Ritz Cracker Cookies Chocolate Smores with Peanut Butter Made Simple

The Sweet & Salty Charm of Ritz S’mores Cookies

If you’re craving a dessert that’s quick, indulgent, and irresistibly satisfying, these Ritz Cookies Chocolate S’mores with Peanut Butter will hit every note. Combining the crunch of buttery Ritz crackers with gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate chips, and a creamy peanut butter center, these cookies are a sweet and salty masterpiece. Perfect for everything from Christmas cookie trays to movie night snacks, this treat delivers a homemade twist on the campfire classic in cookie form.

These cookies are especially appealing because they blend the beloved ingredients of a traditional s’more—graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows—with pantry-friendly staples. The salty, crisp texture of Ritz crackers elevates the flavor while balancing the sweetness. Inspired by the nostalgic chocolate chip cookie, but with added crunch and complexity, these cookies bring together several comforting flavors in one easy-to-make recipe. Want to dig deeper into how these ingredients interact? Learn more about the history of peanut butter and its culinary impact in everyday desserts from Wikipedia, and discover the base of this cookie creation—the graham cracker.

Whether you’re planning for a holiday cookie board or a last-minute bake sale, this recipe delivers on both flavor and convenience. The prep takes minimal effort, with no need for complicated baking techniques or obscure ingredients. If you’re looking for more easy no-bake dessert ideas, check out these curated boards on Pinterest for dessert inspiration. You’ll see just how flexible and fun this recipe can become with a few simple variations, which we’ll explore further in the sections ahead.

Stay tuned as we break down the ingredients, techniques, and creative twists that make this one of the best easy dessert recipes for all ages.

Ingredients Breakdown & Pantry Swaps

To make Ritz Cookies Chocolate S’mores with Peanut Butter, you’ll need a combination of classic baking ingredients and a few snackable staples. Each item plays a specific role in delivering the ideal texture and flavor balance of sweet, salty, and gooey.

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients used:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  Adds richness and ensures a tender cookie texture. Use unsalted to control the salt content, especially with salty crackers.

• 1 cup granulated sugar & 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  The blend of sugars gives the cookies structure and chewiness. Brown sugar also adds a subtle molasses flavor.

• 2 large eggs
  Provide structure and moisture, binding all ingredients together.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  Enhances the cookie’s overall flavor profile.

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  Forms the base of the dough and holds the mix-ins together.

• 1 teaspoon baking soda & ½ teaspoon salt
  Baking soda gives lift and chewiness; salt sharpens the flavor and balances sweetness.

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  These melt slightly during baking, adding rich chocolate flavor without overpowering sweetness. For variations, you can also use dark or white chocolate. Learn more about the history of chocolate chip cookies on Wikipedia.

• 1 cup mini marshmallows
  These soften into gooey pockets of sweetness, giving the cookie its s’mores identity. Marshmallow texture plays a key role here; see how it’s made on Wikipedia.

• 1 cup crushed graham crackers
  Adds classic s’mores crunch and flavor. You can use store-bought crumbs or crush whole crackers. For extra crunch, consider toasting the crumbs briefly.

• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
  This is where the salty, buttery crunch comes in. Don’t over-crush—small chunks create the best texture. Find out more about the Ritz Cracker brand and how it became a staple in sweet-salty desserts.

• 12 whole Ritz crackers (for topping, optional)
  Placing a whole cracker on top of each dough ball before baking adds a decorative and flavorful crunch.

Pantry swaps and flavor boosters:

• Nut Butter Alternatives: Swap peanut butter for almond, cashew, or sunflower butter if you have allergies or want a different taste.

• Cracker Substitutes: Try buttery round crackers or gluten-free versions for dietary needs.

• Chocolate Variations: Use chopped chocolate bars for pockets of melted chocolate or mix in white chocolate chips for added sweetness.

