I never thought I’d describe a Ritz cracker as “dangerously delicious,” but here we are. These Ritz Churro Bites are the kind of snack that disappear before they even cool down. They’re buttery, crisp, coated in cinnamon sugar, and take less than 15 minutes to whip up. If you’ve got a box of Ritz crackers sitting in your pantry, this is your sign to do something magical with them.
I first made these on a whim before a movie night with friends. I didn’t have time to bake anything fancy, but I wanted something sweet and snackable. A few minutes later, my kitchen smelled like a churro stand at the fair—and I’ve been making these ever since.
Why I’m Obsessed With These Ritz Churro Bites
I love a good shortcut recipe, and this one checks every box:
- Fast: From start to finish, they’re ready in 15 minutes.
- Simple ingredients: Nothing fancy—just pantry staples.
- Crowd-pleasing: They hit that sweet-salty-crunchy combo perfectly.
- No frying required: All the churro flavor, none of the mess.
This is one of those recipes that’s perfect for last-minute guests, movie nights, or when the craving for something sweet hits out of nowhere. Plus, they’re so easy to scale up or down depending on how many mouths you’re feeding.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4-6 | Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins)
- 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers (about 30–35 crackers)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: a pinch of salt if using unsalted butter
That’s it. Really. I told you this was easy.
How I Make Ritz Churro Bites (Step-by-Step)
1. Melt the Butter
I start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. You can also do this in the microwave if you’re in a rush—just make sure it doesn’t boil.
2. Coat the Crackers
Once the butter is melted, I gently toss in the Ritz crackers and stir until they’re fully coated. The key here is to be gentle—you don’t want to crush the crackers. I usually use a silicone spatula or just swirl the pan a bit.
3. Add the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, I mix the sugar and cinnamon. Then I sprinkle it over the buttery crackers and stir (again, gently!) until every cracker is coated. The sugar mixture sticks perfectly thanks to the butter, creating this golden, crunchy layer that smells incredible.
4. Toast to Perfection
I transfer the coated crackers to a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread them into a single layer. Then I bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes, flipping once halfway through to get both sides nice and toasty.
5. Cool and Serve (Or Sneak a Few Right Away)
Once they’re golden and crisp, I let them cool for a few minutes so they firm up. Then I pile them into a bowl and serve. And yes, I always sneak at least three while they’re still warm.
My Tips for Getting It Just Right
- Don’t overbake: You want them golden, not burnt. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.
- Use parchment paper: This keeps cleanup easy and prevents sticking.
- Add a pinch of salt: Especially if you like that sweet-salty contrast—just a tiny sprinkle brings out all the flavors.
- Double the batch: Trust me, these go fast.
Fun Variations I’ve Tried
This recipe is a great base for getting creative. Here are a few spins I’ve played with:
- Add crushed pecans or almonds before baking for extra crunch.
- Toss with a drizzle of white chocolate once cooled for a dessert-party vibe.
- Sprinkle with a bit of nutmeg for a warm holiday flavor.
- Try flavored Ritz like Honey Wheat or Garlic Butter for something different.
When I Serve These Churro Bites
Honestly? Any time. But here are a few moments where they’ve really shined:
- After-school snack that my niece devoured before I blinked.
- Brunch parties where I wanted a sweet finger food that wasn’t another muffin.
- Holiday dessert boards for a fun, unexpected treat.
- Late-night Netflix marathons when I don’t want to commit to baking cookies.
They also make a super cute homemade gift. Just pack them into a mason jar or treat bag, tie it with twine, and boom—edible happiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use other crackers?
A: I’ve tried buttery round store-brand crackers and they work fine. Ritz just have that melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them extra dreamy.
Q: Do they store well?
A: Yes! I keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. But they rarely last past day two.
Q: Can I make them gluten-free?
A: If you find a gluten-free buttery cracker that holds up well to baking, absolutely. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Q: Can I air-fry them instead?
A: You could! Just keep the temp around 320°F and reduce the time—start with 4–5 minutes and check often.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, a sleeve of Ritz, and 15 spare minutes, you owe it to yourself to make these Ritz Churro Bites. They’re buttery, crispy, cinnamon-sweet perfection—and dangerously easy to keep popping into your mouth one after the other. I’ve made them for friends, family, and just for myself when the craving hits, and they’ve never disappointed.
Next time you’re tempted to bake something from scratch, try this shortcut first. Your taste buds (and your timer) will thank you.
The Easy 15-Minute Churro Hack You’ll Make on Repeat
Ingredients
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 box Ritz crackers
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt the butter in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Dip each Ritz cracker into the melted butter, ensuring both sides are coated.
- Immediately sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over both sides of the buttered crackers.
- Place the coated crackers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Leave a Reply