If you are looking to whip up a snack that’s quick, irresistibly crunchy, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor, you absolutely must try this Ritz Bits Churros Recipe. It takes simple Ritz Bits crackers and transforms them into a delightful churro-inspired treat that’s perfect for sharing or savoring all on your own. Sweet, buttery, and dusted with just the right amount of cinnamon sugar, this snack brings together comfort and crunch in every bite, making it an instant favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ritz Bits Churros Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is essential, contributing to the perfect balance of flavor and texture that makes this snack so special.
- 1 cup Ritz Bits crackers (any variety): The base of the dish, these buttery crackers bring a satisfying crunch and subtle saltiness that pairs wonderfully with cinnamon sugar.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness, ensuring every bite tastes like a cozy cinnamon treat.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives this recipe its signature churro flavor and aromatic warmth.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Helps the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly to the crackers while adding luscious richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional): Introduces a subtle depth of flavor that enhances the overall sweetness and aroma.
How to Make Ritz Bits Churros Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat; this will not only prevent sticking but also make cleanup a breeze after your delicious creation is done.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
Combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This simple mix is the essence of that classic churro taste, perfectly sweet and fragrant.
Step 3: Melt the Butter and Add Vanilla
Melt your butter either in the microwave or on the stovetop, whichever you find easiest. If you’re using vanilla extract, blend it in now to enrich the buttery mixture with a subtle, sweet undertone.
Step 4: Coat the Ritz Bits Crackers
Place the Ritz Bits crackers in a large bowl. Pour the melted butter (with vanilla, if added) over the crackers, gently tossing until each cracker is evenly coated with that golden, buttery glaze.
Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Sugar
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered crackers. Toss again so every cracker is thoroughly coated, promising that perfect balance of buttery, sugary, and cinnamony goodness in each bite.
Step 6: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Spread the coated Ritz Bits evenly on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they lie in a single layer so they can bake evenly into crispy perfection.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on the crackers; you want them golden and crunchy, not burnt. This step is where the magic happens as the cinnamon sugar caramelizes slightly and the crackers toast.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once your Ritz Bits churros are beautifully golden and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool just a bit. This will help them crisp up even more and make them easier to handle before enjoying.
How to Serve Ritz Bits Churros Recipe
Garnishes
While these delicious Ritz Bits churros shine on their own, you can take things up a notch by serving them with classic churro garnishes like a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel for a little indulgence.
Side Dishes
This snack pairs wonderfully with a variety of dips and drinks. Consider serving alongside a warm chocolate or caramel dip, or enjoy with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or even a refreshing iced tea to balance out the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Ritz Bits Churros Recipe in small decorative bowls or mini cones made from parchment paper to mimic the street-food churro experience. They also make a charming addition sprinkled over ice cream sundaes for extra crunch and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have some leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep the crackers crisp. They should stay fresh and crunchy for up to 2 days, perfect for a quick snack later on.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal for maintaining the perfect crunch, you can freeze the coated but unbaked Ritz Bits in an airtight container for up to a month. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked crispiness, pop your stored Ritz Bits churros into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of Ritz Bits crackers?
Absolutely! Any variety of Ritz Bits cracker works, so feel free to experiment. The buttery flavor is key, but whether you choose the sandwich cracker with cheese or peanut butter, the result will still be delightful.
Is the vanilla extract necessary?
Vanilla extract is optional but recommended if you want to add an extra layer of flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, the recipe will still taste amazing without it.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional Ritz Bits crackers contain gluten, so this version is not gluten-free. However, you could experiment with gluten-free buttery crackers to achieve a similar effect, though flavor and texture might vary slightly.
How can I make this recipe less sweet?
If you prefer your Ritz Bits churros less sweet, reduce the amount of sugar in the cinnamon sugar mixture or try using a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup like sugar.
What else can I sprinkle on my Ritz Bits besides cinnamon sugar?
Get creative! You might try a mix of pumpkin pie spice, a dash of cayenne for heat, or even a parmesan and herb combination for a savory spin. The Ritz Bits Churros Recipe is very versatile.
Final Thoughts
This Ritz Bits Churros Recipe is a total game-changer for snack time, transforming everyday crackers into a warm, comforting treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s perfect for surprising your family or impressing friends with minimal effort but maximum flavor. Once you taste that crispy, cinnamon-infused bite, you’ll be hooked just like I am!
Print
Ritz Bits Churros Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Ritz Bits Churros are a quick and easy snack recipe that transforms crunchy Ritz Bits crackers into a sweet cinnamon-sugar treat. Coated with melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar, then baked until golden and crispy, these churro-inspired bites are perfect for a delicious and convenient dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Churro Coating
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Ritz Bits crackers (any variety)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon well. Set this mixture aside as it will be used for coating the crackers.
- Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop gently. If using, stir in the vanilla extract into the melted butter to add a subtle flavor enhancement.
- Coat Ritz Bits: Place the Ritz Bits crackers into a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted butter over the crackers and toss gently to ensure each cracker is evenly coated with butter.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter-coated Ritz Bits. Toss again to thoroughly coat all crackers with the cinnamon-sugar blend for that classic churro flavor.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated Ritz Bits in a single layer evenly across the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re not overlapping for even baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the crackers turn golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully to prevent burning as they can brown quickly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the Ritz Bits churros to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature for a crunchy, sweet snack.
Notes
- Use any variety of Ritz Bits crackers according to your preference.
- Vanilla extract is optional but adds a subtle, pleasant aroma and flavor.
- Keep a close eye during baking as the crackers can burn quickly once golden.
- Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them crunchy for up to 2 days.
- For an extra indulgence, serve with a side of chocolate or caramel dip.
