Christmas Crack Recipe
Introduction
Christmas Crack is a delightful holiday treat that combines salty, sweet, and crunchy flavors all in one bite. With a simple layering of saltine crackers, buttery caramel, and melted chocolate topped with festive sprinkles, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite. This easy no-fuss recipe is perfect for gifting or enjoying with family.

Ingredients
- 40 saltine crackers
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (I recommend Guittard or Ghirardelli; do not use Nestle)
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles or 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Step 1: Line a sheet pan with foil and coat it with cooking spray or use a nonstick silicone baking mat for easy removal.
- Step 2: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Step 3: Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 4: In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and brown sugar. Bring to a boil and let it boil for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Pour the hot brown sugar mixture evenly over the crackers and spread it out with a spatula to coat all crackers.
- Step 6: Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 3–5 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbling.
- Step 7: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the toffee. Return the pan to the oven for another 2–3 minutes to melt the chocolate.
- Step 8: Use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the top, then sprinkle the holiday sprinkles or sliced almonds over the chocolate.
- Step 9: Let the toffee cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate until set. Once firm, cut into pieces and serve.
Tips & Variations
- For a nutty twist, replace sprinkles with sliced almonds or chopped pecans.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips like Guittard or Ghirardelli for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure to boil the butter and brown sugar mixture for a full 3 minutes to achieve the perfect caramel consistency.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
Storage
Store your Christmas Crack in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also refrigerate it to keep it firmer for longer. To serve, bring it to room temperature so the chocolate is not too hard. Avoid freezing, as it can affect the texture of the toffee and chocolate.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cracker?
Saltine crackers work best because of their saltiness and crisp texture. Using other types might change the balance of salty and sweet and affect the overall crunch.
Why is it important to boil the butter and sugar mixture?
Boiling the butter and brown sugar for 3 minutes helps create a thick, caramelized toffee base that hardens well once cooled. Skipping this step or boiling too briefly can result in a soft or sticky candy.
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Christmas Crack Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 40 pieces 1x
Description
Christmas Crack is an indulgent holiday treat featuring a crispy saltine cracker base topped with a rich brown sugar and butter caramel layer, finished with melted semisweet chocolate and festive sprinkles. This easy-to-make dessert combines salty and sweet flavors with a satisfying crunch that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting.
Ingredients
Base
- 40 saltine crackers
Caramel Topping
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
Chocolate Topping
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (Guittard or Ghirardelli recommended)
Garnish
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles or 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Other
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil and coat it with cooking spray. Alternatively, use a nonstick silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Arrange Crackers: Lay the 40 saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, covering the entire surface.
- Make Caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup butter and 1 cup packed brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine well.
- Coat Crackers: Pour the hot brown sugar and butter mixture evenly over the arranged saltine crackers. Use a spatula to spread the caramel mixture ensuring all crackers are well-coated.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 3 to 5 minutes until the caramel mixture is bubbling.
- Apply Chocolate: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips over the hot caramel. Return the pan to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes to melt the chocolate fully.
- Spread Chocolate: After melting, use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly over the entire toffee layer.
- Add Sprinkles: While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles or sliced almonds on top for festive decoration and added texture.
- Cool and Serve: Let the treat cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate until the chocolate is set. Once firm, cut into pieces and serve.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate chips like Guittard or Ghirardelli for best flavor and texture; avoid Nestle as recommended.
- Make sure to boil the caramel mixture for the full 3 minutes for a proper consistency.
- Cooking spray or a silicone mat prevents the candies from sticking to the pan, making cleanup easier.
- You can substitute sprinkles with sliced almonds or other nuts for variation.
- This treat is best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Cut into small pieces as this candy is very rich and sweet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas Crack, holiday toffee, saltine cracker toffee, easy holiday dessert, Christmas candy

