If you’re on the lookout for a snack that brings together the nostalgic crunch of Ritz Bits with the warm, irresistible flavors of cinnamon sugar, you are absolutely going to love this Ritz Bits Churros Recipe. This delightful treat transforms simple peanut butter sandwich crackers into a sweet, buttery indulgence that’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo. The magic happens with a buttery brown sugar glaze that coats each savory bite, followed by a dusting of cinnamon sugar for that classic churro vibe. It’s quick to whip up and has all the cozy charm of a homemade dessert without the fuss. Trust me, this snack will become a fast favorite in your home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this treat is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward, yet each one plays an essential role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the creamy peanut butter in the Ritz Bits to the aromatic cinnamon sugar dusting, every component brings its own magic.
- Ritz Bits peanut butter sandwiches: These little crackers are the crunchy, creamy base that make this snack uniquely delicious.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup): Melting butter with brown sugar creates a luscious, sticky glaze to coat the crackers.
- Brown sugar (½ cup): Adds rich sweetness and a slight caramel depth to the glaze.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, aromatic note that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Essential for that authentic churro flavor with its slightly spicy warmth.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Mixed with cinnamon to create the signature cinnamony coating.
How to Make Ritz Bits Churros Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Crackers
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready by the time your Ritz Bits are coated. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which will keep the crackers from sticking and make cleanup a snap. Then, pour the Ritz Bits peanut butter sandwiches into a large mixing bowl, setting the stage for a sweet transformation.
Step 2: Make the Butter and Brown Sugar Glaze
In a small saucepan set over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter with the brown sugar. Stir constantly to ensure the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture becomes smooth and bubbly. This glaze is the heart of your crunchy, sweet coating—its rich caramel notes will soon envelop your Ritz Bits. Once it starts bubbling, remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to infuse a lovely depth of flavor.
Step 3: Coat the Ritz Bits
Pour the warm, sticky glaze over the bowl of Ritz Bits. Gently toss the crackers to make sure each one is evenly coated with the buttery brown sugar mixture. This step turns your plain snacks into a luscious, sugary base ready for baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Spread the coated crackers in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. This ensures they bake evenly and develop just the right crispiness. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes—just enough time for the glaze to set beautifully without burning.
Step 5: Add the Signature Cinnamon Sugar
While the crackers are still slightly warm, combine the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle or toss the crackers gently with this mixture, ensuring every bite is infused with that classic churro flavor. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or packaging them up.
How to Serve Ritz Bits Churros Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of indulgence, try serving your Ritz Bits churros with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. A pinch of flaky sea salt can also bring out the sweetness beautifully. Fresh fruit on the side, like sliced strawberries or bananas, adds color and a fresh contrast.
Side Dishes
This snack shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee, creamy hot chocolate, or even a cold glass of milk. For gatherings, include a small bowl of caramel or chocolate sauce for dipping—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that elevates the treat to dessert status.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider layering these cinnamon-sugar-coated Ritz Bits in a clear glass jar for a festive gift, tied with a colorful ribbon. You can also arrange them on a platter with mini cups of dipping sauce for a fun party presentation. Serving them in paper cones or small decorative bags gives off that authentic street-market churro vibe, making snack time feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store any leftover Ritz Bits churros in an airtight container at room temperature. They hold their crunch and flavor best when kept away from moisture, making them perfect for snacking over the next few days.
Freezing
If you want to keep these tasty bites longer, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag. When frozen properly, they maintain their texture and can be enjoyed up to a month later without any loss of flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy the Ritz Bits churros warm after storage or freezing, reheat them briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps to refresh the glaze and toast the cinnamon sugar coating lightly without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of Ritz Bits for this recipe?
Absolutely! While peanut butter sandwiches are traditional and delicious, swapping in Ritz Bits cheese sandwiches results in an interesting savory-sweet twist. Just be aware that the flavor will be quite different, veering away from the classic churro taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe isn’t gluten-free because Ritz Bits crackers contain wheat. For a gluten-free version, you’d need to experiment with gluten-free sandwich crackers, but the texture and flavor might differ.
Can I make these without baking?
Baking helps set the buttery glaze and develop a perfectly crispy texture, so while you can toss the crackers in the glaze and cinnamon sugar without baking, the final treat won’t have the same crunch or cohesive coating.
How long do these snacks stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these Ritz Bits churros stay fresh and crunchy for up to 3-4 days. Beyond that, they may start to lose their crispness.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, doubling or even tripling works great. Just be sure to coat and spread the Ritz Bits evenly and use a larger baking sheet or multiple sheets to ensure consistent baking and crispiness.
Final Thoughts
This Ritz Bits Churros Recipe is a joyful little celebration of flavor and texture that’s easy to make anytime you want a sweet, crunchy treat. Whether you’re serving it at a party or grabbing a quick snack, it’s sure to brighten your day with that perfect blend of buttery sweetness and cinnamon goodness. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite snack!
Print
Ritz Bits Churros Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ritz Bits Churros are a delightful and easy-to-make sweet snack that combines crunchy peanut butter sandwich crackers coated in a buttery cinnamon sugar glaze. Perfect for parties or a festive treat, these baked snack bites bring the flavor of classic churros in a convenient, bite-sized form.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (8.8 oz) box Ritz Bits peanut butter sandwiches
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ritz Bits and coat with butter-sugar mixture: Pour the Ritz Bits into a large mixing bowl. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring constantly until the mixture starts to bubble. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the hot mixture over the Ritz Bits and toss gently to evenly coat all crackers.
- Arrange and bake: Spread the coated crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, allowing the sugar to caramelize and the coating to set.
- Prepare cinnamon sugar and coat warm crackers: While the crackers bake, combine the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar in a small bowl. After baking, remove crackers from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes, then sprinkle or toss them with the cinnamon sugar mixture while they are still slightly warm to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Cool and serve: Allow the churro-coated Ritz Bits to cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container to maintain crunchiness.
Notes
- These snacks are great for parties or can be packaged as festive treats or gifts.
- You can substitute the peanut butter Ritz Bits with the cheese-filled variety for a savory-sweet twist, though the flavor profile will differ.
