This recipe arrived in my life during a December when I needed something festive, fast, and utterly shareable. I had a box of Ritz crackers and a bag of white chocolate chips leftover from holiday baking, and the idea of pairing crunchy, salty crackers with soft, sweet caramel felt like an instant party in the mouth. These little sandwiches are crunchy, chewy, and shiny — the salt from the crackers plays off the sweetness of the caramel and white chocolate, and the sprinkles make them look like tiny holiday ornaments. I discovered the exact proportions the day my neighbors dropped off a jar of homemade caramel; within an hour I had a dozen perfect cookies cooling on the counter and everyone asking for the recipe. What makes this version special is its simplicity and versatility. You can make a tray in under 30 minutes, they require no oven time, and they travel beautifully to holiday parties. The texture is a satisfying contrast: a flaky cracker shell yields to a soft, buttery caramel center and a crisp white-chocolate shell. They’re easy for kids to help decorate, which turned a hectic December afternoon into a lovely family memory. I always keep a box of Ritz and white chocolate chips on hand during the holidays now, because these little cookies disappear faster than anything else on the dessert table.

Ingredients

• Ritz crackers (24): Choose the classic butter-flavored round crackers for their flaky layers and hint of salt — the contrast is key. Freshness matters: stale crackers can crumble when you press the sandwich together.
• Caramel sauce (1/2 cup): Use store-bought caramel sauce for speed or melt individually wrapped caramels (about 12 pieces) with a teaspoon of cream for a thicker center. Brands like Kraft or Smucker's work well, but a homemade caramel adds a rich, buttery depth.
• White chocolate chips (1 cup): Regular white chocolate chips or white candy melts both work. Candy melts can give a smoother, glossier finish; chocolate chips offer richer, more authentic flavor.
• Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): A small amount helps thin the melted chocolate so it coats evenly and sets with a glossy surface. Neutral oils like vegetable or canola are best.
• Festive sprinkles: Red, white, and green nonpareils or jimmies to decorate while the coating is still wet. Keep them nearby on a shallow plate for quick topping.

Instructions

Line the pan: Prepare a baking sheet by covering it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup simple. Use a rimmed sheet to avoid spills and give yourself a flat, stable surface for the dipped sandwiches to set. Make the sandwiches: Place a dollop (about 1 teaspoon) of caramel sauce in the center of 12 Ritz crackers. Top each with a second cracker and press lightly so the caramel spreads to the edges but does not squeeze out. If using wrapped caramels, microwave 12 caramels with 1 teaspoon cream for 15–20 seconds until soft enough to scoop. Melt the coating: Combine 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly each time, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Keep the heat gentle to prevent graininess — 3 to 4 intervals (about 90–120 seconds total) usually do it. Dip and decorate: Using tongs or a fork, dip each caramel-filled sandwich into the melted white chocolate, turning to coat evenly and letting excess drip off. Place the coated cookie on the prepared baking sheet. Immediately press sprinkles onto the tops while the coating is still wet so they adhere. Set: Allow the coating to firm at room temperature for about 15–30 minutes, or speed things up by refrigerating the tray for 10–15 minutes. Once set, transfer to an airtight container in layers separated by parchment.

Storage Tips

Store the cookies in an airtight container layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep them at room temperature away from direct sunlight if you plan to eat them within 48 hours; for longer storage, refrigerate up to 5 days. If you stack them, place a sheet of parchment between layers to protect the coating. For freezing, arrange them in a single layer on a tray to freeze solid (about 1 hour), then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers; thaw in the refrigerator overnight to avoid condensation on the coating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a different flavor profile, swap white chocolate for milk or dark chocolate for a richer taste. Use white candy melts for a glossier finish if you have them. For a salted-sweet twist, use a salted caramel or sprinkle a tiny bit of flaky sea salt on top of the wet coating. To make them nutty, spread a thin layer of peanut butter on the cracker before adding the caramel — reduce the caramel slightly to avoid overflow. For a dairy-free version, choose dairy-free chocolate and use a dairy-free caramel alternative, but note the flavor and texture will shift slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these with coffee, hot cocoa, or a glass of cold milk. For a holiday platter, alternate them with chocolate-covered pretzels and peppermint bark for a colorful display. Garnish with extra whole crackers and a small sprig of rosemary for a pine-like touch. They’re also excellent alongside a cheese board — the sweet-salty combination pairs surprisingly well with mild cheeses like brie or camembert.

Cultural Background

While not a traditional heirloom cookie, these treats are part of a modern American tradition of quick, no-bake holiday sweets that rely on contrasting textures and flavors. The idea of sandwiching a sweet center between crackers is a playful riff on classic European tea sandwiches and American cookie bars; in the U.S., salted-sweet combos are beloved around the holidays, and these cookies fit neatly into that contemporary candy-and-cookie culture.

Seasonal Adaptations

For winter, use red, white, and green sprinkles as shown. For Valentine’s Day, swap sprinkles for pink and red accents and consider heart-shaped sprinkles. In autumn, use cinnamon or toffee bits on top and swap white chocolate for caramel-colored drizzle. You can also vary the center: apple butter or pumpkin butter make seasonal variations that echo fall flavors, though they will be less sticky than caramel and require a light touch.

Success Stories

Neighbors, school bakers, and office parties have all rewarded these little sweets with rave reviews. One year I made 100 for a charity bake sale; they sold out in 20 minutes. A friend used the technique with chocolate-covered graham crackers for a s'mores-style version that became a birthday favorite. The simplest joy is seeing little hands proudly decorate them — the cookies double as a recipe and a holiday craft.

Meal Prep Tips

Assemble sandwiches the night before, place them on a tray covered in plastic wrap, and store in the fridge. Melt and dip the next day just before serving for the freshest look. If you’re prepping for a large gathering, set up an assembly line: cracker, caramel, cracker, dip station, and sprinkle station — enlist helpers for fast, efficient production. Use tongs for dipping to speed the process and keep fingers clean.

These tiny festive sandwiches are easy to make, delightful to share, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re crafting a last-minute tray or planning a neighborhood exchange, they bring a bright, playful note to any holiday table. Take them with you to your next gathering — I promise they’ll be remembered and requested again.