This Christmas crack is saltine toffee made with crackers, brown sugar, butter, chocolate and holiday sprinkles. A sweet and salty treat that’s addictively delicious and perfect for feeding a crowd!
I love to make homemade treats around the holidays like reindeer chow, peppermint patties, and this unique and unexpected Christmas crack toffee.
So right about now you may be wondering, what exactly is Christmas crack? It’s saltine toffee, and I think the name relates to the fact that it’s made with crackers and is also super addicting. This salty sweet combo is SUPER easy to make, and it’s a unique treat that will have all of your guests begging for the recipe.
How do you make Christmas crack?
The first step is to line up your crackers on a sheet pan. I use saltine crackers, but I’ve seen Christmas crack made with Ritz or graham crackers before too. The crackers get coated in a toffee mixture, then baked until bubbly. The final step is a layer of melted chocolate and holiday sprinkles.
Tips for Christmas Crack
- You can use semisweet, milk or white chocolate chips for the topping.
- I like to top my Christmas crack with sprinkles, but other great options are chopped nuts or M&M’s.
- Christmas crack can be made up to 3 days before you plan to serve it. Store it in the fridge, then break it into pieces and enjoy.
This recipe is simple to make, but you do need to watch the toffee mixture carefully as it boils. You want to boil it for exactly 3 minutes or you run the risk of it burning. I use an offset spatula to spread the toffee and chocolate layers; it makes the job so much easier.
I use high quality chocolate chips for the best results. My favorite brand is Guittard because it has a rich flavor and melts smoothly.
The final step is to let the toffee chill to firm up, then cut into pieces and serve! This tastes a lot like traditional toffee, but it’s way easier to make and the crackers add a hint of salt that really counterbalances the sugar. I make this saltine toffee every year, and people ALWAYS ask me for the recipe, so be prepared to share it with your friends and family!
This recipe can easily be doubled if you need to feed a crowd. Simply double the ingredients and spread the crackers over two sheet pans instead of one. You may want to plan to make a double batch because this stuff goes fast!
More holiday treats
Christmas Crack Video
Christmas Crack Recipe
Ingredients
- 40 saltine crackers
- 2 sticks of butter (1 cup)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips I recommend Guittard or Ghirardelli. Nestle (Toll House) chocolate chips do not work in this recipe.
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles or 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Line a sheet pan with foil and coat with cooking spray or alternatively you can use a nonstick silicone baking mat.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Place the crackers in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Place the butter and brown sugar in a medium saucepan, bring to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes.
- Pour the brown sugar mixture over the crackers and spread with a spatula to coat.
- Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 3-5 minutes, or until bubbling.
- Remove the pan from the oven and immediately scatter the chocolate chips over the top. Place the pan back in the oven for another 2-3 minutes to melt the chocolate. Spread the chocolate evenly over the top.
- Place the sprinkles on top of the chocolate. Let the toffee sit until completely cool, either at room temperature or you can refrigerate.
- Cut into pieces and serve.
kat says
my toffee layer always ends up gritty… any suggestions ???
Sara says
It sounds like maybe the sugar is not dissolving properly. I’d try cooking it over lower heat until the sugar is dissolved and there’s no grit, then bring it to a boil after that.
Tiffany Brock says
I made this treat for Valentine’s Day. I bought Nestle chocolate chips because I didn’t read everything. Mistake. The Ghirardelli white chocolate spread like butter and the Nestle stayed the perfect little chip shape. Pecans and macadamia nuts will cover it up and I’ll know better next time. Thank you for sharing!
Sara says
Glad to hear it came out ok in the end, thanks for reporting back!
Rozanne says
Can you use kebbler crackers?
Sara says
Yes that will work!
Nicole Roman says
Love this recipe! I’m honna make it for Christmas Day. Thank you for. Keats sharing such yummy recipes.
Sara says
Thanks Nicole, hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
A says
I used the tollhouse chips and they spread perfectly 👍
Sara says
So glad to hear it worked for you!
Jemma Coleman says
FYI Hershey’s chips also don’t spread well. Had enough Ghirardelli to spread it around and disguise it.
Sara says
Thanks for letting me know, I’m going to do some more extensive testing with all the chocolate chip brands to see what works best!
Judy Lawrence says
Do you use salted or unsalted butter? Love your web site!
Sara says
You actually can use either, I typically use salted because that’s what I have on hand most of the time!
Judy Lawrence says
Thank you! Merry Christmas!
Veronica says
I volunteer with an animal rescue group and we have a bake sale 2 weeks before Christmas every year. It is a given, that people ask for Christmas Crack. I’m grateful it’s so easy to make, as I had 2 emergency surgeries last week and our bake sale is this weekend!
Harley says
I couldnt get my chocolate chips to spread over it easily, theyre more clumpy. Any tips? Im sure it will still be delicious!
Sara says
I would try putting the pan back in the oven for a few minutes until the chocolate melts, hope that helps!
Karen says
I use Nestles and I put them in a microwaveable bowl or large measuring cup, microwave for 30 seconds at a time. Stir between intervals until the chocolate will completely melt by stirring. Pour out onto candy, and spread with rubber spatula.
Sara says
Glad to hear it works this way, thanks for letting me know!!
Erica D Ardali says
I have never had anything like this before but now I want to get in my kitchen and try it out
Kara says
This looks delicious and perfect for Christmas
Nati says
What a great idea! This sounds easy enough for me to make with the children! They’ll love it!
Shannan P says
Oh I LOVE this stuff and haven’t made it in ages! I will have to add it to the holiday baking list this year!
Shar Mower says
These look so yummy and they are fun and festive! I would never think to use saltines in a dessert…Thank you for sharing 🙂
Valerie says
I’ve never had a toffee with saltines. I love the colors and how easy it is to make during the holiday season. It sounds like it has great texture.
Katie says
These look so tasty! How fun that they start as crackers. Kids could make these too!
Debra says
My mom always makes something like this every year! It is so good! I am going to try out your version!