Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of buttery toffee, crisp crackers, and melted chocolate creates an irresistible taste sensation.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize your toffee with various toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or crushed candy canes to suit your preferences.
- Great for Gifting: Packaged in festive tins or bags, these treats make excellent homemade gifts during the holiday season.
Ingredients
- Saltine crackers (enough to cover a 15” x 10” x 1” baking sheet)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, sprinkles, crushed candy canes
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a 15” x 10” x 1” baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Arrange saltine crackers in a single layer to cover the entire sheet.
- Make Toffee: In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1 cup of packed light brown sugar and stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil. Let it boil for 2 to 3 minutes, reaching a temperature of 270°F to 290°F (use a candy thermometer if available). The mixture should have a nutty aroma.
- Pour Toffee Over Crackers: Immediately pour the hot toffee over the arranged crackers, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure all crackers are coated.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes, or until the toffee is bubbly and has hardened.
- Add Chocolate: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Allow them to sit for a few minutes until melted, then spread the chocolate evenly over the toffee layer using a spatula.
- Add Toppings: While the chocolate is still warm, add optional toppings such as chopped nuts, sprinkles, or crushed candy canes.
- Cool and Serve: Let the toffee cool completely for at least 15 minutes. Once set, break or cut into squares. Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 24 pieces
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Cooling Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Different Crackers: Substitute saltine crackers with graham crackers or club crackers for a different base flavor.
- Chocolate Varieties: Use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate chips to suit your taste preferences.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a sprinkle of sea salt over the melted chocolate for a sweet and salty contrast.
- Festive Toppings: Decorate with colored sprinkles or edible glitter to match various holiday themes.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For extended freshness, keep it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Freezing: Place pieces of toffee in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to three months.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm toffee, allow it to come to room temperature naturally. Avoid using a microwave, as it can cause the chocolate to melt unevenly.
FAQs
What is Christmas Crack?
Christmas Crack is a popular holiday treat made with a base of crackers, typically saltines, topped with toffee and chocolate. It’s known for its addictive combination of sweet and salty flavors.
Can I use different types of crackers?
Yes, you can experiment with different crackers like graham crackers or club crackers to achieve varying flavors and textures.
Is a candy thermometer necessary for making the toffee?
While a candy thermometer ensures precise temperature control, it’s not essential. Boiling the butter and sugar mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until it reaches a deep caramel color should suffice.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts such as pecans, almonds, or walnuts can be sprinkled over the melted chocolate for added crunch and flavor.
How do I prevent the chocolate from melting when storing?
Allow the toffee to cool completely before storing. If your environment is warm, consider refrigerating the toffee to keep the chocolate firm.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free crackers and ensuring that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free, you can adapt this recipe for a gluten-free diet.
How long does Christmas Crack stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it stays fresh for up to a week. Refrigeration can extend its shelf life to two weeks.
Can I freeze Christmas Crack?
Yes
Easy Cracker Toffee Cookies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 pieces
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Cracker Toffee Cookies, is a holiday treat that blends the perfect crunch of saltine crackers, buttery toffee, and rich chocolate. This quick and versatile recipe is a must-have for holiday gifting and celebrations.
Ingredients
- Saltine crackers (enough to cover a 15” x 10” x 1” baking sheet)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, sprinkles, crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a 15” x 10” x 1” baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Arrange saltine crackers in a single layer to cover the sheet.
- Make Toffee: In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 1 cup of packed light brown sugar until dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, and let it boil for 2-3 minutes (270°F-290°F).
- Pour Toffee: Quickly pour the hot toffee over the arranged crackers, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Place the sheet in the oven for 5 minutes until the toffee bubbles and sets.
- Add Chocolate: Remove from the oven, sprinkle chocolate chips over the toffee, and let them melt. Spread evenly using a spatula.
- Add Toppings: While the chocolate is still warm, add toppings like nuts, sprinkles, or crushed candy canes.
- Cool and Serve: Let the toffee cool completely, then break into pieces. Store at room temperature or in the fridge.
Notes
- Ensure the toffee reaches the correct temperature for the perfect texture.
- Customize with your favorite chocolate or toppings for variety.
- For easier breaking, use a sharp knife after cooling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
