Name: Ritz Churro Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8.8 ounces peanut butter Ritz Bits cracker sandwiches; ½ cup salted sweet cream butter; ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed; 2 tablespoons light brown sugar; ¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Sweet, crunchy, and infused with warm cinnamon flavor, these Ritz Churro Bites transform ordinary peanut butter crackers into an irresistible dessert snack. With a buttery caramel coating and a dusting of cinnamon sugar, these bite-sized treats capture the beloved flavors of churros without the frying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes humble peanut butter Ritz Bits and elevates them into something spectacular with minimal effort. You’ll love how quickly these come together – just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of baking time. The combination of sweet, salty, and cinnamon flavors creates an addictive snack perfect for movie nights, after-school treats, or holiday gatherings. Best of all, these churro bites require just a handful of pantry staples and no special equipment, making them accessible for even novice bakers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Peanut butter Ritz Bits cracker sandwiches serve as the foundation of this recipe, providing that perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors along with a satisfying crunch that holds up well to the caramel coating.
Salted sweet cream butter creates the rich, caramel-like coating that transforms these crackers. The salt in the butter enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Light brown sugar brings depth with its molasses notes, helping to create that caramelized coating that makes these bites so special. Its moisture also helps the coating adhere to the crackers.
Vanilla extract adds warmth and complexity to the caramel coating. Even this small amount makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor profile.
Ground cinnamon is the signature flavor that makes these truly “churro” bites. It’s used both in the coating and in the finishing sugar mixture for that authentic churro experience.
Granulated sugar provides the sweet, slightly crunchy exterior that mimics the characteristic texture of traditional churros. When mixed with cinnamon and dusted over the warm bites, it creates that classic churro finish.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with two layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
Spread the Ritz Bits crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and set aside.
In a 2 to 3-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat, combine butter, ⅓ cup light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Bring to a low boil for 1 to 1½ minutes, stirring frequently.
Remove from heat and carefully spoon the butter mixture over the crackers. Toss with tongs or a silicone spatula until well coated.
Bake for 10 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and ¾ teaspoon cinnamon.
Remove crackers from oven and immediately sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture over them.
Allow to cool completely, then break the churro bites apart. Serve once fully cooled.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 3 servings of delicious churro bites. The preparation takes about 10 minutes, while cooking time is around 15 minutes. Including cooling time, you’ll need about 55 minutes total from start to finish. Each serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, making these a moderately indulgent treat perfect for sharing.

Variations

Chocolate Drizzle Churro Bites: Once cooled, drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra decadent treat.
Nutty Churro Bites: Add ½ cup of finely chopped pecans or almonds to the baking sheet before pouring the caramel mixture.
Spiced Churro Bites: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or cloves to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a more complex flavor profile.
Birthday Cake Churro Bites: Use regular Ritz Bits (not peanut butter) and add ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the caramel mixture. After baking, sprinkle with colorful sprinkles along with the cinnamon sugar.
Maple Churro Bites: Replace the vanilla extract with maple extract and add a tablespoon of real maple syrup to the caramel mixture.

Storage/Reheating

These Ritz Churro Bites stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For best results, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. If you live in a particularly humid environment, adding a silica gel packet to the container can help maintain crispness.
While they don’t need reheating, you can refresh slightly stale churro bites by placing them on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes. Let them cool again before serving to restore their crunch.
For longer storage, these bites can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.

FAQs

Can I use regular Ritz crackers instead of Ritz Bits?

Yes, you can substitute regular Ritz crackers, but the flavor profile will be different without the peanut butter element. If using regular crackers, consider adding a teaspoon of peanut butter to the caramel mixture if you want to maintain that flavor note.

Why do I need to line the baking sheet with two layers of foil?

The double layer of foil provides insulation and prevents the caramel mixture from burning on the bottom. It also makes cleanup significantly easier as the caramel can be quite sticky.

My churro bites came out soggy. What went wrong?

Soggy churro bites usually result from not baking them long enough or not allowing them to cool completely. The cooling process is crucial for the caramel coating to set properly and maintain crispness.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Absolutely! These are perfect make-ahead treats. Prepare them 1-2 days in advance and store in an airtight container until your event.

Are there any dairy-free alternatives for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative. Look for one with a high fat content similar to regular butter for best results.

How do I know when the caramel mixture is ready?

The caramel mixture should come to a low boil and be stirred for exactly 1 to 1½ minutes. It will be thin but will thicken as it bakes and cools.

Can I add other spices to the cinnamon sugar mixture?

Certainly! Nutmeg, cardamom, allspice, or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy-sweet combination all work well with the cinnamon.

Why do my churro bites stick together after cooling?

If your bites are sticking together after cooling, they likely needed more time to cool completely. You can place them in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to help set the caramel faster.

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?

Yes, dark brown sugar will work but will impart a stronger molasses flavor to the finished product. The churro bites will also have a slightly darker appearance.

How do I store leftovers if the churro bites are sticking together?

If your churro bites are sticking together during storage, try placing them in a single layer on parchment paper in an airtight container. If stacking is necessary, place parchment paper between layers.

Conclusion

These Ritz Churro Bites are a delightful example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary with minimal effort. Their perfect balance of sweet, salty, and cinnamon flavors makes them irresistible for snacking, while their simplicity makes them accessible to cooks of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for an easy dessert for movie night, a crowd-pleasing party snack, or just a special treat to brighten an ordinary day, these churro bites deliver satisfaction in every bite. The best part? They come together in under an hour with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Give this recipe a try, and it’s sure to become a frequently requested favorite in your household.