Butter Ritz Cookies
- 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
