Spooktacular Halloween Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies – 12 Creative Ways!

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Antoni Recipes Team

As the crisp autumn breeze dances through the air and leaves begin to paint the ground in fiery hues, it s the perfect time to stir up some spooky fun in the kitchen! Halloween is more than just costumes and candy; it s a celebration that beckons creativity and playful delights. That s why I couldn t resist sharing my all-time favorite treat: Halloween Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies.

With a crunchy exterior hugging a creamy peanut butter center, these no-bake wonders are not just delicious they re a canvas for your imagination! Whether you re designing adorable mummies, cheeky ghosts, or spooky bats, each cookie becomes a festive masterpiece that your kids (and their friends!) will absolutely adore.

Easy to whip up and perfect for parties or cozy family nights, these cookies promise to elevate your Halloween festivities. Get ready to unleash your inner artist as we dive into twelve whimsical designs that will enchant everyone at your table!

Why You ll Love These Halloween Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies

Unleash creativity: Dive into a realm of spooky delight with these cookies that are more than just a treat they re a canvas for your imagination!
No-bake convenience: These cookies come together quickly with minimal effort perfect for busy parents and last-minute gatherings.
Crowd-pleaser: Both kids and adults will be enchanted by the whimsical designs and the irresistible peanut butter flavor.
Versatile designs: From mummies to vampires, each cookie can showcase your artistic flair, making them great for themed parties.
Fun family activity: Gather everyone in the kitchen for a delightful bonding experience that s festive and enjoyable for all ages!

Halloween Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookies
Peanut Butter Ritz Crackers They form the delightful base of our treats, or swap for Oreos for a different flavor twist.
Chocolate Almond Bark or Dark Chocolate Candy Melts This sweet layer provides the perfect coating; consider using colored candy melts for a fun look.
Shortening (2 teaspoons) Helps to thin the chocolate for an easier coating; it s optional, but it yields a smoother finish.

For the Decorations
Candy Decorations (e.g., jelly beans, M&Ms, candy eyes, writing gels) These beauties enhance the spooky designs, so choose Halloween colors for those special touches.
Black Licorice Ideal for creating spider legs, but feel free to substitute with other candies or leave it out.
Tootsie Rolls Perfect for Dracula s hair or other creative designs; other similar candies work well too!

These Halloween Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies are ready to be transformed into festive masterpieces, so gather your ingredients and let the spooky fun begin!

How to Make Halloween Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies

1. Prepare Coating: Melt chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds, stirring until smooth. If using shortening, mix it in to achieve a silky consistency.
2. Dip Cookies: Grab a fork and dip each Ritz sandwich into the melted coating, ensuring it s fully covered. Gently shake off excess chocolate back into the bowl for a clean look.
3. Set & Decorate: Place the dipped cookies on a lined baking sheet. While the coating is still wet, quickly add your candy decorations to secure them in place as they set.
4. Create Designs:

• Pumpkins: Dip in orange, then add green candy for the stem.
• Mummies: Dip in white, drizzle with more white chocolate, and stick on candy eyes.
• Ghosts: Dip in white, attach eyes, and use writing gel to create cute mouth expressions.

1. Cool: Allow the cookies to set at room temperature. For quicker results, pop them into the refrigerator for about 10 minutes.

Optional: Add sprinkles or edible glitter for an extra festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Halloween Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Get ready to unleash your creativity and mix things up with these delightful treats! There are so many fun twists you can add to make each batch uniquely yours.

• Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter so everyone can enjoy these festive delights without worry.
• Colorful Coatings: Swap dark chocolate for vibrant candy melts in hues of purple, green, or orange for an extra celebratory look!
• Gluten-Free: Choose gluten-free crackers or cookies to ensure everyone, including those with dietary restrictions, can indulge happily.
• Mini Bites: Use mini crackers for smaller, bite-sized treats that are perfect for kids parties and Halloween gatherings!
• Flavor Infusion: Add a dash of vanilla or almond extract to your melted chocolate for an unexpected flavor twist that will have everyone guessing!
• Spicy Variation: For those who love a little heat, mix in a hint of cayenne pepper or chili powder into the peanut butter for a surprising kick.
• Unique Toppings: Swap traditional candy decorations for crushed pretzels, nuts, or dried fruit for interesting textures and flavors that will surprise your taste buds.
• Themed Shapes: Use cookie cutters to shape the Ritz crackers before dipping, creating festive forms like bats or ghosts for added fun!

