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This sweet and salty Christmas crack recipe is a simple take on classic toffee with only 4 ingredients and 15 minutes to assemble!
A Christmas Must-Make
Also known as saltine cracker toffee, this Christmas crack recipe may have an unusual name, but it’s one of our kids’ favorite holiday desserts that we have to make each year!
This candy recipe is an easy version of homemade toffee made by layering saltine crackers, a quick caramel sauce, and chocolate – just four ingredients and a few simple steps. And the result is pure Christmas magic (and SO delicious – hence the name “crack”). 😉
This holiday favorite is a great treat for parties and gatherings and an especially yummy filler for holiday cookie plates. For even more homemade goodies be sure to check out our: Butter Mints, Turtle Candy, and Homemade Toffee.
WHY WE LOVE IT:
- Simple. With a quick 10-minute prep time, these are a favorite for making ahead of time!
- Flavor. The sweet and salty combination is a perfect balance and so addicting.
- Sharing. We love breaking this saltine toffee into pieces and adding the treats to our Christmas cookie plates.
Ingredients
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
COOK TIME: 5 minutes
REST TIME: 2 hours
- 1 sleeve Saltine crackers – (about 35-40 crackers) or Ritz crackers or graham crackers
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar – We use light brown sugar but dark works too.
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips – Higher quality chocolate like Ghirardelli, will melt and set the best. Change the flavor with white chocolate chips, dark chocolate, peanut butter chips, or milk chocolate chips.
- sprinkles – Add chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or pistachios), crushed peppermints, holiday M&M’s, toffee bits, flaky sea salt, or a drizzle of white chocolate.
How to Make Christmas Crack
- PREP. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a 10×15-inch pan with aluminum foil, or parchment paper, and lightly grease.
- CRAKERS. Place 35-40 saltine crackers on the baking sheet to cover the entire pan in a single layer of crackers.
- TOFFEE. Melt 1 cup butter and 1 cup brown sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, bring it to a boil for 3 minutes while stirring constantly.
- While stirring the mixture, consistently scrape the sides otherwise the sugar will crystallize on the sides of the pan to avoid a gritty texture.
- The brown sugar mixture must boil for exactly 3 minutes. If it doesn’t boil long enough the mixture won’t set and will create soggy crackers.
- BAKE. Carefully pour the mixture over the crackers. Spread it overtop so that all of the crackers are covered. Bake in the oven for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool for 5 minutes.
- CHOCOLATE. Add 2 cups chocolate chips to a medium heatproof bowl. Microwave on medium power for 1-minute bursts, stirring between each. When the chocolate is almost melted, stir until smooth.
- Spoon the melted chocolate over the crackers, and spread it smooth to completely cover the pan. Decorate with sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
- CRACK. Let the toffee harden until the chocolate is set (at room temperature or in the fridge). Once completely hardened, remove from the pan and peel the aluminum foil off. Break or “crack” it into pieces.
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Christmas Crack Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 sleeve saltine crackers, about 35-40 crackers
- 1 cup unsalted butter, 2 sticks
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Line a 10×15-inch pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease.
- Place the saltine crackers on the cookie sheet to cover the entire pan in 1 layer of crackers.
- Melt the butter and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted, bring it to a boil for 3 minutes while stirring constantly. The brown sugar mixture must boil for exactly 3 minutes. If it doesn't boil long enough the mixture won’t set and will make the crackers soggy.
- While stirring the mixture, consistently scrape the sides otherwise the sugar will crystallize on the sides of the pan.
- Carefully pour the mixture over the crackers. Spread it overtop so that all of the crackers are covered.
- Bake in the oven for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool for 5 minutes.
- Add the chocolate to a medium heatproof bowl. Microwave on medium power for 1-minute bursts, stirring between each. When the chocolate is almost melted, stir until smooth.
- Spoon the chocolate over the crackers, and spread it smooth completely coverving the pan. Decorate with sprinkles.
- Let the toffee harden until the chocolate is set at room temperature or in the fridge.
- Once completely hardened, remove from the pan and peel the aluminum foil off. Break/"crack" it into pieces.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 days, in the fridge for 10 days, or in the freezer for 4-6 weeks. Easily make Christmas crack candy in advance and have it on hand for cookie plates or neighbor gifts.
