Christmas Crack

I knew I had stumbled upon something magical the first time I made Christmas Crack during a chaotic last-minute holiday prep evening and I needed a quick treat to fill a cookie tin for my neighbors and this recipe came to the rescue. With a box of crackers some chocolate and a handful of holiday candy I whipped up a batch and hoped for the best and when I tasted the first crunchy-sweet bite I knew it would become a yearly favorite.

Now every December I block off an evening just to make this treat and wrap it up in little gift bags because it’s unbelievably easy and always gets rave reviews. There’s something irresistible about the mix of salty caramel crispy crunch and smooth chocolate with festive toppings and I’m excited to walk you through how I make this no-fuss holiday classic!

Ingredients :

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Saltine crackers – The crunchy base that gives the perfect salty contrast.
• Brown sugar – Helps create a rich caramel layer.
• Butter – Melts with sugar to form that toffee-like coating.
• Chocolate chips – Melted over the top to make a luscious chocolate layer.
• Holiday M&M’s – Add color, crunch, and festive fun to every bite.
• Sprinkles – Optional but perfect for a holiday pop.
• Sea salt – Just a pinch for a sweet-salty finish.

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet – To hold the cracker base and all the gooey goodness.
• Parchment paper or foil – Makes for easy removal and cleanup.
• Saucepan – Used to melt the butter and sugar into a caramel.
• Spatula – Helps spread the melted chocolate evenly.
• Oven – Needed to bake the caramel layer into the crackers.
• Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler – For melting the chocolate chips.
• Knife or hands – For breaking the crack into bite-sized pieces after it sets.

Instructions

Step 1: Line the Pan

I start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper and then I lay out the saltine crackers in a single layer making sure they fit edge-to-edge without overlapping.

Step 2: Make the Caramel

In a saucepan I melt the butter with the brown sugar over medium heat and bring it to a gentle boil. I let it bubble for about 3 minutes until it thickens slightly and then I pour it evenly over the crackers and spread it out with a spatula.

Step 3: Bake the Base

I pop the tray into a preheated 350°F oven and bake it for 5 minutes which helps the caramel soak into the crackers and get nice and bubbly.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate

Right when it comes out of the oven I sprinkle chocolate chips all over the hot caramel layer. After about 2 minutes the chips get soft and I use a spatula to spread them into a smooth even coating.

Step 5: Decorate

While the chocolate is still warm I sprinkle the top with festive M&M’s and a handful of colorful sprinkles. Sometimes I add a pinch of flaky sea salt for contrast.

Step 6: Chill and Break

I place the pan in the fridge for about 1 hour until it sets completely. Once firm I remove the sheet and break the crack into uneven pieces with my hands or a sharp knife.

Tips

I always make sure to stir the caramel constantly so it doesn’t burn.

Don’t walk away from the stove during the caramel stage because it can go from perfect to burnt fast!

You can substitute graham crackers or pretzels if you don’t have saltines.

Want a nutty version? I sometimes sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the chocolate layer before chilling.

Ways to Serve

Bag it up for holiday gifts or stocking stuffers.

Serve on a cookie tray alongside fudge and sugar cookies.

Crush a piece over vanilla ice cream for a crunchy topping.

Add to lunchboxes for a sweet holiday surprise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Christmas Crack ahead of time?

Yes absolutely! Christmas Crack stores well in an airtight container for up to a week or can be frozen for longer storage.

Do I have to use saltine crackers for Christmas Crack?

Not at all! I’ve made this with graham crackers and Ritz too and they each give a different texture and taste.

How do I keep the caramel from burning in Christmas Crack?

Keep your heat medium and stir constantly and don’t let it boil for more than 3–4 minutes.

Can I double the Christmas Crack recipe?

Yes you can easily double it and just use a larger baking sheet or two trays.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you make a big batch of this sweet and salty Christmas Crack and share it with the people you love! It’s one of the fastest and most festive treats I know and perfect for gifting or late-night holiday snacking.

Happy Cooking!

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