If you’re craving a sweet and salty snack that practically melts in your mouth, you’ve got to try this Salted Caramel Ritz Cookies Recipe. I stumbled upon this gem not long ago, and now it’s my go-to for parties and cozy nights in. Picture buttery Ritz crackers sandwiching a silky caramel center, all coated in rich chocolate and sprinkled with a touch of sea salt—trust me, it’s fan-freaking-tastic. Keep reading and I’ll share every detail so you can nail it perfectly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet-Salty Perfection: The combo of caramel, chocolate, and sea salt hits all the right flavor notes that’ll satisfy any craving.
- No-Bake and Quick: You don’t need an oven, which makes this perfect for busy days or last-minute treats.
- Kid and Crowd Pleaser: Whether it’s a family snack or party platter, everyone ends up grabbing seconds.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these staples in your pantry already.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is beautifully simple — just a few crowd-pleasing ingredients that come together to make magic. When I shop for this, I always pick soft caramels for that melt-in-your-mouth filling and the best-quality chocolate almond bark I can find for the coating.
- Soft Caramels: These melt easily and create a perfectly gooey center.
- Heavy Cream: Adds a smooth, creamy texture to the caramel.
- Ritz Crackers: These buttery crackers are crunchy but mild enough to highlight the caramel and chocolate.
- Chocolate Almond Bark: Melts nicely and hardens with a shiny finish—perfect for dipping.
- Sea Salt or Sprinkles: Just a pinch on top balances the sweetness with a little crunch and flavor boost.
Variations
I love making this Salted Caramel Ritz Cookies Recipe just as is, but sometimes I like to mix things up by swapping or adding ingredients to keep it exciting. Feel free to tweak it based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences — this is a super flexible treat.
- Add Nuts: I often sprinkle finely chopped toasted pecans or almonds on top before the chocolate sets—gives it a lovely crunch and extra flavor.
- Use Different Chocolate: Dark chocolate adds a lovely bitterness that contrasts nicely with the sweet caramel; during holiday seasons, white chocolate can make it extra festive.
- Spice It Up: A tiny pinch of cayenne or cinnamon mixed into the caramel can give this cookie an unexpected but delightful kick.
- Diet-Friendly: To make it gluten-free, try substituting Ritz crackers with a gluten-free cracker that’s buttery and crisp.
How to Make Salted Caramel Ritz Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Caramel to Silky Perfection
Start by placing your soft caramels and heavy cream in a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir well. It will still be chunky at this point, so microwave again in 20-second bursts, stirring thoroughly each time, until smooth and glossy. This slow-melt trick prevents burning and gives you that perfect luscious caramel. Let it cool for about 5 minutes—it should be warm and smooth but not hot.
Step 2: Build Your Cookie Sandwiches
Grab half of your Ritz crackers and arrange them on a lined baking sheet. Using a teaspoon, dollop 1 to 2 teaspoons of your caramel on each cracker, spreading it just enough to cover the surface without letting it drip over the edges. Top each with another Ritz cracker to form a sandwich. This was a game changer for me—I used to slather on too much caramel, and it made a mess! Stick with a light layer, and you’ll thank me later. Pop the whole tray into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so the caramel firms up.
Step 3: Dip in Chocolate and Sprinkle Sea Salt
While your sandwiches chill, melt the chocolate almond bark according to package instructions—usually in the microwave in short bursts, stirring often to avoid clumping. One by one, dip each chilled sandwich into the melted chocolate, gently shaking off the excess. Place them back on your lined baking sheet, then sprinkle with sea salt immediately to get that beautiful, balanced flavor. Leave them to cool completely (about 20 minutes at room temp, or quicker in the fridge) until the chocolate is fully set.
Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Ritz Cookies Recipe
- Use Soft Caramels: I learned the hard way that harder caramels don’t melt smoothly, so opting for soft caramels makes all the difference.
- Don’t Skip the Chill: Refrigerating the sandwiches before dipping keeps the caramel from oozing out during the chocolate dip—trust me, it keeps things neat.
- Shake Off Excess Chocolate: To avoid a super thick chocolate coating, shake gently to get rid of extra chocolate before plating them down.