Love, love, love this simple & delicious recipe!!
My favorite holiday dessert to make!!!
So delicious! Made it last year and it was a hit.. just made it again for the Christmas season!
I’ve had and used this recipe for years. The only difference I do is to just pour the chocolate chips on the cracker/candy base as soon as it comes out of the oven. Then spread the chocolate as it melts on the hot base. No need to cool, melt chocolate in a separate dish and then spread. Also, if it helps others, my recipe says the foil should be shiny side up to peel away better.
Thanks for sharing!!
I do the same with melting the chips. So much easier
My family loved this! So easy to make. I used non-stick foil without greasing it. The foil peeled off perfectly. Will defiantly make again.
Oops, definitely will make again!
We love Christmas Crack, I have been making this every year to give to my neighbors. I make an extra batch just for the family to enjoy!! Great sweet treat!!
This is such s simple recipe and it is so good. This is one of my favorite to.handout.
So good and so easy. Every year I ask my sister what she wants for her birthday and Christmas and she always picks this candy. It never lasts long in my house.
It was super easy to make and everyone loved it. Thank you!
Wouldn’t recommend using foil. It tears easily once the toffee sets up and you try to start breaking it apart. Maybe parchment paper instead?
Yep, parchment paper works great!
This Christmas crack is so delicious!! I love the sweet and salty flavors of it and it’s so easy to make too!
Everyone’s favorite! I like to wrap these up and give them out as small gifts for friends and my kids teachers!
This is so perfect for the holidays! Salty, sweet, crunchy, loaded with chocolate and caramel. So delicious!
Love this recipe! Family favorite. Any suggestions on how to get toffee to get under the crackers?
I’m so glad your family loves the recipe! Hmmm… I would say maybe don’t put the crackers so close to one another on the sheet pan. I don’t typically try to get the toffee under the crackers, so I’m not sure. But that’d be my best guess.
I’m not much of a candy maker but this recipe certainly is very easy to follow and make, it turned out great…I definitely will and have made it again.
So good and addicting!
Thank you for this delicious recipe. It was a big hit!
I tried your Christmas Crack recipe and my whole family loved it. It is addictive and so easy to make.
One of my favorite things! easy to make and so yummy!
I cant get it to not be grainy it’s like the sugar is not dissolving
Is the serving size 10g for one cracker square? We have a T1D in our family…just want to dose correctly ❤️
Such a delicious recipe!
This Christmas Crack is a family favorite recipe. We also enjoy it made with graham crackers. The recipe is quick, easy, and oh so good!
This heavenly Christmas treat is my families absolute favorite at Christmas time. It’s so easy to make, with minimal dishes to clean up! I’ve taken this to several holiday parties over the years and it’s always a favorite. This is a must try for a quick and easy holiday treat.
This is so delicious – Loved it
Christmas Crack is delicious! I love your recipe; it’s fail-safe/fool-proof. What could be better?!!!
So easy to make! And so good to eat! Grandkids love it!
I have not yet made this recipe but have heard how easy and good it is – on my list for this week!
Hi, I haven’t made this yet…I do I a question to you need to bake for the 5mins or is that optional? Thanks looks great.
Made this a few times it rocks, no substitutions needed …..
One of the easiest and tastiest treats. Anyone who has received this has loved it.
This looks amazing.
I’ve already made these and they were very popular with my family – and great with a glass of milk!
One of the best & easiest recipes for Christmas. U can switch it up with white chocolate morsels, too. Everyone always races over it! 😊
So yummy!!
I love this very quick and easy sweet treat. My friends and family look forward to receiving this at Christmas.
I have to say I have made this at other times during the year since is so simple for a quick tat!!❤
This was the first recipe I tried for Lil Luna and I friggin love it, it truly is “Christmas Crack”!
So easy to make and always a crowd pleaser !!!
Yum…
This stuff is so good
This stuff is amazing. Definitely on my list of homemade gifts this season
First time I made this recipe they didn’t make to the holiday…had to make two more batches! Perfect take home gift after dinner.
