These Ritz Churro Bites are a quick, addictive sweet snack made from buttery Ritz crackers coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture and baked to perfection. They’re crisp, caramelized, and taste just like mini churros—with a fraction of the effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s insanely easy to whip up with pantry staples. There’s no frying involved, and it gives me that same sweet cinnamon-sugar crunch I crave from churros. It’s perfect for parties, movie nights, or whenever I need a fast dessert fix. Plus, it only takes a few ingredients and about 20 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), broken into quarters
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Directions
I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a saucepan over medium heat, I melt the butter, then stir in the sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until everything is well combined and smooth.
I toss the broken Ritz cracker pieces into the mixture, making sure each one is evenly coated.
I spread the coated crackers out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
I bake them for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and caramelized.
I let them cool completely on the pan so they can crisp up.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes just 20 minutes total—5 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to bake and cool.
Variations
I sometimes drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bites for a churro-chocolate combo.
For a spicy kick, I add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon-sugar mix.
If I want a saltier-sweet version, I use salted butter and skip the pinch of salt.
I’ve also made this with other buttery crackers, like Club crackers, for a slightly different texture.
storage/reheating
I store these in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay crispy and flavorful. I don’t recommend reheating them, but if I want to refresh them a bit, I pop them in a 300°F oven for 2–3 minutes.
FAQs
How do I keep the crackers from getting soggy?
I make sure the crackers are spread out in a single layer and fully baked. Letting them cool on the tray also helps them firm up.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. I just make sure to use two baking sheets or bake in batches so the crackers roast evenly.
Are these good for gifting?
Yes! Once they’re cooled, I pack them in treat bags or small jars. They make great sweet-and-salty gifts.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
I can, but I prefer butter for the best flavor and texture. Margarine may make the crackers a bit softer.
What if I don’t have vanilla extract?
I’ve skipped it before, and the bites still turned out delicious. I’ve also subbed with a drop of maple or almond extract for a twist.
Conclusion
Ritz Churro Bites are my go-to for a fast, crowd-pleasing treat. With simple ingredients and a flavor that reminds me of classic churros, they’re an easy favorite. Whether I’m making them for myself or sharing with friends, these crispy, sweet bites always disappear fast.
Ritz Churro Bites are a quick and addictive sweet snack made from buttery Ritz crackers tossed in a cinnamon-sugar coating and baked until caramelized and crisp. They mimic the flavor of churros with minimal effort.
Ingredients
1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), broken into quarters
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then stir in the sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
Add the broken Ritz crackers and toss until evenly coated.
Spread the crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and caramelized.
Let cool completely on the pan to crisp up before serving.
Notes
Use salted butter and skip added salt for a saltier-sweet version.
Drizzle with melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refresh in a 300°F oven for 2–3 minutes if needed.
