday table! I always use an airtight container – those big plastic ones with the locking lids work perfectly. They’ll stay crisp and delicious at room temperature for about 3 days (though let’s be real, they never last that long in my house!). For parties, I arrange them on a festive platter with other cookies – the white chocolate and sprinkles make them look extra fancy against holiday greenery or red napkins.
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s be real – these are treats, not health food! But in case you’re curious (or tracking), here’s the scoop per cookie: about 120 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated), 18g carbs, and 1g protein. These numbers are estimates since sprinkles and caramel brands vary. The good news? You’re getting that happy holiday feeling in every bite – and that’s priceless!
FAQs About No Bake Caramel Ritz Cookies
Can I use saltines instead of Ritz crackers?
Oh honey, I’ve tried – and while saltines work in a pinch, they just don’t have that magical buttery flavor that makes these holiday no bake cookie recipe so special. Ritz crackers have just the right amount of salt and richness to balance the sweet caramel. If you must substitute, try butter crackers that are similar in texture!
Help! My caramel turned grainy – how do I fix it?
Don’t panic! This happens when the sugar crystals in the caramel seize up. Here’s my trick: add another teaspoon of heavy cream and microwave for 15 seconds, then stir vigorously until smooth. If it’s still stubborn, a tiny dab of butter (about ½ teaspoon) usually does the trick for these white chocolate caramel snacks.
Can I freeze these sweet and salty holiday cookies?
Absolutely! Layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving. The caramel might be slightly firmer, but they’ll still taste amazing – perfect for getting a head start on your Christmas sprinkle sandwich cookies!
For more delicious inspiration, check out my Pinterest board!
Print15-Minute No Bake Caramel Ritz Cookies (Irresistible!)
Easy no-bake caramel Ritz cracker cookies perfect for holiday treats.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 25 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 box Ritz crackers (about 50 crackers)
- 25 soft caramels (like Werther’s or Kraft)
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- 1 cup white chocolate chips or candy melts
- Christmas-themed sprinkles (red, green, white)
- Optional: sea salt flakes for a sweet & salty twist
Instructions
- Make the caramel filling by melting soft caramels with heavy cream in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Assemble the sandwiches by spreading 1 teaspoon of warm caramel on a Ritz cracker and pressing another cracker on top.
- Melt white chocolate chips and dip the tops of the cracker sandwiches.
- Add holiday sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet.
- Chill in the fridge for 15–20 minutes until the chocolate sets.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a quicker option, use pre-made caramel sauce.
- Adjust sprinkles based on your holiday theme.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg