This simple holiday treat started as a last-minute idea the year I forgot to bring cookies to a neighbor exchange. I had a sleeve of Ritz crackers, a jar of store-bought caramel sauce, and a handful of white chocolate chips in the cupboard. What emerged in my kitchen that evening were crunchy little sandwich bites with a molten center and a glossy white chocolate coat, finished with festive red, white, and green sprinkles. They looked like miniature ornaments on my cookie tray and vanished within an hour. I make them every December now — they are fast, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for wrapping in small cellophane bags for gifts.

These bites are all about contrasts: the salty, slightly flaky texture of the cracker against the soft, sticky caramel; the silky snap of cooled white chocolate; and the visual pop of holiday sprinkles. I discovered this combination while improvising with pantry staples during a busy December week, and the technique is forgiving — even beginners get great results. If you like sweet-salty combinations and want a make-ahead treat that travels well, these will be a staple in your holiday repertoire.

Ingredients

• Ritz crackers (24): Choose the classic salted round crackers for the best balance of flaky crunch and savory lift. I use Nabisco Ritz original; their size and salt level are perfect for sandwiching caramel.
• Caramel sauce, 1/2 cup: Use a thick, pourable sauce or melt individually wrapped caramels. I like Trader Joe’s Caramel Sauce or a pouch of Kraft caramels melted with a splash of cream — the caramel provides the gooey center.
• White chocolate chips, 1 cup: Use good-quality chips or white candy melts. Ghirardelli or Nestle Toll House work well; candy melts give a smoother finish but chips taste richer.
• Vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon: Adds shine and thins the coating slightly, making dipping easier and preventing the chocolate from seizing.
• Red, white, and green sprinkles: Festive decorations — choose nonpareils or jimmies depending on the texture you want. Keep them nearby for immediate sprinkling.
• Parchment paper: Essential for easy removal and clean presentation.

Instructions

Prepare your workspace: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set near your microwave or double boiler. Arrange 12 Ritz crackers on the sheet ready to receive caramel. This speeds assembly and prevents melted chocolate from hardening before you add sprinkles. Assemble sandwiches: Place a dollop (about 1 teaspoon) of caramel sauce in the center of 12 crackers, leaving a small edge so caramel doesn’t squeeze out. Top each with a second cracker, pressing gently to spread the caramel evenly but not so hard that it squeezes out the sides. If the caramel is very runny, chill for 10 minutes before sandwiching to reduce oozing. Melt the coating: Combine 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20–30 second bursts, stirring thoroughly between each interval, until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Alternatively, use a double boiler: place a heatproof bowl over simmering water and stir until melted. Avoid overheating — white chocolate scorches easily. Dip each sandwich: Using a fork, gently lower each caramel sandwich into the melted white chocolate, turning to coat fully. Tap the fork on the bowl edge to let excess glaze drip back, then transfer to the parchment-lined sheet. Work quickly so the coating is wet enough to hold sprinkles. Decorate while wet: Immediately sprinkle red, white, and green decorations over the wet coating. The chocolate sets quickly, so have sprinkles in a shallow dish for easy access. If you prefer neat edges, use a small offset spatula to nudge stray sprinkles back before the chocolate sets. Set and store: Let the cookies set at room temperature for 20–30 minutes until the coating firms. For faster results, refrigerate the tray for 10–15 minutes. Once set, store in an airtight container between layers of parchment for up to five days at room temperature or two weeks refrigerated.

Storage Tips

Store the sandwiches in a single layer or with parchment between layers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate for up to two weeks — the coating will lose some sheen but remain delicious. For longer storage, freeze fully set cookies in a single layer on a tray for one hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe container separated by parchment; they keep well for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for 30–60 minutes before serving to restore texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap white chocolate chips for milk or dark chocolate for a richer coating — if using dark chocolate, add 1 teaspoon neutral oil to improve gloss. Use soft caramels (unwrapped and melted with 1 teaspoon water or cream) if you don’t have caramel sauce. For a gluten-free version, choose a certified gluten-free buttery cracker; note the flavor will shift slightly. Vegan options: use dairy-free white coating (candy melts labeled vegan) and vegan caramel alternatives, though texture will vary.

Serving Suggestions

Serve on a holiday platter alongside spiced nuts and mini gingerbread for a festive dessert spread. They pair nicely with hot beverages like mulled cider, espresso, or a simple black tea. For gatherings, stack on tiered trays or wrap in clear cellophane with a ribbon for individual favors. Garnish with extra sprinkles or a light drizzle of contrasting chocolate for an elevated presentation.

Cultural Background

These little sandwiches are an American-style holiday confection that riffs on the classic combination of sweet and salty — a trend that became popular in recent decades with the rise of salted caramel and creative cookie bars. They borrow the idea of a sandwich cookie and combine it with candy-dipped confections often seen at holiday markets. The assembly-line nature of these treats also reflects a longstanding tradition of community baking during the holidays.

Seasonal Adaptations

Change sprinkles to match any season — pastels for spring, orange and brown for fall, or hearts for Valentine’s Day. Swap white chocolate for colored candy melts to create themed colors. For a winter twist, add a light dusting of finely chopped toasted nuts or crushed peppermint candy immediately after dipping for extra texture and seasonal flavor.

Meal Prep Tips

Make multiple trays in one session: assemble sandwiches, chill briefly to firm the caramel, then dip in batches. Keep the melted coating warm over a double boiler or reheat in short microwave bursts if it thickens. Package finished cookies by the dozen in airtight containers or small boxes for gifting. Label with the date and a short serving suggestion like "bring to room temperature before serving for best texture."

These tiny treats are proof that simple ingredients and a little attention to timing can create something special. They’re fast to make, endlessly adaptable, and always a hit — I hope they become part of your holiday rotation as they have in mine. Happy baking and merry snacking!