Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 12–15 minutes
Cooling Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 5 minutes

Difficulty Level: Easy

Yield: 24 cookies

Ingredients

1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup finely crushed Ritz crackers
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Optional Toppings

Powdered sugar
Melted milk chocolate
White chocolate drizzle
Chopped pecans
Colored sprinkles
Sea salt flakes

Kitchen Equipment

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Rubber spatula
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Cooling rack
Cookie scoop or spoon

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Place the softened butter into a large mixing bowl.

Beat for about 1 minute until smooth.

Add:

Granulated sugar
Powdered sugar

Beat on medium-high speed for 3–4 minutes until the mixture becomes pale, fluffy, and creamy.

Step 3: Add Flavorings

Mix in:

Vanilla extract
Almond extract (if using)

Beat for another 30 seconds.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl whisk together:

Flour
Baking powder
Salt
Cornstarch
Crushed Ritz crackers

Mix until evenly combined.

Step 5: Make the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.

Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms.

Do not overmix.

The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 6: Chill

Cover the dough.

Refrigerate for 20 minutes.

This helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.

Step 7: Shape Cookies

Roll dough into 1-inch balls.

Place on prepared baking sheets.

Flatten slightly using:

Bottom of a glass
Fork
Cookie stamp

Leave about 2 inches between cookies.

Step 8: Bake

Bake at:

350°F (175°C)

for 12–15 minutes.

The edges should be lightly golden while the centers remain pale.

Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies tender.

Step 9: Cool

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a cooling rack.

Cool completely before decorating.

Optional Decorations

Once cooled you can:

Dip half in melted chocolate.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Add crushed Ritz crumbs.
Decorate with festive sprinkles.
Drizzle white chocolate over the tops.

Tips for Perfect Butter Ritz Cookies

Use room-temperature butter for easier mixing.

Measure flour accurately to prevent dry cookies.

Don’t skip chilling the dough.

Bake only until the edges begin turning golden.

Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Ritz Cookies

Dip cookies halfway into melted dark chocolate.

Lemon Butter Ritz Cookies

Add:

1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon lemon extract

Cinnamon Sugar Version

Roll dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking.

Nutty Butter Cookies

Fold in:

Chopped pecans
Walnuts
Almonds

Holiday Cookies

Decorate with:

Red and green sprinkles
White chocolate drizzle
Crushed peppermint

Perfect for Christmas.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies with:

Coffee
Tea
Hot chocolate
Vanilla ice cream
Fresh berries
Milk
Fruit platters

They’re also wonderful for holiday dessert tables and homemade gift boxes.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container.

They stay fresh at room temperature for 5–7 days.

Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing

Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Separate layers using parchment paper.

Thaw at room temperature before serving.

You can also freeze unbaked dough for up to 2 months.

Make-Ahead Tips

Prepare the dough one day ahead.

Keep refrigerated overnight.

Bake fresh the next day for the best flavor and texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using melted instead of softened butter
Adding too much flour
Skipping dough chilling
Overmixing the dough
Overbaking the cookies
Decorating while still warm

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter?

Yes. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt to a pinch.

Can I crush the Ritz crackers finely?

Yes. Fine crumbs blend seamlessly into the dough and provide subtle buttery flavor.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and gluten-free buttery crackers.

Why are my cookies dry?

Too much flour or overbaking are the most common causes.

Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before shaping and baking.

Baking Time and Temperature Summary

Step	Temperature	Time
Preheat Oven	350°F (175°C)	10 minutes
Chill Dough	Refrigerator	20 minutes
Bake Cookies	350°F (175°C)	12–15 minutes
Cool on Pan	Room Temperature	5 minutes
Cool Completely	Room Temperature	15 minutes

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Cookie)

Calories: 145
Protein: 2 g
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Cholesterol: 20 mg
Sodium: 95 mg
Fiber: 0.5 g
Sugar: 7 g
Calcium: 10 mg
Iron: 0.6 mg