Christmas Crack

Christmas Crack is the ultimate holiday treat—sweet, salty, buttery, and dangerously addictive. Made with just five simple ingredients, this saltine cracker candy transforms into something magical in under 15 minutes. With a layer of crisp toffee, a blanket of rich melted chocolate, and your favorite festive toppings, it’s no wonder this easy dessert gets its name. Whether you’re filling a cookie tray, gifting homemade goodies, or simply feeding your sweet tooth, Christmas Crack is always the first to disappear.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

this recipe

• Quick & easy: Done in 15 minutes with pantry staples
• Crowd-pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike
• Make-ahead friendly: Keeps well in the fridge or freezer
• Endlessly customizable: Use your favorite toppings
• Budget-friendly: No fancy tools or ingredients needed

Ingredients

• 35–40 saltine crackers
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1½ cups chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
• 1½ cups toppings (chopped pecans, pretzels, M&Ms, crushed candy canes, etc.)

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare
   Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet (15×10 inches) with parchment paper or foil. Arrange saltine crackers in a single layer, edge to edge.
2. Make the Toffee
   In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar. Stir constantly. Once boiling, let it bubble for 2–3 minutes until thick and glossy.
3. Pour & Bake
   Immediately pour the hot toffee over the crackers, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 5 minutes until bubbling and set.
4. Melt the Chocolate
   Remove from oven. Sprinkle chocolate chips over hot toffee. Let sit 2 minutes to melt, then spread evenly with a spatula.
5. Add Toppings
   While chocolate is soft, sprinkle on your favorite toppings. Gently press them in with a spatula so they stick.
6. Cool & Break Apart
   Allow candy to cool completely—about 15–20 minutes in the fridge. Once firm, break or cut into pieces and enjoy!

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes (plus cooling)
• Yield: 12 servings
• Difficulty: Easy

Nutrition Facts (per serving, estimated)

• Calories: 373
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Sugar: 26g
• Sodium: 275mg

Nutrition values will vary depending on toppings.

Tips & Variations

• No candy thermometer? No problem—just boil the toffee for 2–3 minutes and watch for thick bubbling.
• Use different crackers: Ritz or graham crackers work in a pinch.
• Top it your way: Try crushed Oreos, toasted coconut, sea salt, toffee bits, or Reese’s pieces.
• Gift it: Package in festive tins or bags for easy holiday gifts.
• Make ahead: Store in fridge up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Why didn’t my Christmas Crack get crunchy?
You may not have boiled the butter and sugar long enough. Be sure to boil for 2–3 minutes until the toffee thickens.

Can I use different crackers?
Yes! Try graham crackers or buttery round crackers like Ritz for a different flavor and texture.

Why did the chocolate separate from the toffee layer?
Make sure to press the toppings into the melted chocolate and let the candy fully cool before breaking.

How do I keep it from sticking?
Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. Avoid using just foil without a coating.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips for a plant-based version.

Christmas Crack

This 15-minute Christmas Crack candy is salty, sweet, and addictive. Made with crackers, toffee, and chocolate—it’s the ultimate no-fuss holiday treat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 374

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• – 35–40 saltine crackers
• – 1 cup unsalted butter
• – 1 cup packed brown sugar
• – 1½ cups chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
• – 1½ cups toppings nuts, crushed candy, pretzels, etc.

Equipment

• – Rimmed baking sheet
• Saucepan
• Spatula
• – Parchment or foil

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil. Lay out crackers in a single layer.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and sugar. Bring to boil and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Pour toffee over crackers and spread evenly. Bake for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from oven, sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Let sit 2 minutes, then spread the melted chocolate.
5. Top with nuts, candy, or crushed cookies. Press lightly.
6. Chill until set. Break into pieces and serve.

Notes

– Boil the toffee fully or it won’t set
– Add sea salt for a sweet-savory twist
– Keeps in fridge for 1 week or freezer for 3 months

Conclusion

Christmas Crack is more than just a holiday snack—it’s a tradition. Fast, foolproof, and festive, this sweet-and-salty treat is the perfect addition to your cookie platter, dessert table, or edible gift list. With endless topping options and a crave-worthy crunch, this is one recipe you’ll come back to year after year. Make a batch (or two!) and watch it disappear faster than Santa on Christmas Eve.