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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.