If you’re hunting for a treat that’s equal parts crunchy, sweet, salty, and downright addictive, you’re going to adore this Salted Caramel Ritz Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these little bites come together quickly but taste like something you’d find in a fancy bakery. The combination of buttery Ritz crackers with smooth caramel and a rich chocolate coating sprinkled with sea salt? Pure magic. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to snack for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Simple: You’ll love how easy these are to whip up with just a few ingredients and minimal effort.
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The luscious caramel combined with salty Ritz crackers and chocolate is a crowd-pleaser every time.
- Great for Parties: These little cookies are perfect finger food that everyone raves about at gatherings.
- Customizable Treats: You can easily adapt this Salted Caramel Ritz Cookies Recipe to your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients here are straightforward but work together to create magical flavor layers. When I shop for this recipe, I like to grab a good-quality caramel and chocolate almond bark because they really make a difference to the final taste.
- Soft caramels: These melt beautifully and give the perfect chewy texture inside the cookie sandwiches.
- Heavy cream: Adds creaminess to make the caramel smooth and luscious.
- Ritz crackers: Their buttery flavor and crisp texture balance the sweetness perfectly.
- Chocolate almond bark: Melts easily and hardens into a shiny, firm coating that’s less messy than regular chocolate.
- Sea salt (or sprinkles): Enhances the salted caramel experience and adds a lovely finishing touch.
Variations
One of the best things about this Salted Caramel Ritz Cookies Recipe is how flexible it is. I’ve tried a few variations over the years, and it’s fun to make it your own by mixing things up a bit.
- Dairy-Free Variation: I’ve swapped heavy cream with coconut cream and used dairy-free chocolate almond bark for friends with allergies — it turns out just as delicious!
- Nutty Twist: Adding chopped toasted pecans or almonds inside the caramel layer gives it a wonderful crunch and extra flavor.
- Spiced Caramel: For a cozy touch, I sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder into the melted caramel — it adds an unexpected depth that’s so good.
- Chocolate Variations: Dark chocolate almond bark gives a richer flavor, while white chocolate makes it sweeter and more festive, especially with colorful sprinkles on top.
How to Make Salted Caramel Ritz Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Caramel to Perfection
Start by placing your soft caramels and heavy cream in a medium bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then give it a good stir. I like to microwave in short 20-second bursts after that, stirring really well each time, until the caramel is silky smooth. This is important — uneven heating can make your caramel grainy or sticky. Once it’s perfect, let it cool for about 5 minutes so it’s easier to spread and won’t melt your crackers.
Step 2: Create Your Cookie Sandwiches
While the caramel cools, line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Arrange half of the Ritz crackers on the sheet as your bases. Then, spoon about 1-2 teaspoons of caramel onto each one — enough to cover the cracker but not spill over the edges. Top each with another Ritz cracker, gently pressing to create a sandwich. This is where you’ll start to see that beautiful sweet and salty combo come together.
Step 3: Chill to Set the Filling
Pop the baking sheet into your fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step’s key because you want the caramel to firm up so the next step goes smoothly. I learned the hard way that dipping warm, gooey cookies is a sticky, messy ordeal — chilling makes all the difference.
Step 4: Dip and Decorate with Chocolate and Sea Salt
Melt your chocolate almond bark following package instructions — usually, a microwave or double boiler works great. Once melted, dip each chilled cookie sandwich into the chocolate, giving it a gentle shake to remove any excess. Place them back on your parchment-lined sheet right away and sprinkle with sea salt while the chocolate is still wet. This salty finish is the magic touch that takes these cookies over the top. Let them cool completely so the chocolate sets up beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Ritz Cookies Recipe
- Caramel Tempering: Let your caramel cool slightly before assembling — warm caramel can soften your crackers and create a mess.
- Work in Batches: Dip cookies in small batches to prevent the almond bark from cooling too much and solidifying before dipping all cookies.
- Use Parchment Paper: Always set dipped cookies on parchment to avoid sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Salt Sprinkle Timing: Don’t wait to sprinkle salt or sprinkles — doing it immediately after dipping ensures they stick well before chocolate hardens.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Ritz Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I love to add a final flourish with a little extra sea salt right on top after dipping — it adds that signature crunch and enhances the flavor beautifully. Sometimes I’ll toss a few mini edible gold flakes or rainbow sprinkles on for a festive look when serving at parties.
