Preparation Steps

• Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Place half of the Ritz crackers on the sheet with the salty side facing up.
• Spoon a generous amount of peanut butter, about 1 tablespoon, onto each cracker. Top with another cracker, salty side down to make sandwiches, and gently press them together.
• Refrigerate the assembled sandwiches for 10–15 minutes to firm up the peanut butter filling.
• In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in short bursts, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. If using, add vanilla extract and mix well.
• Once melted, dip each peanut butter sandwich into the chocolate mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Use a fork to lift it out, gently tapping to remove excess chocolate before placing it back on the baking sheet.
• Sprinkle chopped nuts or cocoa powder immediately after dipping while the chocolate is still wet. Repeat the process until all sandwiches are coated.
• Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature for about 20 minutes or refrigerate to speed up the hardening process before enjoying your cookies.