Christmas Crack is a salty-sweet holiday favorite made with saltine crackers, caramel, melted chocolate, and festive toppings. It’s incredibly easy, wildly addictive, and comes together in just 15 minutes with five pantry staples. Whether you’re gifting it, sharing at a cookie swap, or sneaking bites from the fridge all season long, this crowd-pleasing treat disappears fast—hence the name!
Table of Contents
✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – 15 minutes from start to finish
- 5 ingredients – No fancy tools or candy-making experience needed
- Perfect for gifts – Stores well and travels beautifully
- Highly customizable – Add your favorite toppings
- Festive and fun – A guaranteed hit on every cookie platter
🛒 Ingredients
- 35–40 saltine crackers (enough to cover a baking sheet)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 1½ cups toppings (chopped pecans, crushed pretzels, candy canes, M&Ms, or sprinkles)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prep the tray: Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a 15×10-inch baking pan with foil or parchment. Arrange saltines in a single layer.
- Make caramel: In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar. Bring to a boil and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour over crackers: Carefully pour the caramel over the crackers and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake for 5 minutes until the caramel is bubbling and starting to set.
- Add chocolate: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot caramel layer. Let sit 2 minutes, then spread evenly as it melts.
- Decorate: Add your toppings and gently press them into the chocolate with a spatula.
- Cool & cut: Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate until firm (about 15 minutes). Cut into squares or break into pieces.
⏱️ Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 12
📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 373
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sugar: 26g
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 275mg
💡 Tips & Variations
- Use chopped bar chocolate for smoother melting
- Avoid grainy caramel by stirring constantly while boiling
- Customize toppings with crushed peppermint, toffee bits, nuts, or sprinkles
- Use a candy thermometer if you want precision (aim for 270–290°F for the caramel)
- For a firmer candy, chill for 30–60 minutes before slicing
❓ FAQs
Why is it called Christmas Crack?
Because it’s irresistibly delicious—and crackly when broken into pieces!
Why is my Christmas Crack sticky or soft?
Your caramel may not have cooked long enough. Make sure it reaches a boil and thickens before pouring.
Can I use a different cracker?
Yes! Ritz crackers or graham crackers work well, though the saltines give it that iconic sweet-salty contrast.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
Christmas Crack
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- – Foil or parchment
Ingredients
- – 35–40 saltine crackers
- – 1 cup unsalted butter
- – 1 cup brown sugar packed
- – 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- – 1½ cups toppings pecans, crushed pretzels, M&Ms, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F. Line baking sheet with foil or parchment.
- Arrange crackers in a single layer.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar. Boil 2–3 minutes.
- Pour caramel over crackers and spread evenly.
- Bake for 5 minutes.
- Remove and sprinkle with chocolate. Let melt, then spread evenly.
- Add toppings and press lightly with spatula.
- Chill until firm. Break or cut into pieces.
Notes
– Customize toppings to match your holiday theme
– Store refrigerated or freeze for longer shelf life
🎁 Serving & Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature, or 2 weeks refrigerated.
- Perfect for gifting in holiday tins or bags.
- For best texture, serve chilled or at room temperature (not warm!).