Side Dishes
These Salted Caramel Ritz Cookies pair brilliantly with a steaming cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate. For a party spread, I like offering these alongside fresh fruit and cheese plates to balance the sweetness with savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve arranged these cookies in pretty tiers on cake stands or grouped in decorative boxes tied with ribbons for gifting. They also look adorable stacked in clear jars with fairy lights around — instant eye candy and conversation starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Salted Caramel Ritz Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layering them between parchment paper to prevent sticking. They stay fresh and crisp for about a week — if they last that long!
Freezing
Freezing these treats works surprisingly well. I wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. When I’m ready, I just thaw them for 15-20 minutes before serving — the caramel and chocolate texture hold up nicely!
Reheating
If you want to refresh chilled cookies, I gently warm them for a few seconds in the microwave (about 5-7 seconds) to soften the caramel slightly without melting the chocolate shell. Just be careful—it’s easy to overdo it!
FAQs
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Can I use regular chocolate instead of almond bark for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use regular chocolate chips or bars, but almond bark melts more smoothly and hardens quicker, making the dipping process easier and less messy. If you choose regular chocolate, consider adding a small amount of vegetable oil or shortening to help it melt with a nice shine and firm coating.
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What’s the best way to melt the caramel without burning it?
Microwaving in short bursts (start with 1 minute, then 20 seconds at a time) and stirring thoroughly between intervals helps avoid burning. Using a double boiler on the stove is also a gentle method if you prefer. Just keep a close eye on it and stir constantly.
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How salty should the sea salt be on top?
A light sprinkle is best — you want just a hint that enhances the sweetness without overpowering it. Flaky sea salt works wonderfully because it has a clean, delicate crunch that melts in your mouth.
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Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes, you can make them a day or two in advance and store them properly in an airtight container. Just keep them at room temperature to ensure the chocolate doesn’t sweat or soften. For longer storage, freeze as mentioned above.
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Are these cookies kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids usually love the sweet and salty combination. Just be mindful of the chocolate coating and caramel stickiness for younger children, especially toddlers, to avoid mess or choking hazards.
Final Thoughts
I truly think this Salted Caramel Ritz Cookies Recipe hits all the marks when you want something simple yet spectacular. I remember the first time I made them for a holiday get-together and watched everyone sneak seconds while nobody looked — that’s when I knew I had a keeper. Give this recipe a try, and I bet it’ll become one of your favorite go-to treats to share, gift, or savor with your own cup of coffee.
Print
Salted Caramel Ritz Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 30 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Salted Caramel Ritz Cracker Cookies are a delightful sweet-and-salty treat featuring a buttery Ritz cracker base, smooth homemade caramel, and a rich chocolate almond bark coating, finished with a sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
Caramel Filling
- 20 soft caramels
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Cookie Base
- Approximately 2 sleeves of Ritz crackers (~60 Ritz crackers)
Chocolate Coating
- 24 ounces chocolate almond bark
Topping
- Sea salt (or sprinkles)
Instructions
- Prepare Caramel: Place 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 smooth. Allow it to cool for about 5 minutes.
- Assemble Cookie Sandwiches: Arrange half of the Ritz crackers on a baking sheet lined with wax or parchment paper. Spoon about 1-2 teaspoons of the caramel onto each cracker, enough to cover but not spill over the edges. Top each with another Ritz cracker to form sandwiches.
- Chill Sandwiches: Place the baking sheet with the assembled cookie sandwiches into the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes to set the caramel.
- Melt Chocolate Almond Bark: Melt the almond bark according to the package instructions, ensuring a smooth consistency suitable for dipping.
- Dip and Coat: Dip each caramel-filled Ritz sandwich into the melted almond bark, shake off any excess chocolate, then place back on the lined baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle with sea salt or your choice of sprinkles.
- Set Chocolate: Let the dipped cookies cool at room temperature or in the refrigerator until the chocolate coating is fully set and firm.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once set, the cookies are ready to be served as a delicious sweet-and-salty treat.
Notes
- These Ritz Cracker Cookies offer a perfect balance of sweet caramel, salty crackers, and rich chocolate, making them an irresistible snack or dessert.
- Be sure not to overfill the crackers with caramel to avoid spillage during dipping.
- Use high-quality chocolate almond bark for the best coating texture and flavor.
- To speed up setting, refrigerate the chocolate-dipped cookies after sprinkling with sea salt.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for longer freshness.
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