With all these exciting variations, your Halloween Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies will never be boring each batch can be a thrilling new adventure!

What to Serve with Halloween Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies?

These whimsical treats are perfect for adding a sprinkle of fun to your Halloween gatherings.

• Spooky Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits like oranges, grapes, and slices of spooky-shaped apples adds a refreshing contrast to the cookies.
• Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate: Creamy and rich, this seasonal drink warms the soul, making it a perfect pairing for sweet cookies on a chilly evening.
• Ghoulish Veggie Platter: Crisp veggies like carrots and cucumbers served with a spooky-themed dip make for a healthy balance to the sweet indulgence.
• Caramel Apple Slices: Juicy apple slices drizzled in gooey caramel provide a deliciously sweet and crunchy counterpart to the soft peanut butter cookies.
• Halloween Themed Cupcakes: These sweet treats can enhance the festive vibe, showcasing various Halloween designs that will delight both kids and adults alike.
• Warm Cinnamon Rolls: Soft, gooey cinnamon rolls will perfectly complement the cookie s crunch, creating a delightful texture experience on your party spread.
• Child-Friendly Punch: A fruity punch with fun, colorful swirls will quench thirst and keep spirits high as guests enjoy the playful cookies.
• Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels coated in chocolate balances the sweetness of the cookies, making for an irresistible snack combination.
• Ghostly Ice Cream Sundaes: Top off your Halloween festivities with ice cream adorned with playful ghostly toppings that echo the cookie designs, creating a delightful dessert duo!

Make Ahead Options

These Halloween Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy stress-free baking in the days leading up to the festivities! You can prepare the cookie assembly (i.e., dipping the Ritz crackers in chocolate) up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and prevent melting. However, hold off on adding decorations until just before serving to maintain their vibrancy. When you re ready to showcase these treats, all you need to do is finish decorating with your favorite candy embellishments, and you ll have a delightful array of Halloween-themed cookies ready to impress!

How to Store and Freeze Halloween Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies

Room Temperature: Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week for optimal freshness.

Refrigerator: If your decorations are sticky, layer the cookies between parchment paper and keep them in the fridge for up to 1 week to maintain their look.

Freezer: You can freeze uncoated cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them and then dip in chocolate for a fresh coating.

Reheating: There s no need to reheat these cookies; enjoy them chilled or at room temperature straight from storage for the best experience with your Halloween Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies!

Expert Tips for Halloween Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies

• Prep Work: Gather all your ingredients and decorations before melting the chocolate. This ensures smooth and swift decorating without rushing.
• Dipping Technique: Use a fork to dip the cookies for an even coating. Let excess chocolate drip back into the bowl for a clean finish and avoid messy cookies.
• Creative Layouts: Plan your designs in advance to streamline decorating. Having a template in mind for your Halloween Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies makes the process more fun.
• Keep it Fresh: Decorate while the coating is still wet to ensure all candy decorations stick properly this is a common mistake to avoid!
• Storage Awareness: If using sticky decorations, store cookies in a single layer in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming a gooey mess.

Halloween Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select the right Peanut Butter Ritz Crackers?
Absolutely! When choosing Peanut Butter Ritz Crackers, look for packages without any dark spots or signs of damage. Fresh crackers should be crisp and evenly colored. If you prefer a twist in flavor, consider swapping them out for chocolate or vanilla wafer cookies for deliciously unique options!

How should I store leftover Halloween Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies?
You can store your decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If using sticky decorations, layer the cookies with parchment paper within the container to prevent sticking and preserve their festive appearance!

Can I freeze Halloween Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the uncoated cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To freeze them, simply place the cookies in a single layer with parchment paper separating each layer. When you re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and dip in melted chocolate for that freshly coated taste.

What if my chocolate coating is too thick?
Very! If your chocolate coating seems too thick, you can thin it by adding a teaspoon of shortening or vegetable oil. Just melt the chocolate again, stir in the shortening, and it should achieve a smoother consistency, making it easier to dip your cookies.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Absolutely! When making these Halloween Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies, consider any known allergies such as peanuts or gluten. You can substitute the Ritz with gluten-free cookies for those with gluten intolerance, and use nut-free alternatives for anyone allergic to peanuts. Always check ingredient labels for any hidden allergens!

Can I customize the decorations for different dietary needs?
Definitely! For a healthier option, you can choose dried fruit or dark chocolate candies instead of traditional decorations. For a nut-free treat, swap peanut butter for a seed butter like sunflower seed spread. Customize decorations according to personal preference while keeping it festive!