Christmas Crack! aka cracker toffee, aka the BEST THING EVER! This easy recipe comes together in minutes with just a handful of ingredients. It’s the perfect addition to any holiday cookie plate and guaranteed to be everyone’s new favorite!
I know we’ve talked about this before… but I’ll say it again. When it comes to holiday desserts, no bake are the BEST. And this Christmas Crack is at the very top of the list! Also known as cracker toffee, cracker candy, Christmas cracker candy, or candy crack, it’s a seriously simple recipe that also happens to be seriously addictive.
There’s something about the layers of crisp crackers, sweet toffee, and creamy milk chocolate that’s to die for. Salty-sweet perfection. As in you’re definitely going to eat way too much of it… which is exactly why it’s perfect for holiday gifting!
The key ingredient that sets this recipe apart from the rest? It uses Ritz crackers instead of Saltines. Which truly makes ALL the difference. Because Ritz are light and flaky and deliciously buttery, which makes them the perfect base for this Christmas Crack. Once you try it… you’ll never have it any other way again!
what you’ll need for this recipe
- Crackers – The key difference between this Christmas crack recipe and regular toffee? The crackers! I used Ritz crackers in this recipe, which are a delicious choice because of their buttery flavor and delicious light, flaky texture. You can also substitute Townhouse crackers or Saltines if you prefer.
- Brown sugar – Brown sugar is, of course, what gives the toffee its sweetness. I used light brown sugar for optimal flavor and color. I would not recommend substituting dark brown sugar or granulated sugar in this recipe.
- Butter – Butter is the other half of the toffee filling. I used salted butter and would highly suggest it for the best overall flavor.
- Chocolate chips – Chocolate chips are used for the chocolate coating. I used regular sized semi-sweet chocolate chips, but you can substitute dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or any type you prefer.
- Candies – Finally, no Christmas Crack is complete without some type of candy. I used red and green m&m’s on mine. See below for more ideas!
how to make Christmas Crack
Line a baking sheet with crackers. Place the crackers in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Be sure the crackers fill the sheet but are not overlapping. Feel free to break off a cracker edge if you need to.
Make the toffee filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar and butter. Bring to a boil; let boil and bubble for 3 minutes.
Pour the toffee over the crackers & bake. Give the brown sugar mixture a quick stir, then pour it evenly over the crackers on the baking pan. Bake at 400° for 6 minutes.
Add the chocolate chips & bake. Remove the pan from the oven, sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top, and bake for an additional 1 minute to melt.
Decorate as desired. Spread the melted chocolate chips over the top of the toffee and decorate with m&m’s or your toppings of choice.
Set aside to cool. Set the pan aside to cool, then cut the toffee into squares. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Pro tips
- Be sure to use parchment paper! Toffee is sticky, especially as it hardens, so parchment paper is a must.
- Try to leave as few gaps as possible between the crackers.
- Keep the crackers flat by breaking off any edges if necessary.
- Let the toffee boil on its own – no stirring!
- Spread the melted chocolate chips gently over the toffee.
Recipe Variations
- Substitute Townhouse crackers, Saltine crackers, or graham crackers
- Use any variety of chocolate chips, peanut butter chips or white chocolate chips
- Add vanilla extract to the brown sugar mixture
- Top with chopped pecans, peanuts, cashews, or any of your favorite nuts
- Sprinkle with sea salt
- Decorate with candy sprinkles instead of m&m’s
- Sprinkle with crushed Oreos, toffee pieces, toasted coconut, crushed pretzels, crushed candy canes or any of your favorites!
More Easy Christmas Treats
When it comes to Christmas treats, easy is best! These are our FAVORITE easy recipes!
Christmas Crack
Ingredients
- 40 crackers – Ritz Saltine, or Townhouse
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup salted butter cut in pieces
- 12 ounces chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup m&m’s
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400° F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet (15" x 10" x 1") with parchment paper.
- Place the crackers in rows, being sure the crackers fill the sheet but are not overlapping.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar and butter. Bring to a boil; boil for 3 minutes. Pour the mixture evenly over the crackers on the baking pan.
- Bake for 6 minutes; remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top.
- Bake for an additional 1 minute, then spread the melted chocolate chips over the top of the toffee using a knife or spoon.
- Decorate with m&m's or your toppings of choice.
- Set the pan aside to cool, then cut the toffee into squares. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Beth says
That looks delicious! I love trying new Christmas Crack recipes. It’s one of my favorite holiday treats. I can’t wait to make this one.
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
I know for sure this Christmas Crack would be a huge hit in my house!
Carole says
I love this recipe.
Tiffani says
PSA: Learned this one the hard way, wax paper is NOT the same as parchment paper!!
Me says
This would have been absolutely delicious if I hadn’t use cheap chocolate chips on top. They didn’t melt and ruined the crack! So I’ll def make again and either buy good chocolate or omit it.