This simple, no-bake treat combines two childhood favorites into one irresistible snack: buttery Ritz crackers and cool peppermint chocolate. I first made this for an impromptu holiday cookie swap the year I wanted something quick, portable, and unexpectedly elegant. The crunchy, slightly salty cracker creates the perfect foil for the glossy semi-sweet coating and the bright crunch of crushed candy cane. It tastes like a Thin Mint on a cracker and disappears within minutes whenever I bring a tray to a party.

I discovered this combination while cleaning out the pantry and realizing a sleeve of Ritz crackers, a bar of chocolate, and a forgotten candy cane could become something special. The technique is forgiving: gently tempering is not required, but taking care to keep the chocolate smooth and warm will give you an even coating and a shiny finish. Family and friends always ask how something so simple can taste so polished; the answer is in the balance of salt, chocolate, and mint, and the little extra step of scraping off excess chocolate so each cracker has a clean, delicate edge.

Ingredients

• Semi-sweet chocolate, 8 ounces: Use a good-quality bar or chips. I like Ghirardelli or a 60 percent cacao bar for balanced sweetness. Chop the bar into even pieces so it melts smoothly.
• Peppermint extract, 1/4 teaspoon: Adds bright mint notes. Pure extract is more concentrated than imitation, so measure carefully; start with a quarter teaspoon and add a few drops more only if you want a stronger mint kick.
• Ritz crackers, 1 sleeve (36 crackers): Choose original Ritz for their buttery flavor and consistent size. Keep them in the sleeve until ready so they remain crisp during assembly.
• Candy cane, 1 (about 6 inches), crushed: Crush into coarse pieces for texture. You can use store-bought candy canes or peppermint sticks; crushed peppermint provides both color and crunch.

Instructions

Prepare the work surface:Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it nearby. Arrange a cooling rack or another sheet if you plan to work in batches. Having everything within reach prevents the chocolate from cooling too much while you dip.Melt the chocolate:In a small saucepan set over low heat, melt the 8 ounces of chopped semi-sweet chocolate, stirring frequently with a heatproof spatula. If you prefer a silkier texture, add 1 teaspoon of neutral oil or vegetable shortening. Keep the temperature gentle to avoid seizing; the chocolate should be glossy and smooth, about 115 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit if you use a thermometer.Flavor the coating:Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract. Taste carefully; peppermint extract is potent, so do not add more than a drop or two at a time. Stir until completely incorporated and the chocolate sheen returns.Dip the crackers:Using tongs or a fork, dip each Ritz cracker into the melted chocolate, turning to coat it evenly. Lift and gently scrape the underside and edge on the side of the pan to remove excess. You want a thin, even coating so the cracker stays crisp and the chocolate sets quickly.Decorate and chill:Place each coated cracker in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Working quickly before the chocolate firms, sprinkle the top with crushed candy cane. Once the sheet is filled, refrigerate for 30 minutes or until the chocolate is fully set and firm to the touch.Store and serve:Allow the crackers to come back to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best snap. Store leftover pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.

Storage Tips

Store cooled pieces in a single layer or separated by parchment to avoid sticking in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container separated by parchment; they will keep up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before serving to avoid condensation that softens the chocolate. If room temperature is warm, keep them chilled and bring to the table in a covered dish to prevent melting.

Ingredient Substitutions

For different flavor profiles, swap semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate (at least 70 percent) for a richer, less sweet finished bite. If you prefer a milkier profile, use milk chocolate but reduce added peppermint to 1/8 teaspoon. For a gluten-free option, choose a sturdy gluten-free buttery cracker instead of Ritz; note that the texture will change slightly. You can replace crushed candy cane with finely chopped Andes mints or a dusting of cocoa powder for a quieter presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Present these as part of a dessert platter alongside shortbread, small fruit tarts, and spiced nuts. Garnish the platter with fresh mint sprigs and a small bowl of extra crushed peppermint for guests who want more. They make excellent cocktail snacks paired with coffee or a peppermint martini and are charming additions to cookie gift boxes when layered with parchment. For a kid-friendly dessert table, place them on a brightly colored tray and let children pick their favorite pieces.

Seasonal Adaptations

In winter, highlight peppermint by adding a light drizzle of white chocolate over the top before sprinkling candy. For spring, swap the peppermint for a few drops of orange extract and use orange candy pieces. Around Halloween, use crushed peppermint with a touch of cinnamon and orange-colored sprinkles for a festive twist. Summer gatherings benefit from a cooler presentation; keep refrigerated and serve with chilled fruit to balance the sweet and minty flavors.

Success Stories

I remember gifting a box of these to a neighbor who had just had a baby; she told me it was the first sweet treat she’d truly enjoyed since delivery because it felt indulgent but was portion-controlled. At a neighborhood potluck one snowy evening, a tray of these became a favorite for adults and children alike. One friend recreated the concept with dark chocolate and pistachio dust, calling it their new dinner party signature. Those small moments of joy and sharing are why I keep this recipe in my holiday rotation.

Meal Prep Tips

Make several batches ahead of time and freeze them between layers of parchment, then pull only what you need for a party. Prepare the chocolate and crushed candy separately and dip quickly when guests arrive to keep textures perfect. Use a shallow bowl for dipping and a fork with prongs close together to make removal and scraping easier. Label containers with the date and flavor notes if you experiment with variations so you can reproduce favorites later.

These cracker treats are a reminder that great snacks do not require hours in the kitchen. Crisp, minty, and chocolatey, they are a joyful small bite to share. Try them once and you may find yourself keeping a sleeve of crackers and a chocolate bar on hand for spontaneous celebrations.