Ritz Smores Cookies Recipe

Creating the Ultimate Ritz Smores Cookies for Your Next Crowd

I remember the first time I brought a tray of these to a neighborhood potluck. I had about twenty minutes to get out the door, and my pantry was looking pretty sparse. I saw a half empty box of Ritz and a jar of marshmallow fluff staring back at me. I thought, why not?

I slapped them together, gave them a quick dunk in some melted chocolate, and hoped for the best.

By the time I sat my bag down, half the tray was gone. People were losing their minds over the salt to sugar ratio. There's something about that buttery, flaky cracker meeting the sticky pull of the marshmallow fluff that just hits different than a traditional graham cracker.

It’s less "sugary overload" and more "I can’t stop eating these."

Since then, I’ve refined the process to make it even easier. No fancy equipment, no temperamental dough, just pure assembly line magic. We're going for that high end candy bar vibe with zero of the stress.

Trust me, once you see how that chocolate sets into a smooth, snappy shell, you'll never go back to basic cookies again.

The Physics of the Salty Sweet Snap

Sodium Enhancement: The salt on the crackers actually suppresses bitter notes in the dark chocolate while making the sweetness of the marshmallow pop. Moisture Barrier: The fat in the chocolate coating seals the cracker, keeping it crisp for days instead of letting the marshmallow fluff turn it soggy.

Chef Tip: Put your crackers in the freezer for 10 minutes before you start filling them. Cold crackers help the marshmallow fluff stay firm so it doesn't slide right out when you go to dip them.

Picking the Best Method for Your Party Size

If you're wondering how to scale this for a big group or just a solo snack, check this out.

This recipe is incredibly flexible. If you're looking for other easy ways to treat a crowd, you might like this How to Bake recipe for a different salty sweet combo. It’s another one of my go to "secret" recipes when I'm short on time.

The Functional Roles of Every Cookie Component

Understanding what each part does helps you get that professional finish every time.

What You Need and Smart Pantry Swaps

You don't need a lot of ingredients for these ritz smores cookies, but quality matters since there's nowhere to hide.

• 48 Ritz Crackers (165g): The buttery foundation. Why this? They provide a flaky texture graham crackers can't match.
• 0.5 cup Marshmallow Fluff (65g): This stays soft and gooey even when cold. Why this? Actual marshmallows are too bouncy and won't stick the crackers together.
• 12 oz Melting Wafers (340g): Use dark or milk chocolate. Why this? They melt smoother than standard chips and set faster.
• 1 tsp Coconut Oil (4.5g): Helps the chocolate flow.
• 0.25 cup Crushed Graham Crackers (21g): For that classic campfire look.
• 1 tsp Flaky Sea Salt (6g): To balance the sugar.

Minimal Tools for a Mess Free Session

The beauty of this recipe is that you don't need a stand mixer or a pile of bowls.

• Microwave safe bowl: For melting your chocolate gently.
• Baking sheet: To hold the cookies while they set.
• Parchment paper: This is non negotiable marshmallow fluff and melted chocolate are like glue on a bare pan.
• Two forks: My favorite tool for dipping. One to drop the cookie in, one to lift it out and let the excess drip off.

For another treat that doesn't require heavy lifting, check out this Healthy Chocolate Chip recipe. It uses simpler ingredients for a lighter snack that still satisfies the sweet tooth.

Simple Assembly Steps for Flawless Dipped Treats

1. Prep the station. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks.
2. Fill the crackers. Spread about 1 teaspoon of marshmallow fluff onto the bottom of 24 crackers. Note: Keep the fluff in the center to avoid a mess.
3. Create the sandwich. Place the remaining 24 crackers on top and press gently until the fluff reaches the edges.
4. Chill the base. Place the sandwiches in the freezer for 10 minutes until they feel firm and stable.
5. Melt the coating. Heat the 12 oz chocolate wafers and 1 tsp coconut oil in 30 second bursts until velvety and completely smooth.
6. Dip the cookies. Use a fork to submerge each sandwich into the chocolate, lifting it and tapping the fork against the bowl to remove excess.
7. Decorate immediately. Place the cookie on the parchment and sprinkle with graham crumbs and flaky salt while the chocolate is still wet.
8. Set the shell. Let the ritz smores cookies sit at room temperature for 20 minutes until the chocolate is matte and hard.

Fixing Common Dipping and Assembly Mistakes

Sometimes the marshmallow gets a mind of its own, or the chocolate doesn't cooperate. Here’s how to handle it.

Why Your Chocolate Is Thick and Lumpy

If your chocolate looks more like paste than silk, it likely overheated. Chocolate is sensitive; once it hits a certain temp, it "seizes." You can often save it by adding a tiny bit more coconut oil and stirring vigorously, but it’s best to go slow with the microwave.

Handling the "Sliding" Cracker

If your top cracker is sliding off like a puck on ice, your fluff might be too warm. The freezer step is the most important part of this whole process. It turns that liquid fluff into a solid ish glue that holds everything steady during the dip.

Common Mistakes Checklist ✓ Never skip the parchment paper; you will never get the cookies off a metal pan otherwise. ✓ Don't overfill the crackers; less fluff means a cleaner chocolate dip. ✓ Use a deep, narrow bowl for the chocolate to make submerging easier.

✓ Work in small batches if your kitchen is hot so the crackers stay cold. ✓ Tap the fork on the side of the bowl, don't shake it, to avoid air bubbles.

Flavor Twists for Every Sweet Tooth

You can easily change the vibe of these ritz smores cookies by swapping out the toppings or fillings.

• The Peanut Butter Twist: Add a thin layer of creamy peanut butter under the marshmallow fluff. It tastes exactly like a high end candy bar.
• White Chocolate & Peppermint: Use white chocolate melting wafers and sprinkle with crushed candy canes instead of graham crackers.
• Double Chocolate: Use chocolate flavored crackers (if you can find them) and top with cocoa nibs for extra crunch.

Choosing Your Finishing Touch

If you want a specific result, follow these quick shortcuts: If you want a classic campfire vibe, use milk chocolate and heavy graham cracker dust. If you want a sophisticated dessert, use dark chocolate (60% cacao) and a heavy pinch of flaky sea salt.

If you want a kid friendly snack, use milk chocolate and colorful sprinkles instead of graham crumbs.

Keeping Cookies Fresh and Using Every Crumb

Store these in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. I actually prefer them on day two because the salt from the cracker has had time to really mingle with the marshmallow.

Storage and Freezing: You can keep these in the fridge if your house is warm, but the chocolate might develop a "bloom" (white streaks) which is harmless but not as pretty. They freeze surprisingly well for up to 2 months. Just place them in a single layer in a freezer bag.

Eat them straight from the freezer for a frozen treat!

Zero Waste Tips: Don't throw away those broken Ritz crackers at the bottom of the sleeve. Crush them up and mix them into the leftover melted chocolate. Spread that mixture on a piece of parchment paper, let it set, and you’ve got "cracker bark." It’s a great way to use every bit of your ingredients.

Easy Presentation Ideas for Your Next Gathering

When serving these ritz smores cookies, I like to lean into the rustic campfire aesthetic. I usually pile them up on a wooden board or in a shallow basket lined with brown parchment paper. They look great when stacked high because you can see the layers of chocolate and the bits of graham cracker on top.

Comparing Prep Methods

If you're making these for a gift, place two or three in a clear cellophane bag and tie it with a bit of twine. It looks professional and keeps the cookies from getting crushed. Honestly, they’re so good that you might want to double the recipe 24 cookies sounds like a lot until you realize everyone is eating three or four at a time.

Enjoy the crunch!