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Easiest and Most Loved Christmas Candy (Saltine Toffee) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 28 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 40 pieces
  • Category: Dessert, Candy
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This festive and easy-to-make Christmas candy recipe, often nicknamed “Christmas Crack” for its addictively delicious taste, features a crunchy saltine cracker base covered in a rich caramel layer and topped with melted chocolate and holiday sprinkles. It’s a perfect treat to share during the holiday season.


Ingredients

Scale

Cracker Base

  • 1 sleeve (about 40) saltine crackers

Caramel Topping

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar (packed)

Chocolate & Toppings

  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans, almonds, or walnuts – optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to catch any caramel drips. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer covering the entire sheet.
  2. Make Caramel Mixture: In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter and brown sugar together over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Allow it to boil for 3 minutes without stirring to create a smooth caramel.
  3. Pour and Spread Caramel: Immediately pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the saltine crackers using a spatula to spread it out smoothly, ensuring all crackers are coated.
  4. Bake Caramel and Crackers: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 5 minutes until the caramel is bubbly and set.
  5. Add Chocolate Chips: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and quickly sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the hot caramel. Let it sit for 2 minutes so the chocolate melts.
  6. Spread Melted Chocolate: Using a spatula, spread the melted chocolate evenly across the caramel layer.
  7. Top and Chill: Sprinkle holiday sprinkles and optional chopped nuts on top. Refrigerate the candy for at least 1 hour until fully set and firm.
  8. Serve: Once set, break the candy into approximately 40 pieces and serve.

Notes

  • This candy is commonly called “Christmas Crack” due to its addictive sweetness and crunch.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  • For a fun variation, substitute saltine crackers with graham crackers or pretzels for different textures and flavors.