If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing treat that’s equal parts addictively sweet and perfectly festive, the Christmas Crack Recipe is your new holiday best friend. This simple concoction combines salty, buttery crackers with a rich toffee layer, gooey melted chocolate, and colorful Red and Green M&M’s that make every bite sparkle with holiday joy. The magic lies in its satisfying crunch and the way flavors harmonize—not to mention it looks stunning on any party platter or cookie tray. Trust me when I say, once you try this Christmas Crack Recipe, it will quickly become a must-have for all your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating this irresistible treat. Each item plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this Christmas Crack Recipe so unforgettable.
- Saltine crackers: Crisp, salty base that contrasts beautifully with the sweet toffee and chocolate layers.
- Butter: Provides richness and helps create the signature smooth toffee.
- Brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and sweetness in the toffee layer.
- Granulated sugar: Works with brown sugar to create the perfect toffee texture and flavor.
- Milk chocolate chips: Melt into a creamy, luscious topping that binds everything together.
- Red and Green M&M’s: Festive finishing touch that delivers crunch, color, and extra sweetness.
How to Make Christmas Crack Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, line an 11 x 14 pan with parchment paper, covering both the bottom and sides—this will make clean-up a breeze and help you lift the Christmas Crack out easily later on.
Step 2: Layer the Saltine Crackers
Arrange the Saltine crackers in a single layer across the parchment-lined pan. This salty foundation is what will give the Christmas Crack its irresistible crunchy texture.
Step 3: Make the Toffee Mixture
In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once the butter is melted, stir in the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a soft boil, letting it bubble gently while stirring occasionally to make sure the sugars dissolve evenly.
Step 4: Spread Toffee Over Crackers
As soon as the toffee mixture starts bubbling, remove it from heat and pour it evenly over the Saltine crackers. Use a knife or offset spatula to spread quickly and make sure every cracker gets covered with this luscious caramel toffee layer.
Step 5: Bake to Set the Toffee
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 7 minutes. This step sets the toffee so it binds perfectly to the crackers and hardens just the right amount for that crunchy snap.
Step 6: Add and Melt the Chocolate
Remove the pan and sprinkle the milk chocolate chips evenly over the toffee layer. Let the residual heat melt the chocolate chips; if they don’t fully melt, you can pop the pan back in the oven with the heat turned off for a few minutes. Then spread the melted chocolate evenly for a smooth, glossy finish.
Step 7: Top with M&M’s and Chill
Scatter the festive Red and Green M&M’s across the melted chocolate while it’s still warm. Place the pan in the freezer for about 30 minutes to allow the chocolate and toffee to fully set and harden.
Step 8: Break and Serve
Once the Christmas Crack has hardened, remove it from the freezer and lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper. Break it into rough, bite-sized pieces and get ready to enjoy the ultimate holiday crunch!
How to Serve Christmas Crack Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive flair, sprinkle some crushed peppermint candies or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. These garnishes add a fresh pop of color and a delightful hint of mint that balances the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Christmas Crack pairs wonderfully with hot beverages—think rich hot chocolate, freshly brewed coffee, or a warm spiced cider. The sweetness and crunch of the treat complement these drinks, creating a cozy holiday indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering your Christmas Crack in decorative mason jars or festive treat bags tied with ribbons to give as charming gifts. Alternatively, arrange the pieces on a holiday-themed platter surrounded by fresh pine sprigs, ornaments, or small fairy lights to wow guests at your holiday gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Christmas Crack fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay crunchy and delicious for up to one week, making it perfect for prepping in advance of holiday parties.
Freezing
You can freeze Christmas Crack in a sealed container or zipped bag for up to one month. Just thaw it at room temperature before serving, and it will retain its crispness—perfect for making batches early and saving some for later.
Reheating
Since the Christmas Crack is best enjoyed at room temperature or chilled, reheating isn’t necessary. If it softens too much, simply pop it in the freezer for a few minutes to regain its signature snap and crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cracker?
While Saltine crackers are traditional because of their saltiness and crunch, you can experiment with other plain, thin crackers. Just keep in mind that sweeter or flavored crackers may change the balance of salty and sweet in the recipe.
Why do I need to line the pan with parchment paper?
Lining the pan with parchment makes it easy to lift the entire Christmas Crack out once it’s set, preventing any sticky mess and allowing you to break it apart cleanly into pieces.
Can I use dark or white chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate offers a richer, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet toffee, while white chocolate adds a creamy sweetness. Use your personal favorite or mix chocolates for variety.
What if the toffee mixture doesn’t bubble or harden properly?
Ensure you bring the mixture to a proper soft boil on medium-high heat as instructed. Skipping this step or cooking at too low a temperature may prevent the toffee from hardening correctly. Be patient and watch carefully as it bubbles for the best texture.
Can I add nuts or other toppings?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even festive sprinkles can be added with the M&M’s for extra crunch and holiday flair. Just sprinkle them over the chocolate while it’s still warm so they stick well.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Crack Recipe is truly a holiday classic that’s easy to make yet incredibly impressive to share. With its perfect harmony of salty, sweet, crunchy, and colorful elements, it’s no surprise this treat disappears fast at every holiday party. Give it a try, and watch it become one of your favorite seasonal indulgences to make and gift year after year.
Print
Christmas Crack Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 47 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Christmas Crack recipe combines salty Saltine crackers with a rich buttery toffee layer, topped with melted milk chocolate and festive red and green M&M’s. Easy to make and perfect for holiday gifting or snacking, this sweet and crunchy treat is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 to 2 sleeves of Saltine crackers
Toffee Mixture
- 1 stick of butter (1/2 cup)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Toppings
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 (38 ounce) bag of red and green M&M’s
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the toffee-covered crackers.
- Prepare Pan: Line an 11×14 inch baking pan with parchment paper, covering the bottom and the sides for easy removal.
- Arrange Crackers: Lay the Saltine crackers evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan, covering it completely and set aside.
- Melt Butter: Place the stick of butter into a non-stick skillet and heat over medium heat until it begins to melt.
- Add Sugars: Pour in the brown sugar and granulated sugar into the melting butter, stirring occasionally to combine.
- Cook Toffee: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a soft boil, allowing the butter and sugars to dissolve and bubble.
- Pour Toffee: Once bubbling, turn off the heat and quickly pour the hot toffee over the Saltine crackers, spreading it evenly with a knife.
- Bake: Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 7 minutes to set the toffee.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the milk chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee layer, allowing them to melt.
- Spread Melted Chocolate: When the chocolate chips soften and begin to melt, spread the chocolate evenly over the toffee. If not fully melted, place the pan back into the oven (oven off) for a few minutes until smooth.
- Add M&M’s: Sprinkle the red and green M&M’s over the melted chocolate evenly for a festive touch.
- Chill: Place the pan in the freezer for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate hardens completely.
- Break and Serve: Remove from the freezer and break the Christmas Crack into pieces. Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful holiday treat!
Notes
- Make sure to work quickly when pouring and spreading the toffee, as it hardens fast.
- If you don’t have an 11×14 pan, a similar sized pan will work fine; adjust cracker quantity accordingly.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make clean-up easier.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For a different twist, try using white chocolate chips or peanut butter M&M’s.
