The Holiday Cookie Everyone Will Ask For

When the holidays roll around, there’s nothing quite like easy, no-fuss treats that still wow a crowd. Ritz S’mores Cookies fall perfectly into that sweet spot. These bite-sized delights combine buttery Ritz crackers, gooey marshmallows, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate chips into one irresistible cookie. Whether you’re preparing a festive cookie tray or looking for a quick Christmas candy-style dessert, this recipe delivers all the magic of a s’more — minus the campfire.

Ritz S’mores Cookies stand out because they strike the perfect balance between salty and sweet, crispy and gooey. If you’re already a fan of nostalgic Christmas cookies like peanut butter blossoms or chocolate crinkle cookies, you’ll love this modern twist. They’re ideal for holiday potlucks, last-minute cookie swaps, and even edible gifts. These cookies also nod to the classic Christmas cookie tradition, while introducing something new and exciting with the use of crackers and candy-style coating.

Aside from their undeniable deliciousness, these cookies are also extremely practical. With simple pantry staples and a prep time that won’t take over your day, they make baking during the busy season much easier. For even more holiday inspiration, explore ideas for cookie tray arrangements or browse DIY cookie gift bags to complete your homemade treat presentation. Whether you’re creating a festive gift or building a holiday dessert board, these cookies add the perfect mix of color, texture, and flavor.

This article will walk you through everything you need to make Ritz S’mores Cookies a holiday staple. You’ll get a full recipe, fun variations like white chocolate peppermint, and helpful storage tips — plus answers to common questions like how to freeze them or make them peanut-free. Ready to bake? Let’s get started.

What Are Ritz S’mores Cookies?

Ritz S’mores Cookies are a delightful hybrid of three nostalgic favorites: s’mores, peanut butter sandwiches, and chocolate-dipped crackers. These cookies combine the buttery saltiness of Ritz crackers, the sweetness of marshmallows and chocolate, and the creaminess of peanut butter to create a soft, chewy, and slightly crisp dessert that satisfies every craving in a single bite.

Unlike traditional s’mores that require a campfire or open flame, Ritz S’mores Cookies are made entirely in the oven, making them perfect for holiday baking. They’re especially popular during the winter season, thanks to their quick prep, festive look, and rich, comforting flavor. This treat is part cookie, part candy, and all delicious — the kind of dessert you’ll find disappearing quickly from your cookie tray at family gatherings or school events.

Their roots trace back to the popular no-bake Ritz cracker sandwiches where peanut butter is sandwiched between two crackers and dipped in melted chocolate. With the addition of marshmallows and a cookie dough base, this version takes things to the next level. It’s a creative evolution that blends simplicity with indulgence — much like how s’mores became a cultural icon from a simple combo of graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate.

This recipe has grown in popularity thanks to its versatility. You can easily customize the cookies with festive toppings or swap ingredients based on allergies or preferences. For example, using sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter creates a nut-free option, while dark chocolate can be subbed in for a richer taste. Pinterest boards full of holiday cookie exchange ideas regularly feature these cookies due to their cute appearance and kid-approved flavors.

The combination of textures and tastes is what really sets these cookies apart. The crispy crunch from crushed crackers, the soft chew of mini marshmallows, and the melty burst of chocolate chips make every bite an experience. If you love baking cookies that taste like a Christmas candy bar, this one deserves a spot on your December menu.

Why These Cookies Work for the Holidays

Ritz S’mores Cookies are more than just a delicious dessert — they’re tailor-made for the busy, festive pace of the holiday season. With minimal prep time, pantry-friendly ingredients, and a nostalgic flavor profile, these cookies check every box for holiday baking success. Whether you’re baking for a party, making edible gifts, or just satisfying a late-night craving, this cookie delivers on flavor and function.

One of the biggest reasons these cookies are a holiday hit is their balance of salty and sweet. The buttery Ritz cracker base adds a unique texture and flavor that sets these apart from the usual lineup of Christmas cookies. Paired with soft marshmallows and creamy peanut butter, they offer a twist on traditional treats that’s both familiar and exciting. Plus, the pop of melted chocolate in every bite ties it all together, echoing the comfort of classic chocolate desserts with a crunchy upgrade.

They’re also incredibly customizable. Add red and green sprinkles for Christmas, use pastel colors for Easter, or go with orange and black for Halloween. For a more gourmet presentation, try drizzling with white chocolate or adding a pinch of sea salt. You can get even more festive ideas from edible gifts on Pinterest — think holiday tins, cookie boxes, or individually wrapped cookies in clear bags with a bow.

In addition to their visual appeal, these cookies are practical. They travel well, don’t require refrigeration, and can be made ahead of time. This makes them perfect for everything from holiday cookie exchanges to last-minute hostess gifts. Their simplicity also means kids can join in the fun — helping assemble and decorate cookies is a great holiday activity that turns baking into a memory-making tradition.

By blending the charm of classic ingredients like marshmallow, peanut butter, and crackers, Ritz S’mores Cookies bring comfort and creativity to your holiday table. They’re festive without being fussy — a true crowd-pleaser during the most wonderful (and busiest) time of the year.

Main Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz S’mores Cookies (Part 1)

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz S’mores Cookies bring the best of salty, sweet, and gooey into one easy-to-make recipe. This section will walk you through every detail, from gathering ingredients to prepping the dough, ensuring your cookies come out perfect every time.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make about 20–24 cookies:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 15 crackers)

• ½ cup mini marshmallows

• ½ cup milk chocolate chips

• ½ cup mini chocolate chips

• Extra mini marshmallows and Ritz cracker halves for topping (optional)

Ingredient Tips:

• You can substitute milk chocolate with semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.

• For a nut-free version, replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or skip it entirely if using just chocolate and marshmallow.

• Crushed Ritz crackers give the cookies their signature texture and a slightly salty finish. Don’t over-crush them; small pieces add a great crunch.

If you’re curious about how these ingredients contribute to the overall texture and flavor of the cookie, cracker-based desserts like saltine toffee or dipped sandwich cookies have long used this technique. The result is a contrast of crispy and soft that elevates even the simplest recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer.

3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. The mixture should look smooth and slightly thickened.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined — avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies soft.

5. Gently fold in the crushed Ritz crackers, mini marshmallows, and both kinds of chocolate chips. Don’t stir too aggressively, or the marshmallows may start to break down.

This basic dough captures the essence of a s’mores cookie in a structure that holds together well and bakes evenly. For more baking presentation ideas and festive arrangements, holiday cookie trays can offer great inspiration.