Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats
Ingredients
Makes ~36 treats
1 (14 oz / 397 g) can sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated!)
⅓ cup (76 g) unsalted butter, cubed
⅓ cup (70 g) packed dark brown sugar (light works, but dark adds molasses depth)
3 Tbsp whole milk
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup (140 g) dry-roasted peanuts, roughly chopped (salted or unsalted—see note)
1½ to 2 sleeves (45–60) Ritz crackers (regular, not reduced-fat—fat = flavor & structure)
Optional finish: Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Base
Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment. Arrange Ritz crackers in a single layer—no overlapping. Set aside.
2. Build the Caramel
In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, butter, and brown sugar.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a heatproof spatula, 7–8 minutes—until mixture simmers and thickens slightly (it will bubble vigorously at edges). Do not walk away—burns easily.
Reduce heat to low. Whisk in milk (mixture may seize—keep stirring; it will smooth).
Stir in vanilla and peanuts. Cook 2 more minutes—until glossy, thickened, and coats the back of a spoon. It should mound slightly when dripped.
Remove from heat immediately.
3. Assemble with Care
Working quickly (caramel thickens as it cools), use a #60 cookie scoop (1 Tbsp) or spoon to portion caramel onto each cracker—centered, with a thin layer of cracker visible at edges.
Optional: Sprinkle each with a few grains of flaky sea salt.
4. Cool & Set
