Christmas Ritz Cracker Caramel Chocolate Cups

These little Christmas treats are so easy to make! Christmas Ritz Cracker Caramel Chocolate Cups have sweet caramel, creamy chocolate and a little holiday crunch, which makes them perfect for sharing during the most wonderful time of the year.

They need only a handful of ingredients and no baking, so they are great for cookie swaps and gift boxes. If you love homemade chocolate treats, you will also enjoy our Easy Homemade Chocolate Truffles.

Why You’ll Make This Again

• Sweet and salty: buttery Ritz crackers balance the caramel and chocolate.
• No baking: just a quick stovetop caramel and a microwave chocolate melt.
• Festive look: red and green liners with Christmas sprinkles.
• Great for sharing: perfect for cookie trays, parties and gifts.
• Makes 24: a big batch from simple ingredients.

How This Comes Together

Set a Ritz cracker in the bottom of each cupcake liner. Boil butter and brown sugar for 3 minutes into a quick caramel, then spoon it over the crackers. Top with melted chocolate and sprinkles, then chill for about an hour until firm.

What You’ll Need

• 24 Ritz crackers
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate morsels
• ¼ cup red, green and white Christmas sprinkles
• 24 red and green cupcake liners

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Chill Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Serves: 24

Estimated Nutrition: about 230 calories and 2 g protein per cup.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Line the pans

Line two 12-cup muffin pans with Christmas cupcake liners.

Step 2: Add the crackers

Place one Ritz cracker in the bottom of each cupcake liner.

Step 3: Melt the butter and sugar

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Cook the caramel

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook for 3 minutes, stirring, until thick and bubbly.

Step 5: Add the caramel

Carefully spoon the hot caramel mixture over each Ritz cracker, covering the crackers evenly.

Step 6: Melt the chocolate

Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.

Step 7: Add the chocolate

Spoon the melted chocolate over the caramel layer in each cup and spread evenly.

Step 8: Decorate

Immediately decorate with red, green and white Christmas sprinkles.

Step 9: Chill

Refrigerate for about 1 hour, or until the caramel and chocolate layers are completely firm.

Step 10: Serve

Remove from the muffin pans and serve in the festive liners. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How to Serve It

Serve cold in their festive liners on a holiday dessert tray, or pack them in tins as edible gifts alongside cookies and candy.

Leftovers & Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months and thaw in the refrigerator.

Make It Even Better: Pro Tips

• Stir the caramel constantly: this prevents scorching.
• Work while it’s hot: hot caramel spreads evenly over the crackers.
• Melt chocolate in short bursts: 30-second intervals avoid burning.
• Sprinkle right away: they stick best on wet chocolate.
• Chill until firm: this makes them easy to unwrap and serve.

Easy Ways to Change It Up

• Salted caramel: add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top.
• Different chocolate: try milk, dark or white chocolate.
• Add nuts: top with chopped pecans or peanuts.
• Peppermint twist: sprinkle with crushed candy canes.

Quick Questions

Can I make them ahead?

Yes, they keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Why is my caramel runny?

Make sure it boils gently for the full 3 minutes, and chill them until completely firm.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but unsalted butter gives you more control over the sweet-salty balance.

Can I use another cracker?

Yes, but Ritz crackers give the best buttery flavor.

Can I freeze them?

Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

A Sweet Little Holiday Treat

These caramel chocolate cups are easy, festive and always the first to go. Make a batch for your next holiday gathering.

Enjoy!

— Ava

Chef Ava

Christmas Ritz Cracker Caramel Chocolate Cups

Easy Christmas treats with a Ritz cracker base, buttery brown sugar caramel, creamy chocolate and festive sprinkles, set in red and green cupcake liners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Chilling 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cups

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 230

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 24 Ritz crackers
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter 2 sticks
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate morsels
• 1/4 cup red, green and white Christmas sprinkles
• 24 red and green cupcake liners

Method

 

1. Line two 12-cup muffin pans with Christmas cupcake liners.
2. Place one Ritz cracker in the bottom of each cupcake liner.
   
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring frequently.
4. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook for 3 minutes, stirring, until thick and bubbly.
5. Carefully spoon the hot caramel mixture over each Ritz cracker, covering the crackers evenly.
   
6. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.
7. Spoon the melted chocolate over the caramel layer in each cup and spread evenly.
8. Immediately decorate with red, green and white Christmas sprinkles.
   
9. Refrigerate for about 1 hour, or until the caramel and chocolate layers are completely firm.
10. Remove from the muffin pans and serve in the festive liners. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
    

Notes

Add the sprinkles right after spreading the chocolate, while it is still wet, so they stick. Spoon the caramel over the crackers while it is hot so it spreads evenly.