This holiday treat started as a last-minute answer to a school cookie swap and quickly became a family favorite. I discovered this combination one December evening when I had a bag of Ritz crackers left from a party and a handful of unwrapped caramels in the pantry. I layered caramel between two buttery crackers, dipped the sandwiched rounds in white chocolate, and dusted them with festive sprinkles. The contrast between the crisp, salty cracker and the sweet, gooey center was immediate and irresistible. Since that first batch, these little festive bites have made appearances at neighbor visits, classroom parties, and cozy evenings with hot cocoa.

What makes these treats so special is their simplicity and the way the textures play together: a buttery crisp exterior, a chewy caramel center, and a smooth white chocolate shell that sets into a delicate snap. They’re deceptively elegant for how quickly they come together, and they’re endlessly adaptable — swap sprinkles for chopped nuts, use dark chocolate for contrast, or sandwich peanut butter with the caramel for a richer bite. Every year these rounds prompt compliments and requests for the recipe, and they carry that holiday warmth that makes people smile as soon as they take a bite.

Ingredients

• 24 Ritz crackers: Use original buttery rounds for the classic salty-sweet contrast. Look for fresh boxes with crisp texture; avoid crackers that have lost their snap. Brands: Nabisco Ritz or similar store-brand rounds work well.
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (or melted caramel candies): Choose a smooth caramel sauce for ease, or melt 12–15 unwrapped caramel candies with 1 teaspoon of milk to reach a similar consistency. The caramel provides the chewy, sweet center that balances the salted cracker.
• 1 cup white chocolate chips (or white candy melts): White chocolate chips set into a glossy shell; use melting wafers for smoother coating. Brands: Ghirardelli or Nestle for chips, or Wilton candy melts for easy melting.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: A small amount of neutral oil thins the white chocolate for a smoother dip and shinier finish; you can substitute coconut oil if you prefer.
• Red, white, and green festive sprinkles: Use nonpareils or jimmies for bright holiday color. Add them immediately after dipping so they adhere while the coating is still tacky.

Instructions

Line the workspace: Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper so the dipped cookies can set without sticking. A rimmed sheet helps contain any drips. Pre-measuring your sprinkles into a shallow bowl makes decorating faster. Assemble the sandwiches: Place a dollop of caramel sauce (about 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon) in the center of 12 Ritz crackers, then top each with another cracker to form 12 sandwiches. Press gently — you want the caramel to spread to the edges but not squeeze out entirely. If using melted caramel candies, work quickly before the caramel firms. Melt the white chocolate coating: Combine 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals on medium power, stirring between each interval until smooth. Avoid overheating: remove when a few chips remain and stir until melted by residual heat to prevent graininess. Dip and decorate: Using two forks or a dipping tool, lower each sandwich into the melted white chocolate, turning to coat evenly. Lift and let excess drip back into the bowl, then place the coated treat on the prepared sheet. Immediately sprinkle the red, white, and green decorations while the coating is wet so they adhere nicely. Set the coating: Let the coated rounds set at room temperature until firm, about 20–30 minutes, or refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to speed up setting. Store in an airtight container at cool room temperature or refrigerate if your kitchen is warm.

Storage Tips

Store the coated rounds in a single layer in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to five days to maintain cracker crispness. If you need to refrigerate because of warm room temperatures, place a paper towel between container layers to absorb moisture and restore some snap by letting them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. For freezing, arrange in a single layer separated by parchment, seal tightly, and freeze up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight to avoid condensation on the chocolate coating and bring to room temperature briefly before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap white chocolate for dark or milk chocolate for a less-sweet finish; if using dark chocolate, add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil to help with melting and gloss. Use gluten-free buttery crackers to make a gluten-free version, and choose dairy-free caramels and vegan white melts for a dairy-free adaptation. For extra texture, press finely chopped toasted pecans or crushed peppermint candies into the coating before it sets. If you prefer a thicker caramel center, add an extra 1–2 teaspoons of caramel per sandwich, but be careful to avoid overflow while dipping.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these on a festive platter alongside spiced hot cocoa, coffee, or mulled cider for a cozy holiday spread. Garnish with extra whole crackers and a small dish of extra caramel or chocolate for dipping. For adult gatherings, pair with a late-harvest Riesling or a sweet dessert wine to balance the salt and caramel. These small bites also work beautifully as edible giftable treats when packaged in cellophane bags tied with ribbon.

Cultural Background

Salted-sweet combinations are a hallmark of modern American holiday confections — the contrast between buttery crackers and sweet caramel reflects a contemporary twist on traditional European confectionery where chocolate-coated or caramel-filled biscuits were always prized. These little rounds borrow from candy and cookie traditions and are reminiscent of the classic idea of using everyday pantry staples to create celebratory treats that are both decorative and delicious.

Seasonal Adaptations

Change the sprinkles to match any holiday palette: pastel sprinkles for Easter, orange and black for Halloween, or blue and silver for winter celebrations. Swap the white chocolate for caramel drizzle and chopped toasted pecans for a fall-inspired version, or add peppermint oil to the white chocolate and use crushed candy canes for an extra holiday kick. For summer gatherings, top with toasted coconut instead of sprinkles for a tropical twist.

Meal Prep Tips

Assemble the sandwiches up to a day ahead and store the uncoated stacks in an airtight container at room temperature to keep crackers crisp. Melt the coating and dip just before your event to preserve the freshest texture and appearance. If you must prepare in advance, fully coat and set the rounds, then layer between parchment and store in a sealed box. Reserve decorating until minutes before serving if you want the sprinkles to have the brightest color and snap.

These little caramel-filled rounds are proof that a pantry-driven idea can become a holiday classic. They’re simple enough for kids to help, versatile enough to adapt, and festive enough to brighten any dessert table. Make a batch, share them with friends and family, and tweak the decorations to make them your own — they’ll likely become a holiday staple in your household too.