Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies

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There is something extra fun about a holiday treat that looks bakery-worthy but comes together with simple pantry ingredients. Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies are the kind of sweet-and-salty dessert that disappears fast at cookie swaps, family movie nights, and festive dessert trays. That buttery cracker base, creamy filling, smooth chocolate topping, and cheerful peppermint sprinkles make every bite feel like Christmas.

What I love most about these cookies is how easy they are to make ahead. They deliver that rich chocolate candy vibe without needing complicated baking steps, and they bring just the right balance of crunch, creaminess, and holiday sparkle. If you want a no-fuss Christmas dessert that still looks impressive, this one deserves a spot on your table.

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Why You’ll Love This Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies

These little holiday cookies hit all the right notes. The Ritz crackers add a buttery, lightly salty crunch that keeps the sweetness from feeling too heavy. The creamy center gives them that soft sandwich-cookie feel, while the melted chocolate on top turns them into a festive treat that looks much more elaborate than it is.

They are also wonderfully flexible. You can decorate them with crushed peppermint, red and green sprinkles, or even a drizzle of white chocolate for a snowy finish. Since they are easy to assemble in batches, they are perfect for gifting, party platters, and last-minute holiday baking days.

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Why Do Ritz Crackers Work So Well in Christmas Cookies?

It may sound unexpected at first, but Ritz crackers are a fantastic base for holiday cookies because they bring buttery flavor and crisp texture without requiring you to mix or roll dough. Their light saltiness plays beautifully against sweet fillings and chocolate, creating a balanced dessert that tastes a little nostalgic and a little surprising.

They also hold up well during assembly, which makes them ideal for sandwich-style cookies. Once filled and topped, they soften just enough to become tender while still keeping that delicate crunch around the edges. That contrast is exactly what makes these cookies so irresistible.

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Ingredients for the Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies

You only need a handful of ingredients to build these festive little cookies, and each one plays an important role in the final flavor and texture.

Ritz crackers

These are the heart of the recipe. They give the cookies their signature buttery, flaky texture and that sweet-and-salty contrast that makes each bite so memorable.

Marshmallow creme

This creates a soft, fluffy filling that is easy to spread and gives the cookies a sweet, creamy center.

Powdered sugar

A little powdered sugar helps thicken the filling and gives it a smoother, more stable texture.

Cream cheese

Cream cheese adds body and a gentle tang that keeps the filling from tasting overly sweet.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips

These melt into a smooth, rich topping that coats the tops beautifully and adds that classic chocolate finish.

Coconut oil

A small amount helps the chocolate melt more smoothly and makes it easier to spread over the cookies.

Crushed peppermint candies

These add crunch, color, and a cool holiday flavor that makes the cookies feel extra festive.

Red, green, and white sprinkles

Sprinkles bring the Christmas look together and make the finished cookies pop on a dessert tray.

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How To Make the Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies

This is a simple assembly-style recipe, but taking your time with each step gives you the prettiest and most delicious results.

Step 1: Make the filling

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the marshmallow creme and powdered sugar, then mix until the filling is fluffy and easy to spread. It should be thick enough to hold between the crackers without running out the sides.

Step 2: Assemble the sandwich cookies

Lay half of the Ritz crackers flat on a tray or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon or pipe a small amount of filling onto each cracker, then gently top with another cracker to create little sandwich cookies. Press lightly so the filling reaches near the edges.

Step 3: Chill before topping

Place the assembled cookies in the refrigerator for about 15 to 20 minutes. This helps the filling firm up, making the cookies easier to top with melted chocolate.

Step 4: Melt the chocolate

Add the chocolate chips and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals, stirring between each one, until the chocolate is fully melted and glossy. Let it cool for a minute so it stays thick but spreadable.

Step 5: Top the cookies

Spoon melted chocolate over the top of each sandwich cookie, letting it naturally drip a little around the edges for that bakery-style finish. While the chocolate is still wet, scatter crushed peppermint candies and holiday sprinkles over the top.

Step 6: Let them set

Return the cookies to the refrigerator until the chocolate is firm. Once set, they are ready to serve or store for later.

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Serving and Storing Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies

This recipe makes about 18 sandwich cookies, depending on how much filling you use, and it comfortably feeds 8 to 10 people on a holiday dessert tray.

Serve these cookies chilled or at cool room temperature for the best texture. They look especially pretty arranged on a platter with fudge, peppermint bark, and shortbread cookies. For storage, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to make them further ahead, you can freeze them in layers separated by parchment paper for up to 1 month. Just thaw in the fridge before serving.

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What to Serve With Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies?

Hot Chocolate

A warm mug of hot chocolate makes these cookies feel even cozier and complements the peppermint topping beautifully.

Coffee

A cup of coffee balances the sweetness and pairs especially well with the chocolate topping.

Peppermint Mocha

If you want to lean fully into holiday flavor, peppermint mocha is a natural match for these festive cookies.

Vanilla Ice Cream

For a more dessert-style presentation, serve the cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and let the chocolate shine.

Holiday Dessert Board

Add them to a dessert board with fudge, truffles, pretzels, and candied nuts for a crowd-pleasing Christmas spread.

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Want More Christmas Dessert Ideas?

If these Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies made your holiday baking list, you might also love Christmas Cookie Pinwheels for a colorful classic, Whipped Shortbread Cookies for a tender buttery bite, No-Bake Preacher Cookies when you want something quick and easy, and Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge for another fast holiday favorite.

These treats all bring something different to the season, from soft and crumbly textures to rich chocolatey finishes, so they make a great mix for gifting and dessert platters.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest Christmas dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use peppermint pieces, extra sprinkles, or a white chocolate drizzle on top?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are always welcome too, especially if you are making these for a cookie exchange or party tray.

You can also find more daily recipe inspiration on Nora Nosh Recipes on Pinterest.

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