Festive Christmas at the Ritz Cookies Recipe: Bakery-Fresh Magic

Delicate christmas at the ritz cookies sparkle with festive magic and childhood memories.

Grandmothers passed down this cherished recipe through generations of holiday baking.

Buttery crumbs melt on your tongue, transporting you to cozy winter evenings.

Crisp edges and soft centers create a perfect balance of textures.

Nostalgic flavors blend seamlessly with modern baking techniques.

Simple ingredients come together in a dance of sweet simplicity.

Each bite promises a moment of pure holiday joy that calls you to the kitchen.

Why Ritz Cookies Deserve a Holiday Comeback

• Indulge in Simplicity: These Christmas at the Ritz Cookies require minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making them perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Create Festive Memories: The combination of Ritz crackers and chocolate creates a nostalgic treat that brings families together during holiday celebrations.
• Transform Everyday Ingredients: Ordinary crackers become a delightful dessert, proving that creative cooking can turn simple items into something extraordinary.
• Quick Holiday Delight: With straightforward steps and minimal preparation time, these cookies offer a stress-free way to add a sweet touch to your seasonal gatherings.

Ingredients That Make These Cookies Iconic

• Ritz Crackers: Classic buttery crackers that serve as the sandwich base for these delightful cookies.
• Butter: Softened butter that provides richness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the light, delicate consistency of the cookie dough.

• Flour, Salt: Essential dry ingredients that help bind the dough and provide structure to the cookies.
• Chopped Nuts: Optional ingredient that adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the cookie.

• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aromatic profile.
• Chocolate Chips: Melted chocolate that creates a delicious drizzle, adding a luxurious finishing touch to the cookies.

Step-by-Step to Ritz Cookie Perfection

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Create Creamy Butter Base

In a mixing bowl, blend softened butter with powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy. Add vanilla extract and mix thoroughly to enhance the flavor profile.

Step 3: Form Cookie Dough

Gradually incorporate flour and salt into the butter mixture. Knead gently until a smooth, cohesive dough forms.

If desired, fold in chopped nuts for extra texture and crunch.

Step 4: Assemble Cookie Sandwiches

Lay out Ritz crackers on a clean surface.

Roll small dough balls and place one on each cracker. Gently press down to flatten slightly.

Top with a second cracker, creating a sandwich-like structure.

Step 5: Arrange and Bake

Transfer the assembled cookie sandwiches onto the prepared baking sheet.

Space them evenly to allow proper heat circulation. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Decorate

Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, melt chocolate chips using a microwave or double boiler.

Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for a luxurious finish.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the decorated Ritz sandwich cookies on a festive platter.

These delectable treats are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoon snacks.

Tips for Salty-Sweet Cookie Greatness

• Choose high-quality butter for a richer, creamier texture that enhances the cookie's flavor.
• Ensure Ritz crackers are fresh and crisp to maintain the perfect crunch in your sandwich cookies.
• Chop nuts finely to distribute evenly and prevent large chunks that might disrupt the cookie's smooth texture.
• Melt chocolate slowly and carefully to avoid burning, using short 15-second intervals in the microwave and stirring between each burst.
• Let cookies cool completely before drizzling chocolate to prevent melting and ensure a clean, attractive finish.

Creative Spins for Your Ritz Cookie Batch

• Chocolate Peppermint Crunch: Crush candy canes and sprinkle over melted dark chocolate for a festive holiday flavor.
• Nutella Sandwich: Replace chocolate chips with Nutella spread between crackers for a rich, creamy version.
• Caramel Pecan Cracker: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce and top with chopped pecans before baking for extra crunch.
• Almond Raspberry Delight: Spread raspberry jam between crackers and coat with white chocolate almond glaze for a fruity touch.

What to Pair with a Sweet & Buttery Bite

• Pair Creamy Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a velvety hot chocolate that complements the buttery, nutty texture of these cookies, creating a luxurious holiday treat.
• Enhance with Peppermint Twist: Serve alongside a refreshing peppermint tea or coffee to cut through the richness and add a festive seasonal touch.
• Match with Dessert Wine: Select a sweet dessert wine like Moscato or Port to highlight the chocolate drizzle and nutty undertones of the Christmas at the Ritz Cookies.
• Create Espresso Companion: Enjoy a shot of espresso or strong black coffee to balance the sweetness and provide a robust flavor contrast.

Store Ritz Cookies the Smart, Crunchy Way

• Refrigerate: Store cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep in the refrigerator to maintain crispness and prevent chocolate from melting.
• Freeze: Carefully place cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for maximum 3 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Room Temperature: Keep in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within 3-4 days for best texture and flavor. Place a piece of bread inside to help maintain moisture.
• Individual Wrapping: Wrap each cookie separately in plastic wrap before storing to preserve individual quality and prevent sticking. Great for packed lunches or quick snacks.

Cookie FAQs for the Most Festive Treats

• What are Christmas at the Ritz Cookies?

A delightful holiday treat made by sandwiching a soft buttery dough between two Ritz crackers, then baking and drizzling with melted chocolate.

• Can I make these cookies without nuts?

Absolutely! The nuts are optional, so you can easily skip them or replace them with other mix-ins like dried fruit or chocolate chips.

• How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet?

Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper, which creates a non-stick surface and helps ensure easy removal of the cookies.

• Are these cookies kid-friendly to make?

Yes! These cookies are simple to assemble and kids will enjoy helping to place the dough between crackers and drizzle chocolate on top.

Christmas at the Ritz Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet holiday memories unfold with Christmas at the Ritz Cookies, a delightful blend of buttery richness and festive cheer. Delicate shortbread mingles with creamy chocolate, inviting you to savor a moment of pure seasonal bliss.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 24 Ritz crackers

Sweet and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Optional and Texture Ingredients:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet for the festive treats.
2. Whip softened butter with powdered sugar until the mixture transforms into a cloud-like, airy consistency.
3. Incorporate vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to distribute the aromatic flavor.
4. Gently fold in flour and salt, working the ingredients until a tender, cohesive dough emerges.
5. Optional: Integrate chopped nuts into the dough for added texture and richness.
6. Construct cookie sandwiches by placing a dough ball atop a Ritz cracker, delicately pressing to flatten, then crown with a second cracker.
7. Arrange the assembled cookie pairs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring even spacing.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges that signal perfect doneness.
9. Transfer cookies from the oven and allow complete cooling on a wire rack.
10. Melt chocolate chips using a microwave or double boiler, then elegantly drizzle the glossy coating over the cooled cookies.

Notes

• Customize the texture by adjusting the amount of chopped nuts, creating a crunchier or smoother bite depending on personal preference.
• Transform these cookies into a gluten-free version by using gluten-free Ritz crackers and almond flour for a similar taste and texture.
• Elevate the chocolate drizzle by experimenting with different chocolate types like dark, milk, or white chocolate to match your flavor profile.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, ensuring they remain crisp and delicious for longer enjoyment.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 162
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 77 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg