If you’re looking for a festive treat that combines salty, sweet, buttery, and chocolaty flavors, then this Christmas Crack (Cracker Toffee) Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a wonderfully addictive snack that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply treating yourself. Crunchy saltine crackers form the base, smothered in a buttery, caramelized toffee layer, then topped with a luscious spread of melted chocolate and colorful sprinkles. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that screams holiday cheer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Christmas Crack (Cracker Toffee) Recipe uses surprisingly simple ingredients that come together effortlessly but make a memorable impact. Each item is essential: from the humble saltines providing that satisfying crunch, to the butter and brown sugar creating the luscious toffee coating, and finally, the chocolate chips and sprinkles adding the perfect finish of sweetness and festive flair.
- Saltine Crackers: About 40 to 48 crackers make the crunchy, salty foundation for this toffee.
- Butter: One cup (two sticks) of either salted or unsalted butter melts into the sugar to create that rich toffee flavor.
- Brown Sugar: One cup packed of dark brown sugar gives the toffee its deep caramel color and complexity.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Two cups melt beautifully atop the toffee, but milk or white chocolate works great too.
- Sprinkles or Candy Decorations: Half a cup adds the perfect colorful festive touch and extra sweetness.
How to Make Christmas Crack (Cracker Toffee) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Crackers
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a rimmed 15 by 10 inch sheet pan with parchment paper or foil sprayed with cooking spray, or use a nonstick silicone mat. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single even layer, filling any gaps with small broken pieces to ensure a solid crust to hold the toffee.
Step 2: Make the Toffee Base
In a medium pot over medium-low heat, combine the butter and brown sugar. Stir occasionally as the mixture melts and then reaches a rolling boil. Let it cook for about 3 minutes while bubbling and darkening to an amber hue. This caramelization is the magic behind the toffee’s deep flavor. Once ready, carefully pour the hot toffee evenly over the layer of crackers. Work fast with a spatula to spread it across all the crackers.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pop the tray into the oven for 3 to 5 minutes until the toffee layer starts to bubble. This baking step helps the sugar fully meld with the butter and saturate the crackers perfectly.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Layer
Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. Let them sit for a minute or two to begin melting. Then, use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the toffee. If the chocolate doesn’t soften easily, return the pan to the oven for another 1-2 minutes. This silky layer is what takes Christmas Crack to the next level.
Step 5: Decorate and Cool
Sprinkle your choice of colorful sprinkles, crushed candy canes, M&Ms, or other festive candies over the still-warm chocolate. Let the whole pan cool completely at room temperature, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour so the chocolate hardens and the toffee crisps up.
Step 6: Break into Pieces and Enjoy
Once cooled, flip the tray over to lift the entire toffee slab off the parchment or foil. Peel away the paper and then crack or cut the toffee into bite-sized pieces. You’re ready to enjoy this addictive treat that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Christmas Crack (Cracker Toffee) Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sprinkles or crushed candy on top isn’t just for looks — it enhances the crunch and brings a festive visual punch. You can also dust with a little sea salt or drizzle with white chocolate for extra contrast if you want to get fancy.
Side Dishes
Christmas Crack pairs wonderfully with warm drinks like rich hot cocoa or robust coffee, making the perfect cozy snack during holiday parties. It’s also delightful alongside a simple cheese plate for an unexpected sweet touch.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or entertaining, stack pieces in a clear jar tied with a ribbon, or arrange them on a festive platter alongside other holiday cookies and treats. Individual paper cupcake liners can hold single pieces for easy grab-and-go snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any Christmas Crack leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Either method keeps the toffee crisp and the chocolate fresh for up to two weeks, perfect for enjoying throughout the season.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Christmas Crack by wrapping pieces tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving. The texture holds up remarkably well even after freezing.
Reheating
This treat is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. However, if you want softer chocolate, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave can soften the toffee slightly without melting it entirely.
FAQs
Can I use different types of crackers?