I’ve made this recipe 6 times just in the past week! It’s easy to make and Everyone loves it! I’m going to try with the thin pretzel crisps next. 🥰
Delicious
Looks delicious!
Had this at a friend’s house. It was delicious.
YUM!
Yummy
I made this recipe last weekend to put in gift bags, and everyone LOVED it!
Amazing!! Perfect for a holiday party! ❤
Yum!
Super easy! My 13 year old made this for us and it was yummy!
My family asks for this every year
Love how easy this is to make.
Christmas crack is a family favorite. I did see on social media of using ritz crackers but I think you can’t go wrong either way. It’s so yummy!
My family loved this! Making this Christmas! 🎄
I love the salty and sweet combo!
This would be a tasty treat! Something salty and sweet! I can use my crackers for this instead of eating them with my salad! Lol!😜
Looks so good!
Delicious treat!
I love this stuff, good & easy to make!
I am going to make these for sure. Thanks
I have been looking for easy recipes this holiday to make as give away platters.
I just made these last weekend for a holiday party at school. Everyone loved them amd asked for the recipe. I added mini M&M’s to the top and they turned out great.
This stuff is amazing! Also pretty easy to make and not a lot of ingredients. So good.
One of my favorites! So yummy 😋
I made this and my sugar mixture came out grainy
It may need to be boiled a little longer so that the sugar completely melts. Just make sure to continually stir so it doesn’t burn.
Followed the recipe and it came out perfect! I saw some comments about the chocolate chips not melting, I melted mine first in a small fondue pot and then poured them over the top – super easy. This is definitely a family favorite, thank you so much for sharing!
You’re welcome! I’m so glad that you enjoyed the recipe. It’s a favorite over here for sure!
Had to tell you I’m making it again – the third time this weekend-absolutely addictive! My son requested it for a get together with his high school friends, it was gone in no time – this is a keeper!
Oh yay!! I’m so happy to hear that! So glad your family loves the recipe. It is pretty addicting! 😉
Does it make a difference if you use a brown sugar substitute verses real brown sugar and margarine instead of real butter? Mine never thickened. I started over twice. Still couldnt get it right and I measured it properly and cooked the exact time. Ty
Made this for a New Years Eve party. It was easy to make. Thanks for the recipe.
Readers. You need to compare other real candy makers recipe to this one. I tried making this recipe 2 times. Both times it was a fail. The boiling of the sugar is key and your recipe says 5 minutes cook time. The toffee part never thickened up. I followed the instructions. So I did it again and cooked 7 minutes. Again the toffee part was better but still not thick enough. It was better but still not good enough. I’m very disappointed. It was a waste of a lot of ingredients. I do love your tortilla recipe though. Good luck y’all.
Thanks for the feedback and for giving the recipe a try. Glad to hear you enjoy the tortilla recipe!
We are going to make mine today, can’t wait to eat them!
White chocolate chips did not melt like the semi sweet. Not sure why.
Love this recipe
So easy and so delicious! We couldn’t stop eating it!
Going to try and make these this year
Make these for my kids all the time. The best!!!
This one is easy and addictive!!
Such a yummy treat and great for neighbor gifts.
Super easy, and tastes amazing!!!
A yearly must make! You will NOT be sorry!
Oh my goodness! This is FABULOUS!
This is perfect when I need a quick treat!
Have you ever tried it with Almond Bark? I am not a big fan of the milk or dark chocolate on it.
I haven’t! You’ll have to let us know how it turns out if you use the almond bark. 🙂
I used chocolate almond bark instead of the chocolate chips since I didn’t have any. They came out great!
I have made this twice and both times it tasted like old oil. First time I used spray oil and today I just used unsalted butter. Any guess as to what I’m doing wrong.
All I can say is Yummy
This stuff is so good and so easy!
Thank you!! Couldn’t agree more. 😉
to save time, when your tray comes out of oven scatter chocolate chips on top right away. Let sit for 3 or 4 minutes then spread with rubber spatula. No need to melt chocolate this way. After spreading chocolate, sprinkle crushed roasted almonds. I call mine Almond Butter Crunch.
Yum! Sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing what you do.
