Crispy saltine crackers, rich caramel made with butter and brown sugar, melty chocolate chips, and festive sprinkles come together in this easy Christmas Crack Recipe.
Okay, confession time. I didn’t intend for this Christmas Crack Recipe to become my signature holiday treat. It just… happened. It was one of those chilly December afternoons where you’re in pajamas until 2 pm (don’t judge me), and you realize, “Oh no, I promised to bring something to the office holiday party.” Panic sets in.
So I did what any procrastinating, dessert-loving human would do—I raided my pantry. I found half a sleeve of saltines, a bag of chocolate chips, and a crumpled recipe card from my aunt tucked in a cookbook I hadn’t opened in years. That recipe? You guessed it.
And guys—no kidding—it was a hit. Co-workers were begging me for the recipe (I even caught someone sneaking an extra piece into their purse). Since then, it’s been a must every holiday season. I even had to start doubling the batch.
Funny how the recipes you least expect end up becoming everyone’s favorite, right?
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Crack Recipe?
- It’s stupid easy. Like, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it a thousand times already.
- That sweet-salty-crunchy combo? Unbeatable. It’s like crack (hence the name—though let’s be honest, it’s way more festive).
- Customizable AF. Wanna throw in almonds? Go for it. Prefer crushed candy canes? You rebel, you.
- Perfect for gifting (or hoarding). It looks cute in cellophane bags… but no judgment if it never makes it out of your kitchen.
Ingredient Notes:
You don’t need fancy stuff here. That’s part of the magic.
- Saltine crackers: Yep. The plain old saltines. They’re the crunchy backbone of this masterpiece.
- Butter: Don’t skimp. I go with salted butter because it amps up the salty-sweet balance, but unsalted works too.
- Brown sugar: This is your caramel gold. I’m team light brown sugar, but if you’re feeling adventurous, dark brown adds a deeper flavor.
- Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet is classic, but if you’re a dark chocolate person (or milk chocolate, no judgment), swap them in.
- Toppings: Go wild! Red and green sprinkles if you’re feeling festive, sliced almonds for crunch, or crushed candy canes if you wanna get fancy.
How To Make Christmas Crack?
Step 1: Prep Your Sheet Pan
Line a big ol’ baking sheet with foil (you’ll thank me when it’s cleanup time) and spray it lightly with cooking spray.
Step 2: Lay the Crackers
Cover every inch with saltines. No fancy pattern here—just lay them out in neat-ish rows.
Step 3: Make the Caramel
In a saucepan, melt 2 sticks of butter and 1 cup of brown sugar. Bring it to a bubbling boil—but not a scary, bubbling-over situation. I set a timer for 3 minutes because once, I forgot and… let’s just say, burnt caramel is not the vibe.
Step 4: Pour It On
Quickly pour the hot caramel over the crackers. Work fast with a spatula to spread it evenly. It’ll feel a little chaotic, but you’ve got this.
Step 5: Bake
Want To Save This Recipe?
Pop the tray into a 400ºF oven for 3 to 5 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly but not burnt. Watch it like a hawk.
Step 6: Chocolate Time
Pull out the tray and immediately sprinkle 2 cups of chocolate chips on top. Wait a minute or two until they get shiny and melty, then spread the chocolate evenly.
Step 7: Add Some Fun
Sprinkle on whatever toppings make you smile—holiday sprinkles, sliced almonds, crushed candy canes.
Step 8: Cool and Break
Let it cool completely. I usually shove it in the fridge because I have zero patience. Once it’s solid, break it into jagged pieces. No need for perfection here!
Storage Options:
This stuff keeps well… if you can keep your hands off it.
- Fridge: Store it in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Freezer: Yep, you can freeze it. Just layer parchment or wax paper between the pieces. Honestly, I love sneaking pieces straight from the freezer. Weird? Maybe. Delicious? Absolutely.
Variations and Substitutions:
I’m all about using what you have and making it yours.
- Swap the crackers: Ritz crackers make it extra buttery. Graham crackers? A little sweeter, but still yum.
- Change up the chocolate: White chocolate swirls? Dark chocolate drizzle? You do you.
- Add toppings: Chopped nuts, crushed pretzels, dried cranberries—heck, even mini marshmallows.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free crackers. Problem solved!
What to Serve with Christmas Crack?
- Coffee or hot chocolate: The sweetness plays perfectly with a warm drink.
- Holiday cheese board: Sweet + salty + savory = perfection.
- Cocktails: Mulled wine, eggnog, or spiked cider make great company.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I really need to use saltines?
Nope! Ritz, graham crackers, or gluten-free options work. But saltines are my ride or die.
Why didn’t my caramel set right?
You probably didn’t boil it long enough. Three solid minutes at a bubble is key!
How do I keep it from sticking?
Wax or
Why This Christmas Crack Recipe Has My Heart
If there’s one holiday treat that brings people running, it’s this Christmas Crack Recipe. It’s messy. It’s simple. It’s pure, unfiltered joy on a tray.
Make a batch, stash a few pieces for yourself (pro move), and watch it disappear. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned baker, this one’s a keeper.
And hey, if you give it a try, let me know! I love hearing how you made it your own. Cheers to sweet traditions and even sweeter treats.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Christmas Crack Recipe
Ingredients
- 40 saltine crackers
- 2 sticks 1 c of butter
- 1 c packed brown sugar
- 2 c semisweet chocolate chips preferably Guittard or Ghirardelli
- 1/2 c holiday sprinkles or sliced almonds
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Take a sheet pan and line it with foil then lightly coat it with cooking spray.
- Set your temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Lay out the saltine crackers in a layer, on the pan.
- In a saucepan melt together butter and brown sugar. Bring it to a boil. Let it boil for 3 minutes.
- Drizzle the caramel mixture over the crackers using a spatula to spread it out.
- Place the pan in the oven. Bake for 3 to 5 minutes until you see bubbling action.
- Take out the pan from the oven. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Return it to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt.
- Use a spatula to evenly spread out the melted chocolate. Sprinkle holiday-themed sprinkles or sliced almonds on top for flair.
- Allow the toffee to cool completely either at room temperature or, by placing it in the refrigerator.
- Once cooled break into pieces and serve your homemade treat.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
