Salted Caramel Ritz Cracker Cookies
Sweet, salty, buttery, and dangerously addictive — these Salted Caramel Ritz Cracker Cookies are the kind of treat that disappears faster than you can make them. With crisp, buttery Ritz crackers, rich homemade caramel, and a luxurious drizzle of chocolate finished with flaky sea salt, this no-fuss dessert hits every craving at once. They’re elegant enough for gifting, easy enough for beginners, and indulgent enough to feel truly special.
This recipe has become a favorite because it transforms simple pantry staples into a gourmet-style dessert that tastes like it came from a high-end bakery. The contrast of textures and flavors — crunchy crackers, smooth caramel, silky chocolate, and a final salty bite — makes these cookies completely irresistible.
Ingredients & Why Each One Matters
- Ritz Crackers – The star base of this recipe. Their buttery, slightly salty flavor provides the perfect contrast to sweet caramel and chocolate while adding a satisfying crunch.
- Unsalted Butter – Creates a rich, silky caramel and allows full control over the saltiness of the final dessert.
- Brown Sugar – Adds deep caramel flavor thanks to its natural molasses content, giving the caramel warmth and complexity.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – Ensures a smooth, creamy caramel texture that sets beautifully without becoming hard.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the caramel flavor with aromatic depth.
- Milk or Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Balances the sweetness of the caramel and adds a luxurious chocolate finish.
- Flaky Sea Salt – The final touch that elevates these cookies from good to unforgettable, intensifying all the flavors.
How to Make Salted Caramel Ritz Cracker Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Crackers
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange half of the Ritz crackers flat-side up, leaving a little space between each. These will act as the sturdy base for the caramel filling.
Step 2: Make the Caramel
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk. Cook gently, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and turns a rich golden color. This takes about 6–8 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
Spoon a small amount of warm caramel onto each cracker. Top with another Ritz cracker, gently pressing to spread the caramel evenly into a sandwich.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate
Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Drizzle or spread the melted chocolate over the tops of the cracker sandwiches.
Step 5: Finish with Sea Salt
While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle each cookie lightly with flaky sea salt. Allow the cookies to set at room temperature or refrigerate for faster results.
Why Everyone Loves This Recipe
- No baking required, making it perfect year-round.
- Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
- Delivers a bakery-quality dessert with minimal effort.
- Perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.
- Great for gifting, parties, or quick cravings.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Use low heat when making caramel to prevent burning.
- Let the caramel cool slightly before assembling to avoid overflow.
- Choose high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and shine.
- Do not skip the sea salt — it’s what makes these cookies unforgettable.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serve these cookies on a dessert platter alongside coffee, hot chocolate, or tea. They also make incredible holiday gifts when packaged in decorative boxes or jars. For storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for a firmer caramel texture.
Final Thoughts
Salted Caramel Ritz Cracker Cookies are proof that extraordinary desserts don’t require complicated techniques or fancy ingredients. With just a handful of pantry staples, you get a treat that’s rich, crunchy, creamy, and perfectly balanced. This recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort — exactly what makes it a standout favorite. One bite is all it takes to understand why these cookies are loved by everyone who tries them.