Salted Caramel Ritz Cookies
These Salted Caramel Ritz Cookies are the ultimate treat for those who love a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. The buttery, flaky Ritz crackers form the ideal base, complemented by rich dulce de leche and a smooth, dark chocolate coating.
No-bake and easy to make, these indulgent treats come together quickly with only a few ingredients. Each bite offers layers of texture, from the crisp crackers to the creamy caramel, finishing with a luxurious chocolate shell and optional sea salt.
Perfect for gatherings, gift boxes, or simply satisfying your cravings, these salted caramel delights are as fun to make as they are to eat. Simple, scrumptious, and irresistibly addictive!
Salted Caramel Ritz Cookies Ingredients
Ritz Crackers
These buttery, flaky crackers serve as the perfect base, adding a delightful crunch and a hint of salt that balances beautifully with the rich, sweet layers.
Dulce de Leche
Velvety and indulgent, this caramel-like filling brings a creamy sweetness that elevates each bite with a satisfying, gooey texture.
Dark Chocolate
Rich and smooth, dark chocolate provides a bold, luxurious coating that tempers the sweetness and adds depth to the cookie’s flavor profile.
Flaky Sea Salt (Optional)
For those who crave a hint of salty contrast, a sprinkle of sea salt enhances the sweet caramel and chocolate, creating an irresistible balance in every bite.
Recipe Tips
- Chill for Easier Dipping
Chilling the cracker sandwiches after adding the dulce de leche helps firm them up, making the dipping process smoother. Cold crackers are less likely to break, and the dulce de leche stays in place, preventing a sticky mess. Aim for at least 30 minutes of chilling, and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to dip each one. This step ensures the final dipped cookies have a neat, polished appearance. - Choose the Right Chocolate
For a smooth, glossy coating, use high-quality dark chocolate chips and melting wafers. Melting wafers are formulated for easy melting and create a smooth finish that hardens nicely without becoming brittle. Melting both the chips and wafers over a double boiler will give you more control over the temperature, ensuring the chocolate doesn’t burn or seize. Stir gently and consistently to keep the texture even. - Add a Touch of Sea Salt for Balance
If you’re a fan of sweet and salty flavor combinations, flaky sea salt can add that perfect finishing touch. After dipping each cracker in chocolate, sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt while the chocolate is still wet. This step not only adds a burst of salty flavor to contrast with the dulce de leche but also enhances the visual appeal, making these treats look gourmet.
What to Serve with Salted Caramel Ritz Cookies
- Hot Coffee or Espresso
The rich flavors of dark chocolate and caramel pair exceptionally well with a hot cup of coffee or espresso. The bold, slightly bitter coffee flavors balance the sweetness, creating a satisfying treat. Enjoying these cookies with coffee also makes for a perfect afternoon indulgence. - Vanilla Ice Cream
For an extra indulgent dessert, serve these cookies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cold, smooth texture of the ice cream complements the crunchy, chocolate-covered crackers and caramel filling, creating a delightful contrast in every bite. - Hot Cocoa
On cooler days, a mug of hot cocoa is a perfect companion for these cookies. Choose a rich, dark cocoa to enhance the chocolate flavor in the cookies. For an extra treat, top your cocoa with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
FAQ
1. Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! While dark chocolate provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the dulce de leche, you can use milk or semi-sweet chocolate for a milder taste. White chocolate can also be used if you prefer a sweeter coating.
2. How do I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Keeping them cold prevents the dulce de leche from softening too much and keeps the chocolate coating firm.
3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, these cookies are great for making ahead! Prepare them a day or two in advance and refrigerate them. They taste just as delicious and are convenient for events or gatherings when pre-made.
4. Is there a substitute for dulce de leche?
If you don’t have dulce de leche, you can use caramel sauce or even peanut butter for a different twist. Peanut butter will create a more savory flavor, pairing wonderfully with the chocolate and salty crackers.
Salted Caramel Ritz Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup dulce de leche canned
- 60 round buttery crackers such as Ritz®
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate melting wafers
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt optional for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients.
- Lay out half of the crackers, with their bottom sides facing up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add a rounded teaspoon of dulce de leche onto the center of each cracker.
- Place the remaining crackers on top, top sides up, forming a sandwich with the dulce de leche filling. Refrigerate the sheet for a minimum of 30 minutes to set.
- In a double boiler over medium heat, melt the chocolate chips and melting wafers together, stirring intermittently until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Using a fork, carefully submerge each cracker sandwich in the melted chocolate, allowing any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl.
- Place the coated sandwiches back on the prepared baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt. Refrigerate for 15 minutes or until the chocolate has hardened. Store the cookies in the refrigerator.
