Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Cracker Toffee Cookie Recipe, often called “Christmas Crack,” is a festive favorite that’s incredibly simple to make with just a few ingredients. Sweet, salty, crunchy, and chocolatey, it’s perfect for the holidays but delicious enough to enjoy year-round. The combination of saltine crackers, caramelized brown sugar and butter, and a layer of melted chocolate creates an irresistible treat that comes together in just minutes.

Ingredients

Saltine crackers (about 40 for a 15×10-inch pan)
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup light brown sugar
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or use milk/dark chocolate)
Optional toppings: chopped nuts, sprinkles, crushed candy canes, flaky sea salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a 15x10x1-inch baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Arrange Crackers: Lay saltine crackers in a single layer to cover the pan.
Make Toffee: In a medium saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar. Bring to a boil and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly.
Pour and Spread: Immediately pour the toffee mixture over the crackers and spread evenly.
Bake: Bake for 5 minutes. Remove from oven.
Add Chocolate: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Let sit a few minutes to melt, then spread with a spatula.
Top It Off: Add sprinkles, nuts, or your favorite toppings while chocolate is still soft.
Cool and Cut: Let cool for at least 15 minutes, then break or cut into pieces.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 15
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crackers.
Flavor Twist: Try graham crackers, Ritz, or buttery crackers instead of saltines.
Topping Options: Use mini M&Ms, toasted coconut, or drizzle white chocolate for color and crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also refrigerate for a firmer texture or freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temperature before serving. No reheating needed.

FAQs

Why did my toffee separate from the crackers?

This can happen if the toffee wasn’t cooked long enough or wasn’t spread evenly. Be sure to boil the sugar-butter mix for 2-3 minutes and spread it thoroughly.

Can I use a different type of cracker?

Yes! Ritz, graham crackers, or gluten-free options work great too.

How can I avoid burning the toffee?

Use a candy thermometer if possible and stir constantly. Remove from heat once it reaches 270–290°F.

Why didn’t my chocolate chips melt?

Let them sit on the hot toffee long enough, or place the pan back in the warm oven briefly to help melt.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, it stores well and can be made several days in advance.

How long does cracker toffee last?

Up to 1 week at room temperature in an airtight container, or longer in the fridge/freezer.

Can I freeze cracker toffee?

Yes, store it wrapped and in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the sweet crunch and it’s a great recipe to make together.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Can I make it without a candy thermometer?

Yes, just follow the visual cues and timing to boil for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens and smells like caramel.

Conclusion

This Easy Cracker Toffee Cookie Recipe (Christmas Crack) is the ultimate simple sweet treat—perfect for gifting, snacking, or holiday dessert trays. It comes together quickly, uses pantry staples, and is endlessly customizable. With its irresistible crunch and sweet-salty balance, it’s no wonder this dessert has become a seasonal favorite!

Easy Cracker Toffee Cookie Recipe

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This Easy Cracker Toffee Cookie, also known as Christmas Crack, combines buttery toffee, crisp saltine crackers, and melted chocolate into an irresistible treat. Quick to make with minimal ingredients, it’s a holiday favorite perfect for gifting, snacking, or festive cookie trays!

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 15 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Saltine crackers (or gluten-free crackers)
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup light brown sugar
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk/dark chocolate chips)
Optional toppings: chopped nuts, sprinkles, crushed candy canes, flaky sea salt

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C). Line a 15” x 10” baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat.
Arrange Crackers: Place crackers in a single layer covering the entire pan.
Make Toffee: In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar. Bring to a boil, cook for 2–3 minutes (270–290°F), stirring constantly.
Spread Toffee: Pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over crackers and spread with a spatula.
Bake: Bake for 5 minutes.
Add Chocolate: Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Let sit 2–3 minutes, then spread melted chocolate evenly.
Top & Cool: Add sprinkles or toppings if desired. Let cool completely (~15 minutes), then break into pieces.

Notes

Use a candy thermometer for perfect toffee.
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
Great for customizing with festive toppings.