This Christmas Crack recipe is the easiest treat you’ll make this holiday season! With only a few simple ingredients, this saltine cracker toffee comes together in just 15 minutes. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and salty flavors and a must-make treat for Christmas!
Christmas Crack Recipe
Christmas is almost here, and today I’m sharing a classic Christmas treat that anyone can make. This recipe is one of my favorite last-minute Christmas desserts because it’s quick, easy, and always a hit.
Years ago, I shared my Better Than Anything Toffee recipe, and it quickly became one of my most popular Christmas recipes. This year, I wanted to share a toffee recipe that doesn’t need a candy thermometer and is even easier to make.
This Christmas Crack recipe, also called cracker toffee or saltine cracker toffee, is one of the most delicious treats I make every year. Best of all, it’s ready in less than 15 minutes!
What Is Christmas Crack?
Christmas Crack is an easy toffee recipe that usually uses saltine crackers as the base—hence the name “Crack.” Unlike traditional toffee that needs to reach a specific temperature, this saltine cracker toffee is baked in the oven.
The caramel is cooked on the stovetop and then poured over the crackers before baking. Chocolate chips are added on top and spread into a smooth chocolate layer. Finally, the toppings are added! There are so many fun topping options, so be sure to scroll down for ideas.
Christmas Crack Ingredients
You only need six ingredients to make this easy recipe. If you want toppings, you’ll need a few more. This cracker toffee tastes great on its own, but toppings add a festive and fun touch that makes this Christmas Crack candy even more irresistible. Below is a quick overview, and you can find the full printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Saltine crackers – about 1 sleeve, depending on your jelly roll pan (I used 35). You can also use graham crackers, Club crackers, Ritz crackers, and more. Graham cracker toffee is delicious!
Unsalted butter – using unsalted butter lets you control the salt. If using salted butter, skip the added salt.
Brown sugar – be sure it’s packed well.
Vanilla extract – use the best quality you can; it really makes a difference.
Salt – sea salt works best (omit if using salted butter). It balances the sweetness and boosts flavor.
Chocolate chips – I used milk chocolate, but semi-sweet works too. Guittard or Ghirardelli give the best results.
Toppings – nuts, candy, sprinkles, and more. See ideas below!
How To Make Christmas Crack
Like all candy recipes—even easy ones—it’s best to read the instructions a few times before starting. Gather all your ingredients and toppings so everything is ready to go.
This Christmas Crack toffee comes together quickly, but you need to pay attention because things move fast. Here are the basic steps. You can find the full printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Line a jelly roll pan with nonstick foil or a silicone baking mat.
Place the saltine crackers in a single layer.
Melt the butter and brown sugar together and boil for 3 full minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
Pour the caramel evenly over the crackers.
Bake for 5 minutes. The caramel should be bubbling when you remove it.
Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top and cover the pan with foil. Let sit for 5 minutes.
Remove the foil and gently spread the melted chocolate with an offset spatula.
Add toppings if desired.
Let the toffee cool completely at room temperature, or chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
Peel off the foil and use your hands to “crack” the toffee, or cut it into pieces with a knife.
Storage Information
Store saltine cracker toffee in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
Christmas Crack will keep for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator, or you can freeze it for up to 4 months.
Variations To Try
- Swap in ½ cup of Reese’s peanut butter chips or white chocolate chips for a pretty swirl.
Let the chocolate set, then drizzle a different type of melted chocolate on top and add sprinkles.
Use dark or semi-sweet chocolate for a richer, less sweet flavor.
What Should I Put On Top Of My Christmas Crack?
You can top your saltine cracker toffee with just about anything. I used M&Ms, pecans, and sprinkles, but here are more tasty ideas:
- Chopped or crushed nuts: almonds, walnuts, peanuts, pecans, pistachios
Mini Reese’s cups, chopped
Crushed Oreos
Chopped pretzels
Toasted coconut
Sea salt
Toffee bits
Sprinkles
Crushed candy canes or peppermint baking chips
What Are The Best Chocolate Chips To Use?
You can use milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate chips. Milk chocolate makes a sweeter Christmas Crack, while dark chocolate gives a less sweet option.
Can I Make This Recipe In Advance?
Yes! Christmas Crack can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 4 months.
Jerry’s Tips
- This toffee comes together quickly, so have all ingredients and toppings ready.
Use a mix of toppings for a colorful and festive look—perfect for cookie trays!
Make more than one batch because it disappears fast!
More Christmas Treats
- Martha Washington Candies
- Peppermint Fudge
- Buttermilk Pecan Pralines
- Divinity Candy
- Homemade Gumdrops
- Almond Joy Cookies
- M&Ms Marshmallow Dream Bars
Christmas Crack Recipe (Saltine Cracker Toffee)
This Christmas Crack recipe is the easiest treat you’ll make this holiday season! With just a few simple ingredients, this saltine cracker toffee is ready in about 15 minutes. It’s truly the perfect mix of sweet and salty flavors and a must-make recipe for Christmas!
Course: Candy, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Christmas Crack, christmas crack recipe, christmas crack toffee, saltine cracker toffee, Saltine Toffee
Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Servings: 24
Calories: 197 kcal
Ingredients:
- 35 saltine crackers – about 1 sleeve; you may need a little more or less depending on your jelly roll pan
- 1 cup unsalted butter.
- 1 cup brown sugar, well packed.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- ½ teaspoon salt – kosher or sea salt preferred.
- 2 cups chocolate chips – I used milk chocolate, but semi-sweet works too. For best results, use Guittard or Ghirardelli
Instructions:
- Line a jelly roll pan (10 x 15 inches) with nonstick foil. You can also use heavy-duty foil sprayed with cooking spray or a silicone baking mat.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the saltine crackers in a single layer on the pan. A little extra space is fine.
- In a 3-quart heavy-bottom saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together over medium-high heat, stirring often.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and boil for 3 full minutes, stirring almost constantly.
(If using a candy thermometer, the temperature should reach 270°F–290°F.) - Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Carefully pour the caramel mixture over the crackers and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 5 minutes. The caramel should be bubbling when removed from the oven.
(If using a candy thermometer, the temperature should be 300°F–310°F.) - Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot caramel and cover the pan with foil. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Remove the foil and gently spread the melted chocolate using an offset spatula.
- Add toppings if desired. Let the toffee cool completely at room temperature, or place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
- Carefully peel the foil away from the bottom, then use your hands to “crack” the toffee or cut it into pieces with a knife.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Notes:
Storage Information: Store saltine cracker toffee in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Christmas Crack will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator, or it can be frozen for up to 4 months.
Tools and Equipment:
Jelly Roll Pan | Silicone Baking Mat | Candy Thermometer | Offset Spatula
Nutrition:
Calories: 197kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 107mg | Potassium: 21mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 270IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg