Ritz Bits Churros Recipe
If you are looking for a snack that perfectly balances crunchy, sweet, and a subtle hint of spice, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Ritz Bits Churros Recipe. Imagine buttery Ritz Bits crackers coated in a luscious cinnamon-sugar glaze that bakes up bubbly and golden, making every bite an addictive, flavorful experience. This treat is quick to make, delightfully crispy, and absolutely ideal for sharing with friends or indulging in a cozy snack moment at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this delicious Ritz Bits Churros Recipe is wonderfully simple. Each ingredient brings something special to the table, from the rich nuttiness of the Ritz Bits peanut butter crackers to the warm spices and sweet buttery glaze that hug every crunch with just the right texture and flavor.
- 4 cups Ritz Bits peanut butter: These mini crackers are the star, providing a salty, nutty base that soaks up the topping beautifully.
- 1 cup butter: Unsalted butter melts smoothly to create the glaze that coats the crackers with indulgent richness.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the glaze.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gives the glaze that beloved warm, spicy kick that churros are known for.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: A subtle aromatic flavor enhancer, making the glaze extra comforting.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: For a sparkly, crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping after baking.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: To mix with granulated sugar for the final sprinkle, sealing in that classic churro flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness perfectly, highlighting every layer of flavor.
How to Make Ritz Bits Churros Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Crackers
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup a breeze. Spread the 4 cups of Ritz Bits peanut butter crackers evenly across the pan. This creates the crunchy base that will soak in all those luscious flavors.
Step 2: Create the Cinnamon-Butter Glaze
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of butter and 1 cup of brown sugar. Stir continuously and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it boil for one minute to fully thicken and develop that rich caramel tone. Remove it from heat immediately, then mix in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. This glaze is the magic that transforms simple crackers into churro-inspired bliss.
Step 3: Coat the Crackers Evenly
Pour the warm glaze over the crackers as evenly as you possibly can. You want every Ritz Bit to get a generous layer of buttery sweetness. Use a spatula to smooth out any uncovered parts quickly, since the glaze will harden as it cools. Speed is key here to achieve the best coating.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for about 10 minutes. You’ll notice the glaze bubbling over the crackers, turning golden and irresistible. This baking step crisps up the crackers while intensifying the cinnamon sugar flavors.
Step 5: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Sprinkle
While the crackers bake, whisk together 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle this mixture over the hot crackers. The sugar will stick and create that signature churro crunch and sparkle right on top.
Step 6: Cool and Break Into Pieces
Let the churro-coated crackers cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break the slab into bite-sized pieces. These tasty chunks are now ready to serve, and trust me, they disappear quickly once the first handful is tasted.
How to Serve Ritz Bits Churros Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, dust your Ritz Bits Churros with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or perhaps a drizzle of melted chocolate. Fresh berries or a side of caramel sauce also elevate the presentation and add beautiful flavor contrasts.
Side Dishes
This sweet treat pairs perfectly with a cold glass of milk, coffee, or a spiced hot chocolate. For grown-up gatherings, serving it alongside a scoop of cinnamon ice cream can turn this snack into a casual dessert everyone will rave about.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Ritz Bits Churros into a fun shareable platter by layering them with bowls of dipping sauces like dulce de leche, honey, or nutella. Use colorful ramekins and a rustic wooden board to make it a visual delight for guests or family movie nights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of Ritz Bits Churros Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay crisp and flavorful for up to a week, making it a convenient snack to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
While this recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooled pieces in a sealed freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving to regain some of the original crispness.
Reheating
To refresh any stored pieces, warm them briefly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This will bring back the delightful crunch and soften the glaze just enough without melting the sugar coating.
FAQs
Can I use other Ritz Bits flavors for this recipe?
Absolutely! While peanut butter Ritz Bits add a nutty depth, you can experiment with cheese or original Ritz Bits for different taste profiles. Just keep in mind the glaze flavors might pair differently depending on the cracker used.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Since Ritz Bits crackers contain wheat, this recipe is not gluten-free. For a gluten-free option, consider substituting with a similar gluten-free cracker and adjusting the quantities as needed.
Can I make this without butter?
Butter is essential for that rich texture and flavor in this Ritz Bits Churros Recipe. However, you could try using a plant-based margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative, though the taste and texture may vary slightly.
How crispy will the Ritz Bits Churros be?
This recipe yields a snack that is satisfyingly crisp with a caramelized glaze coating. The cinnamon-sugar topping adds an extra crunch that mimics the classic churro experience wonderfully.
Can I double the recipe easily?
Yes, feel free to double the ingredients and use a larger baking sheet or two pans. Just be sure to keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary slightly with the increased volume.
Final Thoughts
There is something genuinely joyful about the perfect combination of crunchy Ritz Bits peanut butter crackers and a warm cinnamon sugar glaze in this Ritz Bits Churros Recipe. It’s one of those snacks that feels like an instant hug for your taste buds—super simple, super quick, and absolutely crave-worthy. Give it a try next time you want to impress friends or enjoy a cozy treat yourself. I promise this recipe will become one of your favorites to make and share!
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Ritz Bits Churros Recipe
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Ritz Bits Churros recipe is a delightful twist on traditional churros, using crispy Ritz Bits peanut butter crackers coated in a buttery cinnamon sugar glaze. It offers a quick and easy treat with a crunchy texture and sweet, cinnamon flavor reminiscent of classic churros. Perfect for snack time or a party treat, these sugary crackers provide a festive, homemade snack with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Base
- 4 cups Ritz Bits peanut butter crackers
Syrup Coating
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil. Evenly spread the Ritz Bits peanut butter crackers on the baking sheet and set aside.
- Make the Butter and Brown Sugar Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and brown sugar. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Allow it to boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and immediately stir in 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Coat the Crackers: Quickly pour the hot butter-sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly over the crackers on the baking sheet. Use a spatula to smooth out and cover any uncovered crackers, acting swiftly as the mixture will harden as it cools.
- Bake the Crackers: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes until the mixture is bubbly all over.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar Topping: While the crackers bake, mix the granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon salt in a small bowl.
- Apply Cinnamon Sugar and Cool: Immediately upon removing the crackers from the oven, evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping over the hot crackers. Allow the crackers to cool completely until hardened.
- Serve and Store: Break the cooled crackers into pieces and serve immediately. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to one week.
Notes
- Work quickly when pouring and spreading the butter-sugar mixture as it hardens fast.
- Make sure to evenly spread the cinnamon sugar topping to enhance flavor and texture.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
- These crackers are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for up to one week.
- Vanilla extract adds depth to the buttery glaze, but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