Absolutely Delicious. Snd Very Easy
Glad you think so 🙂 Thank you!
Making these again for Christmas one of my family’s favorites ❤️
Such a great recipe
Just tried this for the first time. It was quick, easy and delicious!
I love this stuff! It’s called crack for a reason! 😂🤣 So yummy!
So simple ,easy, and quick to make. A sure hit with someone who has a sweet tooth or a chocolate craving.
I agree!! Thank you so much!
These even freeze well. I’ve been making these for about 30 years.
Agreed 🙂 Thank you for saying that!
Easy….nummy
Thank you!! Glad you agree with me!
This is delicious! I’ve made it (without the sprinkles) all through the year. Thank you!
Isn’t it the best? Happy you like it all year! Thank you!
Thank you so much i love this cooking so much thanks for your tutorial video.
I do too! I am glad to share the video 🙂 Thank you!
This stuff really is SO addicting! I have to make it and give it away or It doesn’t end well….lol!
The brown sugar & butter, melted with on the saltines, is the greatest thing ever, especially when you add chocolate. These really are so addicting!
Love this REcipe. So easy to make. We like to make this, and hand it out as a neighbor gift.
Yes, it makes the perfect gift!! Thank you for letting me know 🙂
Hands down, best dessert!
Awe, thank you for saying that!
I Make this EVERY YEAR! And every year its a hit. Its easy to make, delicious, and festive. Thanks for the amazing recipe.
I’ve made THis REcipe about a dozen times and it turns out perfect every time! A tried and true family favorite in our house!
Yay, I love hearing that! Thank you so much!
Ive always wanted to try this and now i must!! Thanks for sharing!!
Yes, you must! Hope you like it!
I love this easy yummy recipe! DEFINITELY a holiday favoritE!
So, happy that you do & yes, great all December long!
This looks so deliciOus! Cant wait to try it
Hope you do try it & like it!
THis is so YUmmy and very easy to make! Its a Keeper!
What a nice recipe
Thank you 🙂
This makes the perfect Christmas treat! Super tasty and addictive!
From WHat I have seen, but not tried I have to give you 5 stars. So many of my favorites.
Awe, thank you so much!!
A fun spin on christmas Crack. So festive!!!
Thank you!! It really is 🙂
my family is going to love this! thanks for the recipe
You are so welcome!! I hope they do!
I am so excited to find this recipe because a neighbor gave me this for Christmas last year and I never got the recipe! Thank you!
I am glad you found it! Thank you so much!
Darling and delicious! WIN-win!
A new family favorite — yummo!
Yay!! I am so glad! Thank you 🙂
The perfect give away gift! It makes plenty for family and friends. Its taste so good with the combination Of all the flavors!
This would make the perfect addition to any CHRISTMAS goodie plate. I love the salty sweet combination!
This Christmas crack was delicious!! it was incredibly easy to make & a hit with our friends!
These are serIously amazIng!!
I think so too!! Thanks for sharing that!
These look so good and Easy to make!
It really is!! Thank you so much!
I make this every year and everyone expects me to! It is so bad but so darn good!
LOL!! I know what you mean 🙂 Thank you for sharing that!
This is so good. I make mulit batches for teacher christmas gifts.
Perfect for teacher gifts!! Thank you for sharing!
I am glad he does!! Thank you for sharing!
LOVE this recipe! we do 2 cups butter and brown sugar.
Because the crackers are slightly cupped, salt side up is better for us. Less floatage movement and less seepage under the cracker
And we don’t pre-melt the chocolate:
Right after removing from the oven, Sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Adjust the crackers if they’ve moved and overlapped in the oven. Let chocolate soften 1 to 2 minutes and spread evenly. But here’s the risk; Spread as soon as it softens and before it begins to cool. If the chocolate cools and cannot be spread, the batch is ruined. The chocolate will not remelt and be spreadable.
If adding pecans, add to top while chocolate is still warm. Gently press the pecans into the chocolate so they won’t easily fall off when eaten.
Sounds perfect! Thank you for sharing that!
thank you for sharing this recipe, great reminder of something I haven’t had in years and certainly never with sprinkles so love that new twist, at least for me
You are so welcome!! Thank you so much for sharing that!