Short Description
Christmas Crack is a simple and addictive holiday treat made with buttery toffee, crunchy crackers, rich chocolate, and festive toppings. It’s the perfect sweet-and-salty snack for holiday parties, gifts, or just indulging at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only a few basic ingredients required
- Quick and easy to make
- Perfect for holiday gifting and snacking
- Sweet and salty flavor combination
- Customizable with different toppings
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Saltine crackers (or Ritz crackers)
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- White chocolate (optional for drizzling)
- Festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes
- Chopped nuts (optional)
- Sea salt (optional for extra flavor)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange Crackers: Lay saltine crackers in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Make Toffee: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar, stirring until it reaches a smooth, bubbly consistency (about 3-5 minutes).
- Pour & Bake: Pour the toffee mixture evenly over the crackers and bake for 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Melt Chocolate: Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Let sit for a minute, then spread evenly with a spatula.
- Decorate: Add sprinkles, crushed candy canes, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of white chocolate.
- Chill & Break: Allow to cool completely in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. Once set, break into pieces and serve!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 pieces
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Peanut Butter Twist: Swirl in melted peanut butter before adding toppings.
- Dark Chocolate Version: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer taste.
- Caramel Crunch: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce before chilling.
- Nut-Free Option: Skip the nuts and use festive sprinkles or dried fruit.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly treat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Refrigeration: Keeps fresh in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw before serving.
FAQs
Can I use different crackers?
Yes! Ritz crackers, graham crackers, or club crackers all work well.
How do I prevent the toffee from burning?
Stir continuously and cook over medium heat until bubbly but not darkened.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It stores well for a week, making it a great make-ahead treat.
What’s the best way to break the pieces?
Use your hands or a sharp knife for more even cuts.
Can I use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes! White chocolate makes a sweeter version of this treat.
How do I get a smooth chocolate layer?
Let the chocolate sit on the hot toffee for a minute before spreading.
Can I add mix-ins to the chocolate layer?
Absolutely! Try shredded coconut, crushed pretzels, or dried fruit.
Do I need a candy thermometer?
No! Just ensure the toffee mixture is bubbly and smooth before pouring.
How do I make it extra crunchy?
Let the toffee cook an extra minute to thicken slightly.
Can I give this as a holiday gift?
Yes! Package in festive tins or bags for a perfect homemade gift.
Conclusion
Christmas Crack is the ultimate holiday treat—simple, delicious, and completely addictive! Whether you’re making it for a party, gifting to loved ones, or enjoying a sweet moment to yourself, this festive treat is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Christmas Crack Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: About 20 pieces 1x
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Christmas Crack is an irresistible holiday treat made with buttery toffee, crispy crackers, and a rich chocolate topping. It’s super easy to make and perfect for gifting, cookie exchanges, or snacking during the holidays. Add festive sprinkles or nuts for extra crunch!
Ingredients
- 40 saltine crackers (or Ritz crackers)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans, crushed candy canes, or holiday sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a rimmed baking sheet (10×15-inch) with parchment paper or aluminum foil and lightly grease it.
- Arrange crackers in a single layer to fully cover the pan.
- Make the Toffee:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar, stirring constantly.
- Once it begins to boil, let it bubble for 3-4 minutes without stirring.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and salt, then immediately pour over the crackers. Spread evenly with a spatula.
- Bake & Add Chocolate:
- Bake for 5 minutes, or until the toffee is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Let sit for 5 minutes, then spread melted chocolate evenly.
- Decorate & Chill:
- Sprinkle with nuts, crushed candy canes, or holiday sprinkles.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until completely set.
- Break & Serve:
- Once firm, break into pieces and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Cracker Options: Try using graham crackers, pretzels, or Ritz for a different flavor.
- Extra Toppings: Add white chocolate drizzle or sea salt for extra flavor!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: About 20 pieces
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Keywords: Christmas Crack, Saltine Toffee, Holiday Candy, Easy Christmas Treats, Chocolate Toffee
- Nutrition (Per Piece)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Nutrition
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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