If you’re looking for the ultimate sweet and salty holiday treat, you absolutely must try this Christmas Crack Cookies (Cracker Toffee Cookies) Recipe. Imagine buttery, crispy Ritz crackers topped with a luscious layer of homemade toffee, crowned with a generous blanket of melty chocolate and finished off with festive sprinkles or crushed candy—each bite is bursting with irresistible crunch, gooey sweetness, and just the right touch of holiday magic. These little gems come together in no time and will quickly become your go-to cookie to share at every festive gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Christmas Crack Cookies (Cracker Toffee Cookies) Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that combine to create an extraordinary flavor and texture experience. Each component plays its part, from the crispiness of the Ritz crackers to the rich butter and brown sugar that create the perfect toffee base.
- 24 Ritz crackers: The crunchy and slightly salty foundation for these cookies, providing the perfect balance for the sweet toppings.
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks, salted or unsalted): This melts down into a golden toffee glaze that adds richness and smooth texture.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds caramel depth and sweetness to the toffee, essential for that classic crackly texture.
- 2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts beautifully on top for a luscious chocolate layer, but feel free to mix in milk or white chocolate for variety.
- 1/4 cup sprinkles (or crushed candy canes, M&M’s, etc.): These add festive flair and an extra pop of color and crunch to finish your cookies with holiday cheer.
How to Make Christmas Crack Cookies (Cracker Toffee Cookies) Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Cookie Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350℉ and lining a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Place one glorious Ritz cracker in each liner—that crunchy base will hold all the delicious layers perfectly.
Step 2: Make the Magical Toffee
In a medium pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Bring it to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Cook it for about 3 minutes until the mixture bubbles and turns a lovely amber color. This bubbling toffee mixture is what gives these cookies their addictive sweetness and that unmistakable “crack” texture.
Step 3: Coat the Crackers
Carefully spoon around 2 teaspoons of the hot toffee onto each Ritz cracker, covering it evenly. This step requires a bit of care since the toffee is hot, but trust me, the effort is worth it for that perfect coating.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 3–5 minutes. Watch closely for the toffee to start bubbling—this means it’s setting up beautifully with a crisp crackle.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Layer
Remove the tin from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Let them sit for a minute or two, then spread the melted chocolate evenly over the toffee using a spatula. If the chocolate isn’t melting easily, just place the tin back in the oven for another 1–2 minutes to encourage smooth spreading.
Step 6: Finish with Festive Toppings
Sprinkle your chosen candies or sprinkles over the warm chocolate before it sets. This final touch brings vibrant color and makes each cookie irresistibly Instagram-worthy.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let your Christmas Crack Cookies (Cracker Toffee Cookies) Recipe cool completely. You can leave them at room temperature or pop them in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour. Once set, pop them out, serve, and prepare for compliments galore!
How to Serve Christmas Crack Cookies (Cracker Toffee Cookies) Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these festive treats, try topping them with crushed peppermint or finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds. Not only do these garnishes add extra texture, but they also bring delightful flavors that complement the buttery toffee and rich chocolate beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve your Christmas Crack Cookies alongside a hot cup of cocoa or creamy eggnog for a cozy holiday pairing. These cookies are also dreamy alongside a simple bowl of vanilla ice cream if you’re craving a sweet and crunchy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies on a festive platter adorned with holly or pine sprigs for a show-stopping centerpiece. You can also wrap them individually in clear treat bags tied with ribbon; they make perfect gifts or party favors during the holiday season.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your Christmas Crack Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge to maintain their crunch and keep the chocolate from melting. They will stay fresh for up to one week, perfect for snacking all season long.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transferring them to a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy their sweet, crunchy goodness again.
Reheating
If you want to refresh the chocolate’s melty texture, briefly warm the cookies in a low-temperature oven for a few minutes. Just watch carefully so the chocolate softens without melting too much or the toffee losing its signature crack.
FAQs
Can I use different types of crackers?
Absolutely! While Ritz crackers are classic for their buttery flavor and perfect size, you can experiment with other buttery, sturdy crackers if you like. Just make sure they can hold up to the toffee without getting soggy.
What if I don’t have sprinkles?
You can substitute sprinkles with crushed candy canes, mini M&M’s, or even chopped nuts for a different take on texture and flavor. The important thing is to add that fun, festive finishing touch!
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips. The results will still be delicious and just as festive.
Why does the toffee sometimes not crack?
The key to that perfect crack lies in bringing the butter and sugar to a full rolling boil for those crucial 3 minutes. Don’t rush this step, and stir occasionally to prevent burning. If it’s undercooked, it may remain soft rather than crisp.
How long do these cookies last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, Christmas Crack Cookies stay fresh and crunchy for about a week. They’re so addictive, they rarely last that long!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Christmas Crack Cookies (Cracker Toffee Cookies) Recipe enough—there’s something truly magical about the combination of textures and flavors that makes it a holiday favorite every single time. Whether you’re baking for your family, a festive party, or just because you need a sweet pick-me-up, these cookies deliver joy in every crunchy, chocolatey bite. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear from the platter!
Print
Christmas Crack Cookies (Cracker Toffee Cookies) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Christmas Crack Cookies, also known as Cracker Toffee Cookies, combine buttery toffee with crunchy Ritz crackers, topped with melted chocolate and festive sprinkles. This easy no-fuss holiday treat is perfect for gift-giving or festive parties, featuring a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy textures.
Ingredients
Base
- 24 Ritz crackers
Toffee
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks, salted or unsalted)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
Topping
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or a combination)
- 1/4 cup sprinkles (or crushed candy canes, M&M’s, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) and place a cupcake or muffin liner into each cup of a muffin tin for easy cleanup and shaping.
- Arrange Crackers: Place one Ritz cracker into each muffin cup, lining the base evenly for the toffee layer.
- Make Toffee: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine 1 cup butter and 1 cup packed brown sugar. Stir occasionally and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Continue boiling for 3 minutes or until the toffee is bubbling vigorously and turns an amber color, indicating caramelization.
- Pour Toffee: Remove the pan from heat and carefully ladle about 2 teaspoons of the hot toffee over each Ritz cracker, covering them evenly.
- Bake Toffee: Place the muffin tins in the preheated oven and bake for 3 to 5 minutes, until the toffee just starts bubbling, ensuring the sugar is set and the crackers absorb some of the buttery flavor.
- Add Chocolate: Remove the tins from the oven and immediately sprinkle 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee layer. Let the chocolate chips sit for 1 to 2 minutes to soften and begin melting, then use a spatula to spread the chocolate smoothly over the toffee. If the chocolate resists melting or smoothing, return the tin to the oven for another 1 to 2 minutes, then spread again.
- Decorate and Cool: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of sprinkles or your choice of crushed candies evenly over the melted chocolate while still warm. Let the cookies cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate them for 30 minutes to 1 hour to set the chocolate firmly.
- Serve and Store: Once cooled and hardened, pop each cookie out of the muffin tins and enjoy. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Notes
- Using salted or unsalted butter will slightly alter the saltiness of the final cookie; salted butter adds an extra savory touch.
- You can customize the chocolate chips by using milk chocolate, white chocolate, or a mix for different flavors.
- Sprinkles can be swapped out with crushed candy canes, M&M’s, or chopped nuts for variation and festivity.
- Be careful when handling hot toffee as it can cause severe burns.
- These cookies are best stored in an airtight container to maintain their crispness and prevent chocolate from blooming.
