Ritz Churro Bites
Ritz Churro Bites are a quick, crunchy, and irresistibly sweet snack combining the buttery flakiness of Ritz crackers with the warm cinnamon sugar coating inspired by classic churros. Ready in under 20 minutes and made from pantry staples, these bites are perfect for a family-friendly treat, parties, or an indulgent movie night snack.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 18-20 minutes
- Yield: About 30 churro bites 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free crackers)
Main Ingredients
- 1 sleeve (about 30 crackers) Ritz crackers
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (plus a pinch extra for cinnamon sugar mix)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather your Ritz crackers, ground cinnamon, granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This mixture will provide the warm and sweet churro-inspired coating.
- Coat the Ritz Crackers: Place the Ritz crackers in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the melted butter and vanilla extract over the crackers, then gently toss to coat them evenly without breaking the crackers.
- Toss With Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture onto the butter-coated crackers and gently toss until each cracker is thoroughly coated with the cinnamon sugar blend.
- Bake the Bites: Spread the coated crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the crackers are crispy, golden, and the sugar has lightly caramelized.
- Cool and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and allow the Ritz Churro Bites to cool completely on the baking sheet to let the coating harden and become extra crunchy. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a large mixing bowl to ensure even coating without breaking the crackers.
- Do not overbake; keep a close watch to avoid burnt sugar or drying out the bites.
- Use fresh, high-quality cinnamon for the best authentic churro flavor.
- Bake on parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- For an even crispier texture, air fry at 325°F for 5-7 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Substitute vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.
- Try variations like chocolate drizzle, cayenne pepper for spice, or maple syrup instead of vanilla extract for different flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ounce (about 8-10 pieces)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: churro bites, ritz crackers snack, cinnamon sugar crackers, quick snack, cinnamon sugar treats, easy party snack, crunchy sweet bites