Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats
These irresistible 3-ingredient treats are the perfect mix of salty, sweet, and crunchy. They come together in minutes and are always a crowd favorite!
Prep Time: 10 mins | Chill Time: 30 mins | Makes: About 40 treats
Ingredients
· 1 sleeve (about 40 crackers) Ritz crackers
· 1 (11 oz) bag caramel bits OR soft caramel candies (like Kraft caramels)
· 1 cup dry roasted peanuts, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
· 2 tbsp milk or cream (if using caramel candies)
· Optional: 1 cup milk chocolate chips or white chocolate chips for drizzling
Instructions
- Prep
· Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
· If using caramel candies, unwrap them. Have the chopped peanuts ready in a shallow bowl.
· Arrange Ritz crackers in a single layer on the lined baking sheet.
- Melt the Caramel
· Using Caramel Bits: Place caramel bits in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely smooth (about 2-3 minutes total).
· Using Caramel Candies: Place caramels and 2 tbsp milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring, until smooth (about 3-4 minutes total).
- Assemble the Treats
· Working quickly while caramel is warm and fluid, spoon about 1 teaspoon of melted caramel onto the center of each Ritz cracker.
· Immediately press a generous pinch of chopped peanuts into the caramel, or gently press the caramel-topped cracker face-down into the bowl of peanuts.
· Return to the baking sheet and let cool slightly (caramel will set).
- Optional Chocolate Drizzle
· If using chocolate, melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl (30-second intervals, stirring until smooth).
· Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled treats with a fork or spoon.
· Sprinkle with a few extra chopped peanuts before the chocolate sets.
- Set & Serve
· Allow treats to cool completely at room temperature until caramel and chocolate are firm, about 30 minutes.
· For faster setting: Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
· Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Success Tips
· Work Quickly: Caramel thickens as it cools. Re-warm briefly if it becomes too thick to spoon easily.
· Use Parchment: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
· Finely Chop Peanuts: This helps them stick better to the caramel.
· Customize: Use other nuts like pecans or almonds, or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top.
Storage
· Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
· Refrigerate: For longer storage or in warm climates, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
· Freeze: Layer between parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Delicious Variations
· Turtle Treats: Use pecan halves instead of chopped peanuts, and drizzle with chocolate.
· Pretzel Ritz: Add mini pretzel twists to the baking sheet and top with caramel and peanuts.
· Chocolate-Covered: Dip the entire cooled treat in melted chocolate instead of drizzling.
· Salted Caramel: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel before adding peanuts.
· Holiday Style: Use red and green M&Ms or sprinkles on top of the chocolate drizzle.
Perfect for holiday platters, potlucks, or a quick sweet-and-salty snack!