Name: Christmas Ornament Shaped Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz Vanilla Almond Bark; 30 Ritz Crackers (approximately); 1/2 cup Peanut Butter (approximately); 15 Miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, cut in half; Variety of colored sanding sugars or candies to decorate

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Introduction

These Christmas Ornament Shaped Cookies are a festive and fun treat perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining crunchy Ritz crackers, creamy peanut butter, and smooth vanilla almond bark, they’re easy to make and delightful to eat. Decorate them with colorful sanding sugars or candies for a cheerful touch.

A tray lined with white parchment paper holds several round treats, each made of a bottom layer of a brown cup-shaped candy resembling a peanut butter cup, topped with a thick white coating that spreads unevenly around the edges. Each treat is sprinkled on top with colorful fine sugar: red, gold, or green, adding a festive touch. A woman's hand is sprinkling gold sugar over one treat. The tray sits on a white marbled textured countertop, near two decorative snowmen figures, one wearing a red and beige striped scarf and hat, and the other dressed in a green jacket with red mittens and a black top hat. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz Vanilla Almond Bark
30 Ritz Crackers, approximately

1/2 Cup Peanut Butter, approximately
15 Miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, cut in half

Variety of colored sanding sugars or candies to decorate

Instructions

Step 1: Melt the vanilla almond bark according to the package directions, stirring until smooth.

Step 2: Spread about one teaspoon of peanut butter on one cracker, then place another cracker on top to make a sandwich.
Step 3: Dip or spoon the melted almond bark over each peanut butter sandwich, ensuring it is fully covered, and transfer them to a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Quickly press one half of a miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup into the top of each coated sandwich, allowing it to stick to the almond bark.

Step 5: Sprinkle with colored sanding sugars or decorate with candies as desired before the almond bark hardens.
Step 6: Let the cookies cool completely until the almond bark hardens, then transfer to a serving plate or storage container.

Tips & Variations

For a different flavor, try using milk or dark chocolate almond bark instead of vanilla.

Substitute the peanut butter cups with mini chocolate candies or festive sprinkles for variety.
Chilling the coated cookies briefly can speed up the hardening process.
If you prefer less sweetness, use reduced-fat peanut butter or a natural variety.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If your kitchen is warm, keep them in the refrigerator to prevent the almond bark from melting. Before serving, let refrigerated cookies sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.

How to Serve

A white plate filled with several sandwich cookies dipped in white coating, topped with red, green, and gold sugar sprinkles, arranged in layers covering the plate. Among the cookies are small chocolate peanut butter cups, some whole and some cut in half, scattered on top and around the cookies. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with red, shiny decorative poinsettias and two snowman figurines in the background, one wearing a red and beige striped hat and scarf, and the other a black top hat and green jacket, adding a festive holiday feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of crackers for this recipe?

Yes, while Ritz crackers are recommended for their buttery flavor and texture, you can substitute with similar buttery or salted crackers that hold up to the peanut butter and coating.

How long does it take for the almond bark to harden?

At room temperature, almond bark usually hardens within 20 to 30 minutes. To speed up the process, you can place the cookies in the refrigerator for about 10 to 15 minutes.