Ritz Churro Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ritz Churro Bites are an irresistible sweet-and-salty snack that transforms classic Ritz crackers into crunchy, cinnamon-sugar-coated delights. With a buttery base and a caramelized coating, these easy-to-make bites are perfect for parties, movie nights, or a quick dessert fix. They bring together the nostalgic flavor of churros with the satisfying crunch of Ritz crackers.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ritz crackersunsalted butterbrown sugarground cinnamongranulated sugarmaple syrup or light corn syrupvanilla extract

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, brown sugar, and syrup together, stirring until smooth and bubbly.

Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a generous pinch of cinnamon.

Place the Ritz crackers in a large mixing bowl.

Pour the hot caramel mixture over the crackers and gently toss to coat evenly.

Spread the coated crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even coating.

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

In a separate bowl, mix granulated sugar with more ground cinnamon to taste.

Toss the slightly cooled crackers in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat them fully.

Allow them to cool completely before serving for maximum crunch.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 10-12 minutesCooling time: 15 minutesTotal time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

Add a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bites for a richer flavor.

Use honey instead of syrup for a floral sweetness.

Sprinkle with sea salt for enhanced contrast.

Try with mini pretzels instead of crackers for a churro twist.

storage/reheating

Store Ritz Churro Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.To maintain crispness, avoid refrigeration.Reheat briefly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes if they lose crunch.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, just reduce or omit added salt in the recipe.

Do I need to use corn syrup?

Maple syrup or honey are good alternatives with slightly different flavor profiles.

Why did my coating harden too quickly?

Work quickly when pouring and tossing, as the caramel can set fast.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, they store well and can be made a day or two in advance.

Are they kid-friendly?

Absolutely! They’re a hit with both kids and adults.

Can I skip the oven step?

No, baking helps set the coating and add crunch.

How do I avoid soggy bites?

Let them cool completely before storing, and store in a dry, sealed container.

Can I add nuts?

Yes, mix in toasted pecans or almonds before baking.

Are they gluten-free?

Only if using gluten-free crackers.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just bake in batches for even coating.

Conclusion

Ritz Churro Bites are a quick and fun dessert that offers the perfect blend of crunchy, buttery, and sweet. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, they’re a go-to treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying a handful with your coffee, these churro-inspired bites are bound to be a favorite.

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