Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Absolutely, but reduce the extra kosher salt in the dough or topping to avoid them getting overly salty. Unsalted gives you more control, but you can make it work!

Do I have to chill the dough?

Chilling is key for texture. It relaxes the gluten so the crackers aren’t tough, and helps the butter create those signature flaky layers. Don’t skip it—even just 1 hour makes all the difference.

Can I use a food processor to make the dough?

Definitely! Pulse the dry ingredients and butter until crumbly, add liquids, and pulse again until just combined. Just don’t overwork it—stop as soon as it clumps together.

My crackers turned out soft—what went wrong?

If they’re soft, they may have been rolled a bit thick, or needed another minute or two in the oven. Cool completely on a rack to crisp up fully. You can also pop them back in the oven for a few minutes if you need to firm them up.

Homemade Ritz Crackers Recipe

Name: Homemade Ritz Crackers Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 4 tablespoons water; 2 tablespoons unsalted cold butter, cubed; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); Kosher salt, for garnish

Enjoy the irresistible taste of classic Ritz crackers—warm, buttery, and just the right bite of crisp—in your own kitchen! These Homemade Ritz Crackers are beyond easy to whip up and come together in no time, making them ideal for savoring freshly baked, melt-in-your-mouth snacks even on your busiest weeknights. Why settle for store-bought when you can create real-deal, golden-brown crackers with simple pantry staples? This recipe brings you a fun, fast, and foolproof way to add a big burst of flavor and homemade goodness to any cheese board, lunchbox, or quick snack moment.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Simple: No fancy tools, no endless waiting—just mix, chill, roll, and bake.
Pure Homemade Goodness: Expect a tender crunch with a subtle buttery flavor that simply can’t be matched by anything prepackaged.
Customizable: It’s a perfect canvas for your favorite herbs, cheeses, or seeds, letting you experiment every time you bake.
Snack Perfection, Anytime: This recipe yields a generous batch that you can store or pack up for lunchboxes and after-school nibbles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of your crackers, ensuring a classic texture.
Baking Powder: Adds the gentle lift and light crispness Ritz crackers are famous for.
Sugar: Just a touch, perfectly balances the buttery flavor.
Kosher Salt: Brings out every other ingredient’s best qualities; be sure to sprinkle a little on top before baking for that signature finish.
Cold Unsalted Butter: Key for flakiness! Cold cubes create those tender layers—absolutely don’t skip or swap for margarine.
Vegetable Oil: Makes the dough supple, ensuring each cracker stays nice and crisp.
Water: Pulls the dough together; use cold water for that light, flaky texture.
Egg (beaten): For that glossy finish and helping the salt stick—extra inviting.
Kosher Salt (for garnish): That final salty sparkle on top is non-negotiable for classic Ritz flavor.

Tip: Keep your butter and water cold! That’s the trick to crackers that flake and crunch.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Taking these crackers in fun new directions is half the fun. Here are some easy ideas:

Cheesy Ritz: Add a handful of finely grated sharp cheddar to the dough for cheesy joy.
Herb-Infused: Mix in dried rosemary, thyme, or chives to create a savory, aromatic touch.
Seed-Crusted: Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds atop each cracker before baking.
Whole Wheat: Swap half the flour for whole wheat for a heartier, nutty cracker.
Spicy Kick: Dust with smoked paprika or cayenne before baking for an addictive, spicy snack.

How to Make Homemade Ritz Crackers

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt so every bite is full of perfect flavor.

Step 2: Incorporate the Butter

Using your fingertips, work the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. You want pea-sized crumbles—this is what makes every cracker beautifully flaky.

Step 3: Add Oil and Water

Pour in the vegetable oil, blending gently, then stir in the cold water. Mix until it comes together as a soft, slightly sticky dough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough tightly in plastic and let it rest in the fridge for at least one hour. This quick chill is crucial for flakiness and easy rolling.

Step 5: Roll and Cut

Dust your surface with a bit of flour. Cut the chilled dough in half, rolling one piece at a time (keep the other cold!). Roll to an even, thin sheet—think 1/8-inch—then use a biscuit cutter to stamp out rounds.

Step 6: Prep and Bake

Place the rounds onto parchment-lined trays. Brush each with the beaten egg for a gorgeous sheen, then give them a pinch of kosher salt on top.

Step 7: Bake to Golden

Bake in a 400ºF oven for about 10 minutes, or until each cracker is golden. They crisp up more as they cool, so don’t worry if they’re slightly soft when they come out.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let crackers cool a few minutes, then transfer to a rack so they stay crisp. Enjoy warm or at room temp!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use cold ingredients for maximum flakiness: Really, keep that butter as cold as possible.
Don’t roll too thick: thin dough equals irresistible crunch.
For even color: rotate your sheet trays halfway through baking.
If you want perfectly uniform crackers: prick each with a fork before baking.

How to Serve

These crackers are a snacker’s dream and pair with nearly everything:

Classic Pairings: Serve with your favorite cheeses, creamy dips, or pimento cheese spread.
Soup Sidekick: Add a handful to a bowl of tomato or chicken noodle soup—the buttery crunch transforms every spoonful.
Snack Attack: Pop them in lunchboxes or grab a few for an afternoon snack, straight from the jar.
Party-Ready: Lay them out with cured meats, pickles, and a dollop of mustard for an instant, crowd-pleasing appetizer plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your homemade Ritz crackers fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp and delicious for up to 1 week.

Freezing

Want to keep some for later? Freeze the unbaked dough (well wrapped) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling and baking.

Reheating

Crackers a bit soft? Recrisp on a tray in a 325ºF oven for just a few minutes—they’ll taste freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Absolutely, but reduce the extra kosher salt in the dough or topping to avoid them getting overly salty. Unsalted gives you more control, but you can make it work!
Do I have to chill the dough?

Chilling is key for texture. It relaxes the gluten so the crackers aren’t tough, and helps the butter create those signature flaky layers. Don’t skip it—even just 1 hour makes all the difference.
Can I use a food processor to make the dough?

Definitely! Pulse the dry ingredients and butter until crumbly, add liquids, and pulse again until just combined. Just don’t overwork it—stop as soon as it clumps together.
My crackers turned out soft—what went wrong?

If they’re soft, they may have been rolled a bit thick, or needed another minute or two in the oven. Cool completely on a rack to crisp up fully. You can also pop them back in the oven for a few minutes if you need to firm them up.

Final Thoughts

Making Homemade Ritz Crackers is all about bringing a simple, classic comfort food to life in your kitchen with next to no fuss. The step-by-step process is a total breeze, and you might be surprised just how quickly these melt-in-your-mouth, golden snacks disappear from the table. Whether you’re baking them for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite you’ll reach for again and again. Give it a try and enjoy the unbeatable taste of homemade—you deserve it!