Get ready to swoon over a treat that’s as easy as it is unforgettable: Ritz Churro Bites. This addictive snack transforms classic buttery Ritz crackers into crunchy, cinnamon-sugar delights that taste just like churros, but with a fraction of the effort. There’s caramelization, there’s a satisfyingly crispy bite, and there’s a sweet spiced finish that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re prepping for a party, solving the afternoon snack attack, or just want a dessert that makes people smile, Ritz Churro Bites deliver big time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Ritz Churro Bites so magical is the way these few everyday ingredients come together for a snack that’s both nostalgic and novel. Each one plays a starring role, contributing to the layers of flavor and texture that make this recipe so irresistible.

Ritz crackers: Buttery, flaky, and the perfect canvas for sweet-and-savory magic.
Unsalted butter: Rich and creamy, it helps form the caramel that holds everything together, while allowing you to control the saltiness.
Light brown sugar: Delivers that deep, molasses-like sweetness and the backbone of the caramel.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, rounded note that takes the caramel flavor up a notch.
Ground cinnamon: Provides the warm, familiar churro profile that brings instant comfort with each bite.
Granulated sugar: Gives a sparkly, crisp finish and balances the spices for that authentic churro sugar coating.

How to Make Ritz Churro Bites

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Crackers

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Give yourself a little space! Lay the Ritz crackers out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet so every one gets its moment in the caramel spotlight. The parchment makes cleanup a breeze and helps prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Caramel

In a small saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture is combined and starts to bubble. Let it come to a full boil, then let it cook for 2 minutes without stirring. This short cook time is crucial for creating a soft, pourable caramel that soaks into every cracker.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Pour

Remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract—it may bubble up, so keep your face back! Immediately pour the hot caramel evenly over the arranged Ritz crackers and spread it gently with a spatula. Work a little swiftly so the caramel doesn’t set before every cracker is coated.

Step 4: Bake to Set

Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes. This helps the caramel bubble into every crevice and gives the crackers that irresistible glazed edge. Don’t overbake—you want them crisp but not too dark.

Step 5: Cinnamon Sugar Sprinkle

While the crackers bake, quickly stir together the cinnamon and granulated sugar in a small bowl. As soon as the tray comes out of the oven, shower the warm crackers with your cinnamon-sugar mix, covering every inch. The warmth locks the sugar to the caramel.

Step 6: Cool and Break Into Bites

Let the crackers cool completely right on the pan until the caramel is set and the tops are no longer tacky—this takes about 20-30 minutes. Once firm, break them gently into bite-sized pieces. The snap is so satisfying and exactly what makes Ritz Churro Bites fun to share and snack on.

How to Serve Ritz Churro Bites

Garnishes

Dress up your Ritz Churro Bites with a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate for extra decadence. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy flair and makes them even more churro-like. For special occasions, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt to highlight both the sweet and savory notes.

Side Dishes

Pair these beauties with a mug of hot cocoa, spiced coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn your snack into a full-blown dessert experience. Their crackly, buttery sweetness also plays beautifully with fresh fruit—raspberries or sliced strawberries bring out the best in every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Ritz Churro Bites piled high on a festive platter for parties, tucked into mason jars as gifts, or layered in a sundae glass with whipped cream and berries. They’re also incredible crushed over yogurt or oatmeal for an instant churro-inspired breakfast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and broken up, your Ritz Churro Bites keep exceptionally well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’re entertaining, you can prepare them a day or two ahead and they’ll still taste fresh and crispy, with the cinnamon sugar holding its sparkle.

Freezing

If you’d like to make a bigger batch in advance, pop the cooled bites into a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to one month. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving, and enjoy their signature crunch all over again.

Reheating

To bring back a touch of that just-baked warmth, spread the bites on a baking sheet and heat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 3 minutes. This little refresh helps restore any lost crispness and releases their buttery, cinnamon aroma.

FAQs

Can I use other crackers besides Ritz for Ritz Churro Bites?

Nothing beats the classic buttery crunch of Ritz for this recipe, but if you’re in a pinch, buttery round crackers with a similar texture will work. Just keep in mind, flavor and crispness may vary slightly.

Is it possible to make Ritz Churro Bites gluten free?

Absolutely! Look for gluten-free butter-style round crackers, and use them exactly as you would in the original recipe. The result is just as delicious with a fraction of the effort.

What’s the secret to keeping Ritz Churro Bites crisp?

The key is letting them cool completely before breaking into pieces, and storing them in an airtight container. Avoid humidity, which can make them soften—pop them in the oven briefly if you need to bring back their crunch.

Can I double or triple the recipe?

Yes! Ritz Churro Bites are perfect for a crowd. Simply use additional baking sheets and repeat the process, making sure not to overcrowd the crackers so each gets a generous coating of caramel and cinnamon sugar.

Do Ritz Churro Bites travel well for gifting or potlucks?

They travel beautifully! Once fully cooled, pack them in a sturdy container or decorative bag. They keep their crunch and flavor for days, making them an ideal edible gift or make-ahead party treat.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Ritz Churro Bites, you’re in for a real treat. They’re fast, festive, and an instant crowd-pleaser—there’s just something magical about that sweet, crunchy, caramelized goodness. I hope you give this recipe a whirl and watch them disappear faster than you ever thought possible. Enjoy every bite!

Ritz Churro Bites Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 17 minutes
Yield: 30 pieces 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Ritz Churro Bites are a delightful twist on the classic churro, using buttery Ritz crackers coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar glaze. They make for a perfect snack or dessert that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Ritz Churro Bites:

1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup granulated sugar

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the crackers: Arrange the Ritz crackers in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar, bring to a boil, then stir in vanilla extract.
Coat the crackers: Pour the glaze over the crackers, bake for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
Cool and serve: Let the crackers cool completely and break into bite-sized pieces before serving.