Sweet, crunchy, and buttery—these Cinnamon Sugar Ritz Cracker Bites are the ultimate quick snack, dessert hack, and holiday party pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and salty balance: The peanut butter crackers and cinnamon sugar make a perfect flavor combo.
- Crunchy texture: Oven-baked for that satisfying bite.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 20 minutes with simple steps.
- Kid-friendly: A fun, mess-free snack kids adore.
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or school events.
- Great for gifting: Package in treat bags for holidays or birthdays.
- No special tools: All you need is a saucepan and a baking sheet.
- Customizable: Try with different types of crackers or fillings.
- Make-ahead friendly: Stores well and stays crisp.
- Addictive flavor: Just one handful won’t be enough.
Ingredients
- 1 (8.8 oz) box Peanut Butter Ritz Bits crackers
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Make the glaze:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Stir constantly until the mixture starts to boil. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. - Coat the crackers:
Place the Ritz Bits in a large mixing bowl. Pour the butter mixture over the crackers and gently toss to coat evenly. - Bake the crackers:
Spread the coated crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through. - Prepare the cinnamon sugar:
While the crackers are baking, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. - Add cinnamon sugar:
After baking, immediately sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the hot crackers. Toss gently to coat well. - Cool and store:
Let the crackers cool completely on the baking sheet. Break apart any clusters and store in an airtight container.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Calories per serving: Approximately 284 kcal
Variations
- Chocolate drizzle: Add melted chocolate over the cooled crackers.
- Spicy twist: Mix a pinch of cayenne into the cinnamon sugar for a sweet heat kick.
- Holiday flavor: Use pumpkin pie spice in place of cinnamon for a festive variation.
- Nut-free version: Use cheese-filled Ritz Bits for an allergy-friendly swap.
- Caramel crunch: Add crushed toffee bits after baking.
- Vegan option: Substitute plant-based butter.
- Extra crunch: Mix in chopped nuts before baking.
- Salted caramel: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the crackers after adding cinnamon sugar.
- Mini churro bites: Try with mini pretzels or cereal for a bite-sized twist.
- Drizzle glaze: Add a powdered sugar glaze for a sticky, sweet finish.
Storage/Reheating
Storage:
Store cooled churro bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating (if needed):
If they lose crunch, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3–5 minutes to crisp them up again.
FAQs
Can I use regular Ritz crackers instead of Ritz Bits?
Yes, but the result will be flatter and may require careful mixing to avoid breaking the crackers.
Can I use microwave to melt the butter mixture?
It’s best to use the stovetop to control the heat and ensure the sugar melts properly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, but you can try using a gluten-free cracker alternative.
Can I freeze these?
Freezing isn’t recommended as it may affect the texture, but they store well at room temperature.
How long do they stay fresh?
They’re best within a week when stored in an airtight container.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, though real butter provides better flavor and texture.
Can I skip the cinnamon?
You can substitute with other spices like nutmeg or cardamom, or use just sugar for a simpler flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just use a larger baking sheet or bake in batches.
Are these safe for nut allergies?
Since Ritz Bits are filled with peanut butter, this recipe is not safe for nut allergies unless you use a nut-free alternative.
What’s the best way to serve them?
Serve in bowls for snacking or package in treat bags for gifting.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Sugar Ritz Cracker Bites are the ultimate sweet-and-salty snack that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. With their caramelized coating and crispy texture, they’ll be a hit at any event or casual gathering. Whether you’re looking for a fast dessert, a fun treat for kids, or a holiday party nibble, this simple recipe delivers on all fronts.
More Sweet & Snackable Treats to Try
Loved the sweet crunch of these Cinnamon Sugar Ritz Cracker Bites? Your snack journey doesn’t have to end here. Check out these irresistible treats that blend sweetness with creativity for every craving:
- For a gooey and golden delight, try the Strawberry Cheesecake Chimichangas — crisp on the outside, creamy on the inside.
- These Peanut Butter Cup French Toast Rolls are a kid-friendly breakfast or dessert mash-up you won’t forget.
- Craving something chocolaty and playful? The Crispy Fried S’mores Bites pack campfire flavor into every crunchy bite.
- Whip up a batch of Banana Bread Cinnamon Swirl Rolls for a soft, spiced pastry with a nostalgic twist.
- And for a no-bake classic with gooey caramel and crunch, don’t miss the No-Bake Caramel Rolo Cheesecake.
Cinnamon Sugar Ritz Cracker Bites
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet, crunchy, and buttery—these Cinnamon Sugar Ritz Cracker Bites are the ultimate quick snack, dessert hack, and holiday party pleaser!
Ingredients
- 1 (8.8 oz) box Peanut Butter Ritz Bits crackers
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to boil. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Place the Ritz Bits crackers in a large bowl. Pour the butter mixture over the crackers and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Spread the coated crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through for even baking.
- While baking, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Remove the crackers from the oven and immediately sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture while still hot. Toss gently to coat.
- Allow to cool completely on the baking sheet. Break apart any clusters and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Be careful not to overbake the crackers to prevent burning the sugar coating.
- These bites make great edible gifts during the holidays.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 284 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg