Christmas Cracker Candy

Irresistible Christmas Cracker Candy – The Perfect Holiday Treat

When it comes to easy holiday treats that everyone will love, nothing beats cracker candy. This sweet, salty, and crunchy delight is the perfect combination of flavors and textures, making it a hit at any holiday party or gift exchange. Christmas cracker candy, also known as saltine cracker candy, is a classic festive treat that’s quick and simple to prepare, yet looks and tastes like something much more elaborate. With a few basic ingredients and a little holiday cheer, you can create this delicious candy in no time!

Essential Equipment for Making Cracker Candy

Before you begin, make sure you have a few key pieces of equipment on hand to make the process smooth and enjoyable. First, you’ll need a good baking sheet with sides; this will ensure the toffee mixture doesn’t spill over as it bakes, keeping your oven clean and preventing any burning. Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper is also essential, as it makes it easy to lift the cracker candy off the sheet once it’s cooled. You’ll also need a sturdy pot for making the caramel-like butter and brown sugar mixture. A reliable pot will heat evenly and prevent sticking, giving you a smooth, rich base for your cracker candy. (I’ll link to my favorite baking sheet and pot so you can find exactly what you need!)

Ingredients for Christmas Cracker Candy

For this easy cracker candy recipe, the ingredients list is refreshingly simple. You’ll need:

• Saltine crackers: One sleeve will do. These provide the crunchy, salty base that perfectly balances the sweetness of the topping.
• Butter: Two sticks of butter create a rich, decadent toffee-like layer.
• Brown sugar: One cup of brown sugar combines with the butter to make a caramel that seeps into the crackers, creating that iconic crunch.
• Chocolate chips: A 12-ounce bag will be enough to cover the candy. Use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, peanut butter chips, or even a mix for variety.

For toppings, you can customize your Christmas cracker candy to suit your holiday style and taste preferences. Here are a few suggestions:

• Festive sprinkles: Add red and green sprinkles for a classic Christmas look.

• Candies: Crushed peppermint, mini M&M’s, or chopped Reese’s Pieces add a fun, colorful twist.

• Nuts: Chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts give a nice crunch and complement the chocolate.

• Extra melted chocolate: Drizzle a contrasting chocolate—white chocolate over dark chocolate or vice versa—for an extra decorative touch.

Step-by-Step Directions for Saltine Cracker Candy

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients and equipment, let’s dive into the process of making this delicious holiday treat.

*printable recipe card is available at the bottom of this page

Step One: Prepare the baking sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, making sure the edges of the paper go up the sides of the sheet to catch any overflow. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the parchment, side by side, covering the entire baking sheet.

Step Two: Make the toffee base

In your pot, combine the two sticks of butter and one cup of brown sugar. Place the pot over medium-high heat and stir occasionally as the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Once the mixture reaches a boil, keep stirring frequently for exactly 3.5 minutes. This step is essential to get the right consistency for the toffee. When the time is up, remove the pot from heat immediately.

Step Three: Pour and spread

Carefully pour the hot toffee mixture over the arranged crackers, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface. Make sure all of the crackers are covered, as this will create a consistent layer that bonds the candy together.

Step Four: Bake

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 6 minutes. The toffee will continue to bubble and seep into the crackers, creating a crunchy, caramelized base for your candy. Keep an eye on it, as you don’t want the sugar to burn.

Step Five: Add chocolate and toppings

Remove the tray from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot toffee layer. Let the chocolate sit for a minute or two to soften, then use a spatula to spread it into a smooth layer. This is where you can get creative with your toppings! Sprinkle on festive decorations, candies, or nuts, pressing lightly so they adhere to the chocolate.

Step Six: Cool and break

Allow the Christmas cracker candy to cool completely. You can speed up the process by placing it in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes. Once set, lift the parchment paper off the baking sheet, and break the candy into pieces. There’s no need for perfection here—uneven, jagged pieces give the candy its charming, rustic look.

Why This Saltine Cracker Candy is Perfect for the Holidays

One of the best parts about this cracker candy recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for easy Christmas treats for gifts, something simple to add to a holiday dessert platter, or Christmas snacks for parties, this recipe checks all the boxes. The sweet, salty, and crunchy combination is always a hit, and with so many topping possibilities, you can make a variety of flavors and styles in one batch. Plus, it’s so easy to make that you can involve kids in the process, from laying out crackers to sprinkling toppings!

Tips for the Best Christmas Cracker Candy

• Use fresh crackers: To get that perfect crispy texture, make sure your crackers are fresh. Stale crackers may result in a soggier candy.
• Experiment with toppings: This is where you can make the candy your own. Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt over the chocolate layer for an elevated flavor, or crushed peppermint for a seasonal touch.
• Cutting and storing: After cooling, break the candy into pieces by hand for a rustic look, or use a knife if you want more uniform pieces. Store the candy in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for up to a week.