Crack Candy with Christmas sprinkles stacked on a plate

Here in the heart of the Ozarks, aka Branson, Missouri, Christmas starts the moment the leaves begin to turn. Some folks might say it’s a bit early, but I think it’s just right. When the holiday spirit hits, it’s time to whip up one of our favorite treats—Christmas Crack Candy! This buttery toffee and dark chocolate crack candy is easy to make, yet it has a magical way of stealing the show at any holiday gathering. Seriously, once your guests get a taste, they’ll be begging you for the recipe!

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overhead image of a plate stacked with Christmas Crack Candy

What Makes Christmas Crack Candy Special?

What sets this holiday treat apart is the incredible mix of salty and sweet flavors. It’s super simple to whip up, but its buttery toffee and rich chocolate topping make it seem like something much more complicated. And the best part? You only need a few simple ingredients you probably already have on hand to create this Christmas cracker candy. Whether you’re making it for a party or just to enjoy at home, this treat is always a hit.

Let’s dive into the recipe and the magic behind the layers of crunchy Premium Saltine Crackers topped with a rich toffee mixture and finished off with smooth melted Ghirardelli 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate Chips. You can even dress it up with some holiday sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or peppermint bark to make it extra festive!

Ingredients You’ll Need for this Christmas Crack Recipe:

1 sleeve saltine crackers (you can also use Ritz Crackers or Kellogg’s Graham Crackers for a twist)
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups dark chocolate or white chocolate chips (your choice), we used Ghirardelli 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate
Optional toppings: candy canes, Christmas sprinkles, toffee bits, coconut flakes, or even pieces of peppermint bark

Overhead image of christmas crack candy ingredients next to empty baking sheet.

Instructions:

Prep the baking sheet: Start by lining a sheet pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, making sure the edges are covered to prevent sticking. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Arrange the crackers: Lay your saltine crackers in a single layer on the lined baking sheet.
Make the toffee mixture: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar and stir continuously until everything combines into a smooth, caramel-like consistency. Keep cooking for about 3-4 minutes until it starts bubbling and thickening. Remove it from the heat.
Pour and spread the toffee layer: Carefully pour the toffee mixture over the layer of crackers on your baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure every cracker gets coated with that sticky goodness.

Toffee mixture being cooked and spread of saltine crackers.

Bake: Pop the sheet pan into the oven at 350 and bake for 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the caramel layer to bubble without burning. The goal is to create a nice, golden toffee coating.
Add the chocolate layer: When the pan comes out of the oven, immediately sprinkle with chocolate chips over the bubbling toffee layer. Let them sit for a couple of minutes to melt, then use a spatula to spread the chocolate into a smooth layer.

Chocolate chips being spread on saltine crackers and toffee.

Toppings: Here’s where you can get creative! While the chocolate is still melty, sprinkle on your choice of toppings: Christmas sprinkles for a pop of color, crushed candy canes for a festive touch, or even toffee bits, coconut flakes, or pieces of peppermint bark for extra flavor and texture.
Let it set: Allow your Christmas candy to cool and harden. If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up this process by placing the pan in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Once it’s set, break it into pieces and store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Christmas Crack Candy:

Choose your crackers wisely: While Premium Saltine Crackers are a classic choice, don’t hesitate to use Ritz crackers for a buttery flavor or Kellogg’s Graham Crackers for a hint of sweetness.
Add a salty twist: The salty flavor from the crackers works perfectly with the buttery toffee and dark chocolate crack candy but consider sprinkling a little extra sea salt on top for an extra treat!
Don’t overcook the toffee: Be sure to watch the toffee while it’s in the oven. If it gets overcooked, it can turn hard and lose that chewy, sticky goodness.
Get creative with toppings: From toffee bits and coconut flakes to peppermint bark and Christmas sprinkles, the possibilities are endless when it comes to dressing up your buttery toffee and dark chocolate crack candy.

a close up image of a stack of Christmas Crack Candy on a plate

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Simple ingredients: You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry, making this a go-to recipe for holiday baking.
A crowd-pleaser: Bring this to any holiday party, along with any of our other desserts, and you’ll have people asking for the recipe. It’s that good!
Customizable: Whether you prefer dark chocolate, white chocolate, or a mix of both, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Plus, with so many topping options, you can make this Christmas cracker candy your own.

Storing Your Christmas Crack Candy

Once this buttery toffee and dark chocolate crack candy has set and you’ve broken it into pieces, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze it if you want to make it ahead of time. Just be sure to let it thaw completely before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas crack candy is the perfect sweet treat for holiday gatherings or as a gift for friends and family. With its addictive salty-sweet flavor and crunchy texture, it’s sure to be a hit at every celebration. And since it’s so easy to make, you’ll want to make sure and whip up an extra batch for next time.

So grab your baking sheet, melt some chocolate chips, and get ready to impress everyone with this unforgettable Christmas Crack Candy that will leave everyone asking for more! Don’t forget to jot down the recipe so you can share it when guests inevitably ask for your secret!