• Add-Ins:

  • Mini pretzels for extra saltiness

  • Toffee bits for crunch

  • Sea salt flakes on top for a gourmet finish

For more ways to present or customize these cookies for festive occasions, visit this Pinterest board on Christmas cookie swaps, where sweet and salty combinations like this are a seasonal hit.

These ingredients, while simple, offer dozens of potential tweaks and variations. Whether you’re baking for a party or a personal treat, this flexible ingredient list allows for endless experimentation.

Why This Recipe Works: Texture, Flavor & Ease

What makes these Ritz Cookies Chocolate S’mores with Peanut Butter stand out is the way they masterfully balance contrasting flavors and textures—all in an easy, beginner-friendly format. Each bite offers a multi-sensory experience that hits sweet, salty, soft, and crunchy in perfect harmony.

Here’s why this recipe works so well:

• Textural contrast:
  The crushed graham crackers and Ritz crackers create a crumbly yet tender structure, while the mini marshmallows melt into soft, gooey pockets. This combination provides a layered texture that is both satisfying and nostalgic. For a deeper understanding of the components that create this experience, explore the science behind graham crackers here.

• Sweet and salty balance:
  The sweetness from the sugars, chocolate chips, and marshmallows is perfectly offset by the salty notes from the Ritz crackers and peanut butter. This classic pairing—sweet and salty—is why recipes like this remain wildly popular across all age groups.

• Nostalgic flavors with a twist:
  Inspired by chocolate chip cookies and s’mores, this recipe creates a modern hybrid dessert that feels both familiar and fresh. The creamy peanut butter center adds a rich depth that enhances the flavor and gives it a homemade feel. Learn more about the essential flavor-building role of peanut butter in baked goods.

• No chill time:
  Unlike many cookie recipes that require refrigeration, this dough can be baked immediately, making it ideal for quick treats or spontaneous baking sessions.

• Simple, accessible ingredients:
  Most ingredients are pantry staples, so there’s no need for a special grocery trip. For even more easy ideas, browse Pinterest’s no-bake dessert inspiration board to see how these flavors are being reimagined in quick snack form.

Ultimately, the cookie’s appeal lies in its effortless complexity—you get all the taste of a layered dessert without the complicated steps. That makes it an excellent addition to holiday cookie boards, after-school snacks, or themed dessert tables.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Making Ritz Cookies Chocolate S’mores with Peanut Butter is straightforward and rewarding. With just one bowl and a few key steps, you can have soft, chewy, flavor-packed cookies ready in under 30 minutes. Follow this step-by-step breakdown to get perfect results every time.

Step 1: Preheat and prepare your baking surface

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugars

• In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of packed brown sugar together until light and fluffy.

• This usually takes 2–3 minutes with a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed.

Step 3: Add eggs and vanilla

• Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

• Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

• This forms your wet base, essential for cookie structure and moisture.

Step 4: Mix dry ingredients separately

• In another bowl, whisk together:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon salt

• Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined. Don’t overmix—stop when you see no dry streaks.

Step 5: Fold in the mix-ins

• Gently fold in:

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

  • 1 cup mini marshmallows

  • 1 cup crushed graham crackers

  • 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers

• Stir until the additions are evenly distributed throughout the dough. For visual ideas on how to layer these add-ins, check out Pinterest’s holiday cookie boards, which highlight festive s’mores-inspired treats.

Step 6: Scoop and shape the cookies

• Use a medium cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.

• If desired, gently press one whole Ritz cracker on top of each dough ball for a salty, crisp topper.

Step 7: Bake to perfection

• Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set.

• For softer centers, pull them at 9 minutes. For crispier cookies, wait until minute 11.

Step 8: Cool the cookies

• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up.

• Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For those who prefer visual tutorials, or want to explore different presentation styles, Pinterest’s s’mores dessert gallery offers a variety of plating and styling ideas to match the occasion.

Once baked, your cookies will be soft, gooey in the center, with crispy edges and that perfect sweet-salty contrast. It’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that feels indulgent, nostalgic, and totally simple to whip up.