🍪🔥 The Ultimate Guide to Ritz Cracker Marshmallow Sandwiches
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1. Introduction
In a world full of gourmet desserts and elaborate pastries, there’s something wonderfully nostalgic and satisfying about simple snacks that bring together the best of multiple worlds: salty, sweet, crunchy, and gooey. The Ritz Cracker Marshmallow Sandwich is just that kind of snack — humble, delicious, and surprisingly versatile.
Made with just a few pantry staples, this treat combines the buttery crispness of Ritz crackers with the fluffy sweetness of marshmallows, and (optionally) the nutty creaminess of peanut butter or the decadence of chocolate. Think of it as the younger, quicker cousin of the classic s’more — no campfire required!
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2. Ingredients (For 12 Sandwiches)
You can easily scale this up or down depending on your needs.
🔹 Base Ingredients:
- 24 Ritz Crackers
- 12 Large Marshmallows
🔹 Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup Peanut Butter (or Nutella, Biscoff, almond butter)
- 12 pieces of Chocolate Squares or Chips
- Caramel Spread or Dulce de Leche (½ cup)
- Sea Salt (a pinch, optional)
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3. Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Oven or toaster oven
- Butter knife or spoon for spreading
- Oven mitts (safety first!)
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4. Methods & Instructions
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Oven Method (Best for Melting)
- Preheat Your Oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line it with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Lay Crackers: Arrange 12 Ritz crackers flat-side up.
- Add Spreads (Optional):
- Spread a thin layer of peanut butter, chocolate spread, or caramel on each cracker.
- Top with Marshmallows:
- Place one large marshmallow (or half if they’re really big) on each cracker.
- Bake:
- Place tray in oven and bake for 5–7 minutes, until marshmallows are golden and puffed.
- Top & Press:
- Remove from oven and immediately top each with another cracker.
- Gently press down to make a sandwich.
- Cool Slightly & Serve Warm.
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5. Alternative Preparation Methods
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Microwave Method
(Faster, Less Toasty)
:
- Assemble with marshmallows on crackers and microwave on a plate for 8–10 seconds.
- Watch closely — marshmallows puff up fast!
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Air Fryer Method
:
- Set to 375°F (190°C).
- Air fry for 3–4 minutes. Perfectly toasty marshmallows with little mess.
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6. History & Origin
This snack doesn’t have a formal “origin story,” but it’s rooted in American culinary traditions:
- Ritz Crackers, introduced in 1934 by Nabisco, were designed as a buttery, slightly salty snack.
- Marshmallows were originally made from the mallow plant but evolved into the sugar-based version we know today in the 1900s.
- The combination of crackers and marshmallows began trending in food blogs and Pinterest boards in the 2010s as a kitchen-friendly variation of s’mores.
Today, these are often featured in holiday trays, kids’ lunchboxes, and TikTok videos.
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7. Benefits (Yes, Even Treats Have Benefits!)
| Category | Benefit |
| Mental Boost | Sweet comfort snacks can trigger dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical. |
| Simple Ingredients | Easy to make without specialty equipment or skills. |
| Family-Friendly | Kids can help make them — fun, safe, and engaging. |
| Versatile | Easily customizable based on taste and dietary preferences. |
| Portable | Great for road trips, picnics, or lunchbox desserts. |
| Balance of Flavors | Sweet + salty = satisfaction with fewer bites. |
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8. Formation & Variations
There are many fun ways to make these your own:
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Flavor Twists
:
- Add banana slices, strawberries, or apple slices before topping.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or pumpkin spice in fall.
- Use flavored marshmallows (e.g., chocolate or strawberry).
- Drizzle with melted chocolate or white chocolate.
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Sandwich Variants
:
- Replace Ritz with graham crackers or pretzel thins.
- Make open-faced versions (no top cracker).
- Add sprinkles for party themes.
- Sandwich a chocolate bar inside before toasting.
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9. Who Loves It (The Lovers)
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Kids
:
Love the fun factor and gooey center.
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Busy Parents
:
Appreciate the low-effort, no-mess solution for dessert or snacks.
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Chocolate Lovers
:
Customize with chocolate spreads, chips, or cocoa powder.
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Home Cooks
:
A go-to quick treat when hosting.
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Party Hosts
:
Easy batch-prep for guests of all ages.
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10. Nutrition (Per Sandwich Estimate)
| Nutrient | Approximate Value |
| Calories | 130–160 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15–20 g |
| Sugars | 8–12 g |
| Fat | 6–9 g |
| Sodium | 120–180 mg |
| Protein | 1–3 g |
Note: Values will vary depending on added ingredients (peanut butter, chocolate, etc.).
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11. Conclusion
The Ritz Cracker Marshmallow Sandwich is proof that indulgence doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re introducing it to your children, reminiscing with old friends, or simply treating yourself after a long day, this snack brings joy with minimal effort. It’s versatile, nostalgic, customizable, and totally crave-worthy.
You can go classic, fancy it up, or turn it into a full dessert platter — however you serve it, these little bites are bound to be a crowd favorite.