Christmas Cracker Toffee

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Christmas Cracker Toffee is a quick and festive treat made with saltines, buttery caramel, and chocolate. Perfect for holiday gifts, cookie trays, or parties.

Christmas Cracker Toffee ”also known as Christmas Crack” is one of the easiest and most addictive holiday treats you’ll ever make. This beloved recipe layers buttery caramel over crisp crackers, then tops it with a smooth coating of melted chocolate and festive sprinkles. It’s salty, sweet, crunchy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, all in one bite.

This toffee treat takes just 15 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute gifts, cookie trays, or holiday snacking. You can customize it with nuts, white chocolate drizzle, crushed candy canes, or colorful sprinkles to match the Christmas season. Be warned, it’s called Christmas Crack for a reason. Once you start, you won’t be able to stop!

Ingredients

  • 1 sleeve (about 40) saltine crackers
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup Christmas sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or chopped nuts for topping

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare Baking Sheet

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Line a large baking sheet with foil and then parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • Arrange saltine crackers in a single layer to cover the pan completely.

Step 2: Make the Toffee Layer

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar together.
  • Bring to a boil and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly.
  • Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and salt if desired.

Step 3: Pour Over Crackers

  • Carefully pour hot caramel mixture evenly over crackers, spreading with a spatula to coat.

Step 4: Bake

  • Bake for 5 minutes, until toffee bubbles all over.
  • Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips on top.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Layer

  • Let chips sit 2 minutes, then spread evenly with a spatula until melted and smooth.

Step 6: Add Toppings

  • Sprinkle with Christmas sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or chopped nuts while chocolate is warm.

Step 7: Cool & Break

  • Let cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate until firm (about 1 hour).
  • Break into pieces and store in an airtight container.

Variations

  • White Chocolate Drizzle: Add melted white chocolate over the top for a festive swirl.
  • Pecan Toffee Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the chocolate layer.
  • Pretzel Base: Swap saltines for mini pretzels for a salty twist.
  • Graham Cracker Version: Use graham crackers for a sweeter, softer base.
  • Double Chocolate: Use milk and dark chocolate chips together for a richer flavor.

Cooking Notes

  • Don’t overcook the toffee; 3–4 minutes is enough once it bubbles.
  • For easy cleanup, use parchment paper,it peels off cleanly once cooled.
  • Toffee sets faster if chilled in the fridge or freezer.

Serving Suggestions

  • Arrange pieces in festive tins or jars for gifting.
  • Add to holiday cookie platters for variety.
  • Serve with hot cocoa or coffee for a sweet treat.

Tips

  • Stir caramel constantly while cooking to prevent burning.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pan for even heat distribution.
  • For extra crunch, sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt over the chocolate before chilling.
  • Store in a cool, dry place to prevent melting.

Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Nutritional Information (per piece, approx. 24 pieces)

  • Calories: 210
  • Protein: 2g
  • Sodium: 160mg

FAQs

Q1: Can I make Christmas cracker toffee ahead of time?

  • Yes, it keeps for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container or 2 months in the freezer.

Q2: Can I use margarine instead of butter?

  • Butter gives the best flavor and texture, but margarine works in a pinch.

Q3: Can I use white chocolate chips?

  • Yes, but melt them gently,white chocolate scorches easily.

Q4: My toffee separated, what went wrong?

  • It’s likely overcooked or not stirred enough; keep heat medium and stir constantly.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?

  • Yes! Use two baking sheets or one large sheet pan to avoid overcrowding.

Conclusion

Christmas Cracker Toffee is an easy, no-fuss holiday treat that delivers irresistible flavor and crunch. With a buttery toffee layer, melted chocolate topping, and festive sprinkles, it’s perfect for gifting, snacking, or adding to your Christmas dessert lineup. Fast, affordable, and utterly addictive, this recipe proves that simple ingredients can make the most magical holiday sweets.

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