Peanut Butter Ritz Crackers with Hershey Kiss and Sprinkles
Peanut Butter Ritz Crackers with Hershey Kiss and Sprinkles is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 210 calories per serving. Recipe by THE WADS on YouTube.
Prep: 19 min | Cook: 3 min | Total: 32 min
Cost: $4.30 total, $0.72 per serving
Ingredients
- 12 pieces Ritz Crackers (full‑size, flat side down for spreading)
- 3 tablespoons Peanut Butter (smooth, room temperature for easy spreading)
- 6 pieces Hershey's Kisses (regular milk chocolate, unwrapped)
- 2 tablespoons Rainbow Sprinkles (or silver sprinkles if preferred)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat while you assemble the crackers.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Prepare Baking Sheet
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Time: PT2M
Spread Peanut Butter
Using a butter knife, spread a thin, even layer of peanut butter on the flat side of 6 Ritz crackers.
Time: PT5M
Form Sandwiches
Place the remaining 6 Ritz crackers on top, flat side down, creating 6 sandwich pairs.
Time: PT2M
Arrange on Sheet
Lay the sandwiches on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small gap between each.
Time: PT1M
Add Sprinkles
Sprinkle a generous amount of rainbow sprinkles over each sandwich, covering the top surface.
Time: PT2M
Place Hershey Kisses
Center a Hershey Kiss on each sandwich, pressing it gently into the sprinkles.
Time: PT2M
Bake Briefly
Place the sheet in the oven and bake for 2–3 minutes, just until the Hershey Kiss softens and the sprinkles become glossy.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool
Remove the sheet from the oven, let the treats cool on the pan for 5 minutes so the chocolate sets.
Time: PT5M
Serve
Transfer the finished crackers to a serving platter and enjoy immediately or store as directed.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 210
- Protein
- 3g
- Carbohydrates
- 22g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: vegetarian
Allergens: wheat, peanuts, milk
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ritz Crackers: Saltine crackers, Club crackers
- Instead of Peanut Butter: Almond butter, Cashew butter
- Instead of Hershey's Kisses: Mini chocolate chips, Chocolate squares
- Instead of Rainbow Sprinkles: Non‑pareils, colored sugar crystals
Equipment Needed
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Butter Knife or Small Spatula
- Oven
- Oven Mitts
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Spread peanut butter evenly to keep the crackers from sliding.
- Keep sprinkles in place before baking; press lightly if needed.
- Watch the bake time closely to melt the Hershey Kiss without burning the sprinkles.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For a minty twist, melt a few chocolate chips with a drop of mint extract and drizzle over the top before adding the kiss.
- Use mini Hershey Kisses for a smaller bite‑size version.
- If you prefer a chocolate‑free version, substitute the kiss with a small dollop of caramel or a drizzle of white chocolate.
Troubleshooting
Sprinkles slide off before baking.
Press sprinkles gently into the peanut butter layer and refrigerate for 5 minutes before adding the kiss.
Hershey Kiss burns or melts too much.
Reduce bake time to 2 minutes and watch closely; oven temperatures can vary.
Crackers become soggy.
Do not over‑bake; keep the bake time short and let the treats cool on the pan, not covered.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The chocolate may firm up; let sit at room temperature before serving.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture of crackers becomes soggy.
Room temperature: Best consumed the same day; can sit out for up to 4 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the crackers up to step 7 and refrigerate (covered) for up to 12 hours. Bake just before serving.
- If you need to prep earlier, keep the Hershey Kisses separate and add them right before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Peanut Butter Ritz Crackers with Hershey Kiss and Sprinkles in American holiday snack traditions?
Peanut Butter Ritz Crackers with Hershey Kiss and Sprinkles reflect the American love for sweet‑and‑salty party bites that became popular in the mid‑20th century. The snack combines pantry staples like Ritz crackers and peanut butter with holiday‑style chocolate and colorful sprinkles, making it a quick, festive treat for Christmas and New Year gatherings.
What are the traditional regional variations of Peanut Butter Ritz Crackers with Hershey Kiss and Sprinkles in American cuisine?
While the core recipe uses Ritz crackers, creamy peanut butter, Hershey's Kisses, and rainbow sprinkles, some regions swap Ritz for other buttery crackers, use almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter, or replace Hershey's Kisses with milk‑chocolate chips. In the Southwest, a drizzle of caramel is sometimes added for extra flair.
How is Peanut Butter Ritz Crackers with Hershey Kiss and Sprinkles authentically served in American holiday gatherings?
The snack is typically arranged on a decorative platter, each cracker topped with a dollop of peanut butter, a melted Hershey Kiss, and a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles. It is served at room temperature so the chocolate stays glossy, and guests can pick them up with their fingers or small tongs.
What occasions or celebrations is Peanut Butter Ritz Crackers with Hershey Kiss and Sprinkles traditionally associated with in American culture?
These bite‑size treats are most common at Christmas parties, holiday cookie swaps, and New Year’s Eve gatherings. Their bright sprinkles and festive chocolate make them a popular last‑minute addition to any American seasonal celebration.
How does Peanut Butter Ritz Crackers with Hershey Kiss and Sprinkles fit into the broader American snack cuisine tradition?
The dish embodies the American snack tradition of combining convenience foods with indulgent toppings for quick, shareable bites. It mirrors other popular snack mixes like pretzel‑chocolate clusters, emphasizing ease, visual appeal, and a balance of salty and sweet flavors.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Peanut Butter Ritz Crackers with Hershey Kiss and Sprinkles versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients are original Ritz crackers, smooth creamy peanut butter, Hershey's Kisses, and rainbow sprinkles. Acceptable substitutes include any buttery cracker (e.g., Cheez‑It crackers), nut butters like almond or cashew butter, milk‑chocolate chips in place of Kisses, and holiday‑themed colored sugar crystals instead of sprinkles.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Peanut Butter Ritz Crackers with Hershey Kiss and Sprinkles?
Common errors include over‑filling the crackers, which can cause the peanut butter to spill, and overheating the Hershey Kiss, which can burn the chocolate and create a grainy texture. Also, applying sprinkles before the chocolate has set can cause them to slide off.
Why does this Peanut Butter Ritz Crackers with Hershey Kiss and Sprinkles recipe use a microwave to melt the Hershey Kiss instead of a stovetop method?
Microwaving the Hershey Kiss melts it quickly and evenly without the risk of scorching that can occur on a stovetop, preserving the smooth shine needed for a glossy finish. The short burst also keeps the chocolate from separating, which is ideal for a thin coating on each cracker.
Can I make Peanut Butter Ritz Crackers with Hershey Kiss and Sprinkles ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, assemble the crackers up to the point of adding sprinkles, then cover the tray with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the sprinkles just before serving to keep them crisp, and allow the crackers to sit at room temperature for a few minutes so the chocolate softens slightly.
What does the YouTube channel THE WADS specialize in and how does its cooking style influence the Peanut Butter Ritz Crackers with Hershey Kiss and Sprinkles recipe?
The YouTube channel THE WADS specializes in quick, festive, and family‑friendly snack recipes that use everyday pantry items. Its style emphasizes minimal prep, bright visual presentation, and holiday‑themed twists, which is evident in the easy assembly and colorful garnish of the Peanut Butter Ritz Crackers with Hershey Kiss and Sprinkles.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
