Easy Ritz Churro Bites

Featured in Sweet Endings: Irresistible Desserts.

Transform Ritz peanut butter crackers with melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for a quick sweet snack. They’re crispy, sugary, and ready in 25 minutes.

A chef holding a plate of food.
Updated on Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:21:32 GMT
A bright yellow bowl filled with round, sugar-crusted snacks. Pin it
A bright yellow bowl filled with round, sugar-crusted snacks. | linacooks.com

I whipped up these Ritz churro bites during a laid-back movie session when I wanted something sweet but didn't want to fuss. They've now turned into our family's go-to quick snack. There's something magical about how those buttery peanut butter sandwiches transform when dusted with warm cinnamon sugar. And the best thing? They only take minutes to make with stuff I already have in my kitchen.

What Makes These Treats So Special

The thing I really dig about these snacks is they don't need any of the complicated steps that regular churros do - you won't need hot oil at all. A handful of basic ingredients from my shelves turn ordinary crackers into something that seems fancy. They're so good even my kids who turn their noses up at everything gobble these right up.

Your Shopping List

  • Peanut Butter Ritz Bits: These tiny sandwich crackers work perfectly in this recipe.
  • Real Butter: It really enhances everything, you'll see.
  • Brown Sugar: This gives us that wonderful caramel flavor.
  • Pure Vanilla: Just a tiny bit transforms the whole dish.
  • White Sugar: This creates our authentic churro exterior.
  • Cinnamon: This spice is what gives us that true churro taste.

Creating Your Snack

First Steps
Get your oven hot and put some parchment on a cookie sheet so the crackers don't stick together.
Making The Glaze
Stir the butter and brown sugar as they slowly melt together with vanilla - it smells amazing.
Mixing It Up
Pour that sweet mixture all over your crackers and mix them around carefully.
The Last Step
Sprinkle that cinnamon sugar blend on everything while it's still hot so it sticks properly.

Tricks For Success

Take your time with the brown sugar mixture until it gets just right. Be super gentle when you're mixing those crackers since they break easily. Always make sure to add your cinnamon sugar coating while everything's still hot or it won't stick properly.

A tray of small, round, golden-brown pastries dusted with powdered sugar. Pin it
A tray of small, round, golden-brown pastries dusted with powdered sugar. | linacooks.com

Easy Swaps

Standard mini Ritz crackers do the job just fine if that's all you've got. Store them in something airtight and they'll stay nice and crunchy for up to a week. Just don't put them in the fridge because they'll get soft and nobody wants that.

Ways To Enjoy

These tiny treats are perfect for get-togethers, sports events, or wrapped up as little presents. We particularly enjoy them with some hot chocolate during our movie nights. I sometimes add a bit of melted chocolate or extra cinnamon sugar when we want to make things extra special.

Reasons To Try Them

I always turn to these when I'm short on time but want to serve something impressive. You only need six basic ingredients and a few minutes to make something everybody will like. They've come to my rescue during many unexpected visits and afternoon munchies at our place.

Quick Answers

Standard Ritz crackers work perfectly fine too, I use them whenever I run out of Bits. Store them properly and they'll stay crispy for about seven days. If you need to accommodate friends who can't have gluten, just use your preferred gluten-free crackers instead.

Spreading Happiness

These churro bites get people smiling no matter where I take them. When I serve them at home or give them as little gifts to friends, they always make everyone happy. There's just something about that mix of sweet and salty crunch that wins people over.

Good For Any Occasion

From big family gatherings to simple nights watching TV, these snacks always seem to fit right in. I love how they can be dressed up with holiday flavors for special times or kept basic for everyday munching.

Storage Tips

Keep these little goodies in a sealed container on your kitchen counter and they'll be good for about a week. Don't bother putting them in the fridge or freezer - they're happiest just sitting at room temperature.

Custom Touches

I'll throw in some nutmeg for extra flavor or add some caramel drizzle sometimes. During Christmas, broken candy canes make them look festive. What's great about this snack is how easily you can put your own spin on it.

A close-up view of a yellow bowl filled with small, round, sugared candies. Pin it
A close-up view of a yellow bowl filled with small, round, sugared candies. | linacooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I switch to regular Ritz crackers?

Sure! You can use plain Ritz minis, but keep in mind the flavor changes without the peanut butter filling. Still a tasty option!

→ How long can I store these?

They last up to 5 days at room temp if sealed well. But, it’s best to enjoy them within 2 days while they’re crisp.

→ Can I mix in other spices?

Absolutely! Toss in pumpkin spice or nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar mix. Another fun twist is drizzling melted chocolate on top once cooled.

→ What makes them turn soggy?

Moisture can ruin their crunch. Make sure they’re fully cooled before storing and avoid overdoing the butter. Store in a breathable container.

→ Is it okay to prepare them the day before?

They’re freshest made the day of, but you can prepare them a day early. Use a paper bag for storage instead of plastic to keep them crisp.

Conclusion

Transform Ritz peanut butter crackers with melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for a quick sweet snack. They’re crispy, sugary, and ready in 25 minutes.

Ritz Churro Bites

Crunchy peanut butter crackers covered in cinnamon sugar and buttery sweetness for a quick and tasty treat.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Paolina

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (8 servings)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 tablespoons sugar, white and granulated.
02 1 teaspoon cinnamon spice.
03 ½ cup packed brown sugar.
04 ½ cup salted butter (1 stick).
05 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring.
06 1 pack (8.8 oz) peanut butter mini Ritz.

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F and let it preheat. Cover a baking tray with parchment. Lay crackers evenly on top.

Step 02

In a pot on medium heat, blend butter, brown sugar, and vanilla. Drizzle the mix over the laid-out crackers.

Step 03

Put them in the oven and cook for a total of 10 minutes. Flip crackers midway for even baking.

Step 04

Stir together the cinnamon and white sugar. Sprinkle the mix across the crackers right after they’ve been baked.

Step 05

Cool them fully. Once firm, break them up into pieces before eating.

Notes

  1. Swap peanut butter Ritz bits for plain mini Ritz crackers if preferred.
  2. Eat them soon after making to keep that crunchiness.

Tools You'll Need

  • Tray for baking.
  • Parchment liner.
  • Medium-sized pot.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Peanut products.
  • Butter contains dairy.
  • Crackers made with wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 250
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 30 g
  • Protein: 3 g