If you’re craving a delightful, crunchy treat that captures the warm, cinnamon-spiced magic of traditional churros but with a twist, then you must try this Ritz Bits Churros Recipe. It takes those beloved peanut butter sandwich crackers and transforms them into an irresistible snack coated in a luscious cinnamon-sugar glaze. Whether you’re looking for an easy party appetizer or a comforting sweet snack to enjoy with your afternoon tea, these bite-sized churros will quickly become a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ritz Bits Churros Recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients that come together effortlessly to create a snack bursting with flavor and texture. Each component is essential: butter and brown sugar form the rich caramel base, cinnamon adds that iconic spicy note, and the Ritz Bits crackers provide a crunchy, peanut buttery foundation.
- Ritz Bits Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers (1 box, 8.8 oz): The star of the show, these crackers offer a perfect bite-sized canvas with a creamy peanut butter filling.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup): Adds a rich, creamy depth that helps the sugar mixture coat the crackers beautifully.
- Brown sugar (½ cup): Provides molasses undertones that enhance the caramel flavor and contribute to a chewy coating.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses warmth and a subtle sweetness that balances the cinnamon perfectly.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon plus 1 teaspoon for coating): Delivers that essential churro spice, giving the snack its iconic aroma and taste.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Elevates the overall flavor, ensuring the sweetness isn’t overwhelming.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup, for coating): Creates a crunchy, sweet outer layer that mimics the classic churro exterior.
How to Make Ritz Bits Churros Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This setup will ensure your Ritz Bits churros bake evenly and come out perfectly crisp.
Step 2: Create the Cinnamon-Sugar Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Gently simmer the mixture while stirring constantly — this technique helps everything meld together and thickens the sauce just enough to coat your crackers evenly. After about a minute of bubbling, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to add an inviting richness.
Step 3: Coat the Ritz Bits Crackers
Place the entire box of Ritz Bits crackers into a large mixing bowl, then pour the warm cinnamon-sugar sauce over them. Gently toss the crackers so each piece is lightly but thoroughly coated with the sticky, spiced glaze, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Spread the coated crackers in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through baking to ensure an even crispness. For a crunchier texture, feel free to bake for an additional 2–3 minutes, but keep a close eye so they don’t burn.
Step 5: Finish with a Cinnamon-Sugar Toss
While the crackers are baking, mix the granulated sugar and extra cinnamon in a small bowl. When you remove the crackers from the oven, immediately toss them in this cinnamon-sugar mixture while they are still warm. This final step seals in the flavor and creates a delightful churro-like exterior that’s impossible to resist. Let cool completely before serving so the coating sets perfectly.
How to Serve Ritz Bits Churros Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Ritz Bits Churros Recipe, consider sprinkling some powdered sugar right before serving for an elegant touch. You can also garnish with a few whole cinnamon sticks nearby for presentation, and maybe even a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce for those extra indulgent moments.
Side Dishes
This snack pairs wonderfully with a warm beverage like hot chocolate, chai tea, or coffee, making it an ideal accompaniment for cozy afternoons or after-dinner treats. For a fun party spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or small bowls of dipping sauces such as dulce de leche or cream cheese frosting.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your Ritz Bits Churros in a festive bowl or a rustic wooden tray lined with parchment paper for a charming homemade vibe. You can fill decorative mini paper cones with the churro bites for an easy grab-and-go option at gatherings. Wrapping small portions in cellophane tied with twine also makes delightful little gifts for friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your tasty batch of Ritz Bits churros, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll maintain their crunchy texture and rich flavor for up to one week, making it easy to enjoy your homemade treats throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the churro-coated Ritz Bits in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to one month. Just make sure to cool them completely before freezing to avoid moisture buildup. When you’re ready for a snack, thaw them in a sealed container at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked crispness, reheat the churro bites in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. Avoid the microwave as it can make the coating soggy. This simple step revitalizes the cinnamon-sugar crunch and warms the peanut butter filling to perfection.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cracker instead of Ritz Bits?
While Ritz Bits Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers provide a unique flavor and texture that perfectly complement the cinnamon sugar coating, you can experiment with other sandwich crackers or buttery crackers. Just keep in mind that the peanut butter in Ritz Bits adds a lovely depth, so substitutes may change the overall taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The original Ritz Bits crackers contain wheat, so this recipe is not gluten-free unless you find a gluten-free peanut butter sandwich cracker alternative. Always check labels carefully if gluten intolerance is a concern.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this Ritz Bits Churros Recipe vegan, use a dairy-free butter substitute and a vegan-friendly peanut butter sandwich cracker. Make sure the sugar you use is also certified vegan, as some sugars are processed with bone char.
How long does it take to prepare and bake?
Overall, this recipe takes about 20 minutes total: 10 minutes to prepare and coat the crackers and 10 minutes to bake. It’s a wonderfully quick and easy recipe that yields impressive results.
Can I add other spices or flavors?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a splash of chili powder for a spicy kick. The cinnamon and vanilla form a great base, but personalizing the spice blend can make the dish your own.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this Ritz Bits Churros Recipe as much as I do. It’s a quick, fun, and utterly delicious way to transform simple pantry staples into a snack that feels special and festive. Next time you want to treat yourself or impress guests with minimal fuss, this recipe will be your go-to. Give it a try and watch how those crunchy, cinnamon-sugar coated bites disappear in no time!
Print
Ritz Bits Churros Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ritz Bits Churros are a delicious and easy-to-make snack that combines the buttery, peanut-butter-filled Ritz Bits crackers with a sweet, cinnamon-sugar coating. Baked to a crispy perfection, these churro-style bites make a perfect party snack or sweet treat that can be enjoyed any time.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box (8.8 oz) Ritz Bits Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Make Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt until the mixture begins to simmer. Continue cooking for 1 minute while stirring constantly, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Coat Crackers: Place the Ritz Bits Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers into a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm cinnamon-sugar butter mixture over the crackers and toss gently to ensure they are evenly coated.
- Bake the Crackers: Spread the coated crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven, stirring once halfway through to promote even cooking.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar for Coating: While the crackers bake, mix ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl to create the coating mixture.
- Coat and Cool: After removing the crackers from the oven, immediately toss them with the cinnamon-sugar coating while they are still warm. Allow the coated crackers to cool completely before serving to let the flavors set.
Notes
- For extra crunchiness, bake the coated crackers for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
- These churro-style bites make an excellent party snack or addition to snack mixes.
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
