Christmas Crack Cookies are the ultimate holiday indulgence, combining sweet, salty, and crunchy elements into one irresistible treat. Made with a simple base of saltine crackers, rich caramel, and chocolate, these cookies are a must-have for holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy holiday schedules!
What Are Christmas Crack Cookies?
Christmas Crack Cookies, also known as “Christmas Crack,” are a festive dessert made by layering saltine crackers with caramel and melted chocolate. The result is a crispy, chocolatey snack that’s both decadent and delightfully simple. Holiday sprinkles add a cheerful, seasonal touch, making this treat a staple on Christmas dessert tables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples like saltines, butter, and sugar.
- Festive: Bright holiday sprinkles make it perfect for the season.
- Customizable: Swap toppings to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Christmas Crack Cookies:
- 1 sleeve saltine crackers (about 40 crackers)
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
- 2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Holiday sprinkles (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with foil and grease it generously to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer, covering the entire sheet.
Making the Caramel
- In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter and 1 cup of brown sugar over medium heat.
- Stir continuously until the mixture reaches a boil, then stop stirring and let it bubble for 3 minutes. This creates a rich caramel sauce.
Assembling and Baking
- Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the crackers, using a spatula to spread it gently if necessary.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes until the caramel is bubbly.
Adding the Chocolate
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the hot caramel.
- Let the chocolate chips sit for 2 minutes to soften, then spread the melted chocolate evenly with a spatula.
Finishing Touches
- Decorate the top with holiday sprinkles while the chocolate is still soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely. To speed up the process, place the baking sheet in the fridge or freezer until the chocolate sets.
Breaking and Serving
- Once cooled, break the cookies into pieces and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a standalone dessert or snack at holiday parties.
- Pair with hot cocoa, coffee, or a glass of milk for the ultimate holiday treat.
- Package in festive tins or bags for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Storing and Freezing
Storage Tips
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing Instructions
- Freeze the pieces in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Dark Chocolate: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crackers instead of saltines.
- Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds) on top instead of sprinkles.
- Festive Flavors: Add a pinch of sea salt or drizzle white chocolate for extra flair.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other crackers besides saltines?
Yes! Ritz crackers or graham crackers can work as substitutes, though they’ll change the flavor slightly.
Q: My caramel turned grainy. What went wrong?
Graininess occurs if the sugar doesn’t fully dissolve. Be sure to stir constantly while melting the sugar and butter, and avoid stirring once it starts boiling.
Q: How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips to make a dairy-free version.
Christmas Crack Cookies are a holiday classic that delivers big on flavor and cheer with minimal effort. Whether you’re preparing for a party, gifting friends, or simply craving a festive snack, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite. Try it out and bring the magic of the season to your dessert table!
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Christmas Crack Cookies Recipe: The Perfect Holiday Treat
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Christmas Crack Cookies are a sweet-and-salty holiday treat featuring crispy saltine crackers layered with caramel and chocolate. Topped with festive sprinkles, this easy-to-make dessert is perfect for gift-giving or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 sleeve saltine crackers (about 40 crackers)
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
- 2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Holiday sprinkles (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and grease it well. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer to completely cover the sheet. - Make the Caramel:
In a medium saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Let it boil without stirring for 3 minutes, forming a smooth caramel. - Assemble the Base:
Pour the caramel evenly over the crackers, spreading gently with a spatula if needed. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes, until the caramel bubbles vigorously. - Add the Chocolate:
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot caramel. Let sit for 2 minutes to melt, then spread evenly with a spatula. - Decorate and Cool:
Top with holiday sprinkles while the chocolate is still soft. Allow the cookies to cool completely. For faster results, refrigerate or freeze until set. - Break and Serve:
Once firm, break into pieces and serve.
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze pieces in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Variations: Use dark chocolate, add a sprinkle of sea salt, or include chopped nuts for a twist.
- Substitutions: Replace saltine crackers with graham crackers for a sweeter base.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 2 pieces
- Calories: ~250 per serving