Peanut Butter Ritz Cracker Sandwiches are a nostalgic favorite for many.
These delightful snacks bring back memories of childhood with their buttery, crisp texture and creamy peanut butter filling.
But did you know that they’re even better homemade?
By making them from scratch, you can enjoy a fresher, more flavorful version of this classic treat.
The homemade crackers are simple to prepare with just a few ingredients, and they taste amazing on their own or as part of a cheese and charcuterie board.
The filling is made with unsweetened peanut butter and powdered sugar to create a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess.
If you prefer, you can omit the sugar or use powdered peanut butter with water to keep the filling healthy and natural.
Ingredients
Crackers:
- 1 ½ cups bread flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup cold water
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water)
- Additional kosher salt for topping
Filling:
- ¾ cup unsweetened peanut butter
- 4-5 tbsp powdered sugar (optional)
Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a food processor.
Pulse a few times to mix the dry ingredients.
Add the cold, cubed butter to the mixture and pulse until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Slowly pour in the cold water while pulsing until the dough begins to come together.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Transfer the dough to a clean surface and shape it into a ball.
Divide the ball into two equal portions.
Flatten each portion into a ½ inch thick rectangle, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
This chilling process helps the dough to firm up, making it easier to roll out.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350˚F.
Remove one portion of dough from the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface.
Roll it out into a circle about 9-10 inches in diameter and ⅛ inch thick.
If you’re unsure, it’s better to go slightly thicker.
Step 4: Cut and Shape the Crackers
Use a fluted pastry cutter or a cookie cutter to cut the dough into rounds.
Transfer the rounds to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Using a skewer or the tines of a fork, poke a few holes in each cracker.
This helps to prevent them from puffing up too much during baking.
Step 5: Apply Egg Wash and Salt
Beat an egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash.
Lightly brush each cracker with the egg wash, then sprinkle with a bit more kosher salt.
Step 6: Bake the Crackers
Bake the crackers in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the outer edges are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let the crackers cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 7: Prepare the Filling
While the crackers are cooling, mix together the peanut butter and powdered sugar (if using) in a bowl.
The powdered sugar helps to thicken the peanut butter, making it easier to spread.
Step 8: Assemble the Sandwiches
Once the crackers are completely cool, spread or pipe a generous amount of the peanut butter filling onto one cracker.
Top with another cracker to create a sandwich.
Repeat until all the crackers are paired and filled.
Enjoy Your Homemade Snack
Your Peanut Butter Ritz Cracker Sandwiches are now ready to be enjoyed!
These homemade treats are perfect for snacking, sharing with family, or adding to a party platter.
The combination of buttery, homemade crackers and creamy peanut butter filling is sure to be a hit.
Tip: If you want to get creative, try experimenting with different fillings. Chocolate spread, almond butter, or even a savory cheese filling can add a unique twist to this classic snack.
Conclusion
Making homemade Peanut Butter Ritz Cracker Sandwiches is a fun and rewarding process.
Not only do you get to enjoy a fresher and more flavorful version of a beloved childhood snack, but you also have the satisfaction of knowing you made them yourself.
The buttery, crisp crackers and creamy peanut butter filling are sure to delight anyone who tries them.
So next time you’re craving a nostalgic treat, skip the store-bought version and try making your own.
You might find that they’re even better than you remember!