Best Ritz Smores Cookies – Easy No-Bake Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy—especially when it comes in the form of a cookie. And if there’s one treat that embodies that perfect trifecta, it’s these Ritz S’mores Cookies. Picture this: buttery Ritz crackers hugging gooey marshmallows and melty chocolate, all baked into a golden, crispy-edged cookie. It’s like a campfire s’more met your favorite afternoon snack and decided to stay for dessert.

I first stumbled upon this idea during one of those lazy Sunday afternoons when my pantry was looking a little bare—except for a sleeve of Ritz crackers and a half-empty bag of marshmallows. Necessity (and a serious sweet tooth) led to experimentation, and before I knew it, these cookies became a household favorite. They’re ridiculously easy to make, require just a handful of ingredients, and bring that nostalgic s’mores flavor without needing a fire pit. Perfect for last-minute cravings or impromptu gatherings!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these irresistible cookies:

• Ritz crackers – The star of the show! Their buttery, salty crunch balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Marshmallows – Mini marshmallows work best, but you can also cut large ones into smaller pieces.
• Chocolate chips – Semi-sweet or milk chocolate, depending on your preference. Dark chocolate adds a lovely contrast if you like a richer bite.
• Butter – Unsalted, softened. This binds everything together and adds that irresistible richness.
• Brown sugar – For a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
• Flour – All-purpose keeps the cookies tender.
• Baking soda & salt – Just a pinch to balance the flavors.
• Vanilla extract – A splash for warmth and depth.

That’s it! Simple, pantry-friendly, and oh-so-delicious.

How to Make Ritz S’mores Cookies

Ready to bake? Let’s dive in:

1. Prep your Ritz crackers. Gently break them into quarters—they should be small enough to mix into the dough but still give you those satisfying bites.
2. Cream the butter and sugar. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is where the magic starts!
3. Add the dry ingredients. Slowly mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Don’t overmix—we want tender cookies, not tough ones.
4. Fold in the goodies. Gently stir in the Ritz pieces, chocolate chips, and marshmallows. The dough will be thick and chunky, which is exactly what we want.
5. Scoop and bake. Drop tablespoon-sized mounds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges turn golden and the marshmallows puff up.
6. Let them rest. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. (Resist the urge to eat one straight away—those marshmallows are molten!)

Pro tip: If your marshmallows start to brown too quickly, tent the baking sheet with foil halfway through baking. And for extra gooeyness, press a few extra chocolate chips on top as soon as the cookies come out of the oven.

Pro Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

These Ritz S’mores Cookies are wonderfully forgiving, but here are a few tricks to make them even better:

• For extra gooeyness: Add an extra square of chocolate or a small dollop of marshmallow fluff before sandwiching.
• Gluten-free option: Swap Ritz crackers for your favorite gluten-free alternative—just make sure they’re buttery and crisp!
• Spice it up: A pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel between the layers adds a cozy twist.
• No broiler? No problem: Use a kitchen torch to toast the marshmallows for that perfect golden-brown finish.

What to Serve With Ritz S’mores Cookies

These little bites of joy are perfect on their own, but they also shine alongside:

• A mug of hot cocoa or spiced chai for dipping
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert
• Fresh berries to balance the sweetness
• A charcuterie board for a fun sweet-and-salty contrast

Storage and Reheating Tips

While these cookies are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. To revive that just-made warmth and crispness:

• Microwave: Heat for 5-10 seconds to soften the chocolate and marshmallow.
• Oven: Warm at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes to crisp the crackers back up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use mini marshmallows instead of large ones?

Absolutely! Just pile a few mini marshmallows on each cracker before toasting—they’ll melt together beautifully.

Do I have to use Ritz crackers?

While Ritz adds that signature buttery flavor, you can substitute with saltines or even graham crackers for a more traditional s’mores taste.

How do I prevent the marshmallows from sticking to the pan?

Lightly grease the baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. A quick spritz of cooking spray works wonders!

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can assemble the crackers with chocolate ahead, but wait to add and toast the marshmallows just before serving for the best texture.

A Sweet Final Thought

There’s something magical about the way buttery Ritz crackers, melty chocolate, and toasted marshmallows come together—it’s nostalgia in every bite. Whether you’re making these for a cozy night in, a party treat, or just because, these Ritz S’mores Cookies are sure to bring smiles. So gather your ingredients, maybe a friend or two, and let the simple joy of s’mores (with a twist!) warm your heart.