- Sprinkle Salt Right Away: Adding sea salt immediately after dipping ensures it sticks perfectly instead of falling off later.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Ritz Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with just a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt, which brightens the flavors wonderfully. Sometimes I add colorful nonpareils or edible gold dust if I want to fancy them up for a party—looks festive and tastes just as delicious!
Side Dishes
These cookies are perfect alongside a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk—makes for such a comforting combo. For holiday gatherings, I like serving them with a cheese platter featuring mild cheeses and fresh fruit; the contrast really elevates the snack experience.
Creative Ways to Present
When I want to impress guests, I arrange these cookies on a tiered dessert stand with fresh berries and mint leaves. Another fun idea is wrapping a few cookies in cellophane tied with a pretty ribbon as adorable party favors or gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover Salted Caramel Ritz Cookies stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to 3 days, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house!
Freezing
If you want to make them ahead for a party, freezing works great. I place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze for a couple hours, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Since these are no-bake and chocolate-coated, I don’t usually reheat them but if you want that melty caramel vibe, a quick 5-second zap in the microwave makes them pleasantly soft without ruining the chocolate shell.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of melting caramels?
Yes, you can substitute caramel sauce, but make sure it’s thick enough to hold between the crackers without dripping. If it’s too runny, refrigerate it first to thicken slightly or mix with a little powdered sugar to firm it up.
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What’s the best chocolate to use for dipping?
Chocolate almond bark melts easily and hardens with a glossy finish, making it ideal. But if you don’t have it on hand, high-quality melting chocolate or candy melts also work well.
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How do I prevent the caramel from oozing out too much?
Chilling the caramel cracker sandwiches before dipping is key. This firms up the caramel and helps it stay in place during the chocolate dip and after.
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Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! You can assemble and chill the sandwiches a day ahead, then dip and salt them just before serving to keep them fresh-looking and delicious.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, I absolutely love how this Salted Caramel Ritz Cookies Recipe brings together such simple ingredients into a treat that feels fancy but is so easy to make. Whether you’re surprising your family or bringing a showstopper to your next get-together, these cookies will make you the star of the kitchen. Give them a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Salted Caramel Ritz Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies, serves 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Salted Caramel Ritz Cracker Cookies combine the buttery crunch of Ritz crackers with smooth, rich caramel and a luscious chocolate almond bark coating, finished with a sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect sweet-and-salty treat.
Ingredients
Caramel Filling
- 20 soft caramels
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Cookies
- Approximately 2 sleeves of Ritz crackers (~60 Ritz crackers)
- Sea salt (or sprinkles) for topping
Chocolate Coating
- 24 ounces chocolate almond bark
Instructions
- Prepare the Caramel: Place the soft caramels and heavy cream in a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir. Continue microwaving in 20-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the caramel mixture is completely smooth. Allow it to cool for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly and avoid melting the crackers.
- Assemble the Ritz Sandwiches: Line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper. Arrange half of the Ritz crackers on the sheet. Spoon about 1 to 2 teaspoons of the cooled caramel onto each cracker, enough to cover the surface without spilling over the edges. Top each with another Ritz cracker to create a sandwich.
- Chill the Cookies: Place the baking sheet with the assembled cracker sandwiches in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the caramel set and makes the sandwiches easier to dip in chocolate.
- Melt the Chocolate Almond Bark: Following the package instructions, melt the 24 ounces of chocolate almond bark until smooth and ready for dipping.
- Dip and Decorate: Remove the chilled Ritz sandwich cookies from the refrigerator. Dip each sandwich completely into the melted chocolate, shaking gently to remove any excess coating. Return the chocolate-covered sandwiches to the lined baking sheet and immediately sprinkle the tops with sea salt or sprinkles for that perfect sweet-salty balance.
- Set the Coating: Let the dipped cookies sit at room temperature until the chocolate almond bark has fully set and hardened. Once set, they are ready to serve and enjoy.
Notes
- These Ritz Cracker Cookies create an irresistible blend of sweet and salty flavors, highlighted by buttery crackers, creamy caramel, and silky chocolate.
- Be careful not to add too much caramel to prevent overflow during assembly.
- Cooling the caramel and chilling the cookie sandwiches are essential steps to ensure the chocolate coating adheres nicely.
- Use sea salt rather than table salt for a better texture and flavor balance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 178 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 1 mg