While saltine crackers are traditional because of their light saltiness and crisp texture, you can experiment with other thin crackers. Just be aware that thicker or flavored crackers might change the final texture and taste balance.
What type of chocolate works best for this recipe?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are the classic choice, but feel free to swap them with milk, dark, or white chocolate depending on your preference. Mixing different chocolates can create a unique flavor and colorful appearance as well.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
If you find gluten-free saltine-style crackers, they can be used to make this treat gluten-free. Just ensure all other ingredients you use, especially sprinkles or chocolate chips, are gluten-free certified.
How long does it take for the toffee to harden properly?
It usually takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour at room temperature or in the fridge for the toffee and chocolate layers to fully set and harden, so be patient to get that perfect crack when you break it apart.
Is this recipe suitable for making ahead of a party?
Yes! Christmas Crack keeps well stored in an airtight container for at least two weeks, making it an excellent make-ahead treat for holiday gatherings or gifting.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Crack (Cracker Toffee) Recipe is one of those glorious sweets that’s so simple to make yet utterly irresistible. It brings together such wonderful flavors and textures that once you’ve tried it, you’ll want to make it every holiday season. So go ahead, whip up a batch, share with friends and family, and create warm memories over this crunchy, buttery delight!
Print
Christmas Crack (Cracker Toffee) Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 48 servings 1x
Description
Christmas Crack, also known as Cracker Toffee, is a delightful holiday treat featuring a crunchy saltine cracker base topped with a rich butter and brown sugar toffee layer, melted chocolate, and festive sprinkles or candies. This easy-to-make dessert combines sweet, salty, and chocolatey flavors for a crowd-pleasing snack perfect for Christmas celebrations and gift-giving.
Ingredients
Cracker Base
- 40–48 saltine crackers (about 1 1/2 sleeves)
Toffee Layer
- 1 cup butter (salted or unsalted, 2 sticks)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed, dark brown sugar preferred)
Topping
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips, white chocolate, or combination)
- ½ cup sprinkles (or M&M’s, crushed candy canes, or other decorative candies)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) to prepare for baking the toffee.
- Prepare Pan: Line a rimmed 15″×10″ sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil sprayed with cooking spray. Alternatively, use a nonstick silicone baking mat to ensure easy removal of the toffee later.
- Arrange Crackers: Place the saltine crackers in a single, even layer on the bottom of the tray. Break a few crackers if necessary to fill gaps and cover the entire surface.
- Make Toffee: In a medium pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter and add the packed dark brown sugar. Stir occasionally and bring to a rolling boil. Continue boiling and stirring for 3 minutes until the mixture bubbles and turns an amber color. For precision, a candy thermometer should read between 270℉ and 290℉. Remove from heat immediately.
- Pour Toffee: Carefully pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the saltine crackers. Use a spatula to spread quickly and ensure all crackers are coated.
- Bake Toffee: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 3-5 minutes until the toffee starts bubbling.
- Add Chocolate: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately scatter chocolate chips across the toffee layer. Let sit for 1-2 minutes to soften, then spread the melted chocolate evenly with a spatula. If the chocolate isn’t melting smoothly, return the pan to the oven for 1-2 more minutes and then spread.
- Add Sprinkles: While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle your choice of sprinkles, crushed candy canes, M&M’s, or other candies evenly on top.
- Cool and Set: Allow the toffee to cool completely at room temperature, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour until fully hardened.
- Break and Serve: Once set, flip the tray over onto a surface and peel off the parchment or foil. Use your hands to crack the toffee into pieces or cut with a sharp knife. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use dark brown sugar for a richer, deeper caramel flavor.
- If you prefer a less sweet or lighter toffee, use unsalted butter to better control salt levels.
- Ensure the toffee is fully hardened before breaking to achieve clean pieces.
- For easy cleanup, use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate to maintain freshness.
- Be cautious when working with hot toffee; it can cause burns.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
