If you’re searching for a festive treat that perfectly blends salty, sweet, and downright addictive flavors, then you absolutely must try this Christmas Crack Cookies (Cracker Toffee Cookies) Recipe. It’s a magical combination of buttery toffee, crispy Ritz crackers, melted chocolate, and colorful sprinkles that come together to create the ultimate holiday nibble. These little bites are simple to make yet incredibly tasty, guaranteed to disappear fast at any holiday gathering or cozy night in. Once you make them, they’ll become a cherished classic in your seasonal dessert lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Christmas Crack Cookies (Cracker Toffee Cookies) Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are. Each item plays a crucial role—from the salty crunch of the Ritz crackers to the creamy richness of butter and the luscious sweetness of chocolate, complemented by eye-catching sprinkles or festive candies that add a fun holiday touch.
- 24 Ritz crackers: These form the crisp and salty base that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks, salted or unsalted): The butter melts down to help create that luscious toffee coating all over the crackers.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds a deep caramel flavor and sticky texture that turns into toffee when cooked.
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk, white, or a combination): Melts to a glossy layer that blankets the toffee, making each bite creamy and decadent.
- 1/4 cup sprinkles (or crushed candy canes, M&M’s, etc.): Adds festive color and a delightful texture pop, perfect for holiday cheer.
How to Make Christmas Crack Cookies (Cracker Toffee Cookies) Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350℉ to make sure it’s hot enough for the toffee to bubble up nicely. Next, line each cup of a muffin tin with cupcake liners to make clean-up and removal easier later.
Step 2: Line the Crackers
Place one Ritz cracker into each cupcake liner inside the muffin tin. These crackers will be the sturdy, delicious base for the toffee and chocolate layers.
Step 3: Make the Toffee
In a medium pot over medium-low heat, combine the butter and packed brown sugar. Stir occasionally and bring it to a rolling boil. Let it cook for exactly 3 minutes to develop that beautiful amber toffee color and bubbling texture that’s key to this Christmas Crack Cookies (Cracker Toffee Cookies) Recipe.
Step 4: Pour the Toffee
Carefully remove the pot from heat and ladle about 2 teaspoons of the hot toffee mixture over each Ritz cracker. This will coat each one with a glossy, caramelized layer.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 3 to 5 minutes. You’re aiming for the toffee to start bubbling again—this is what guarantees that perfect crunch after cooling.
Step 6: Add the Chocolate Layer
Once out of the oven, immediately scatter the chocolate chips over each toffee-coated cracker. Let them sit for a minute or two to soften, then spread the melted chocolate evenly over each cookie using a spatula. If the chocolate refuses to melt smoothly, just pop the tray back in the oven for one to two minutes to help it along.
Step 7: Top with Sprinkles
Now sprinkle your choice of festive decorations like sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or even miniature holiday M&M’s. This extra flair adds both charm and crunch!
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the cookies cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour until the chocolate hardens. Then carefully remove from the liners, serve, and watch how quickly these irresistible treats disappear!
How to Serve Christmas Crack Cookies (Cracker Toffee Cookies) Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of holiday sparkle, consider dusting your Christmas Crack Cookies (Cracker Toffee Cookies) Recipe with a light sprinkle of edible glitter or a tiny pinch of sea salt to elevate their flavor contrast even further.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm mug of peppermint hot chocolate, creamy eggnog, or even a robust cup of coffee. Their sweet-salty profile complements rich beverages beautifully and balances your festive dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Displaying these cookies on a tiered holiday dessert stand brightens up any table, or arrange them on a festive platter lined with evergreen sprigs and cranberries for a natural, cozy vibe that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Christmas Crack Cookies (Cracker Toffee Cookies) Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge to maintain that crisp texture and prevent the chocolate from melting in warm environments.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead of time, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully and thaw quickly when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
No need to reheat these cookies, but if you prefer a softer chocolate texture, you can microwave a cookie for just a few seconds. Be careful not to melt the toffee completely, which might make them sticky.
FAQs
Can I use other types of crackers instead of Ritz?
Absolutely! While Ritz crackers are classic for their buttery flavor and saltiness, you can experiment with similar buttery or salted crackers to see which you like best. Just be aware that thinner or thicker crackers might affect the final texture slightly.
What type of chocolate works best for these cookies?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are preferred as they balance the sweetness of the toffee really well. However, milk chocolate, white chocolate, or any combination can work, depending on your flavor preferences.
Can I add nuts or other toppings?
Yes! Chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts add a lovely crunch. Just sprinkle them on top with the chocolate or mixed in with the sprinkles for an exciting twist on the classic recipe.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies will keep fresh for about 5 to 7 days at room temperature. If refrigerated, they may last a bit longer but can become a little firmer.
Is this recipe suitable for a large crowd?
Definitely! The recipe makes 24 servings, and it’s quick enough to double or triple if you’re hosting a big holiday party. Christmas Crack Cookies (Cracker Toffee Cookies) Recipe is always a party favorite and goes fast, so doubling up is often recommended.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Christmas Crack Cookies (Cracker Toffee Cookies) Recipe enough for your holiday dessert lineup. It’s easy, fast, and joyfully addictive—perfect for sharing with friends and family or sneaking a little treat yourself. Once you try these, they’ll be your go-to when you want something truly special with minimal fuss. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of this recipe brighten your holiday celebrations!
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, are a festive and easy-to-make treat featuring crunchy Ritz crackers topped with buttery toffee, melted chocolate, and colorful sprinkles or crushed candies. These quick-bake cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and gift-giving.
Ingredients
Base
- 24 Ritz crackers
Toffee Topping
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks, salted or unsalted)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
Chocolate Topping
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or a combination)
Decorations
- 1/4 cup sprinkles (or crushed candy canes, M&M’s, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉. Place a cupcake or muffin liner in each cup of a muffin tin to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Prepare Crackers: Place one Ritz cracker into each lined muffin tin cup. This will form the base for the toffee topping.
- Make Toffee: In a medium pot over medium-low heat, combine the butter and brown sugar. Stir occasionally and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Cook it for 3 minutes until it is bubbling vigorously and turns an amber color.
- Top Crackers: Remove the pot from heat and carefully ladle about 2 teaspoons of the hot toffee mixture over each Ritz cracker, covering them evenly.
- Bake Toffee: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 3-5 minutes, or until the toffee begins to bubble, indicating it is set and caramelized.
- Add Chocolate: Remove the muffin tin from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee layer. Let them sit for 1-2 minutes to soften, then use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the toffee. If the chocolate does not melt sufficiently, return the tin to the oven for 1-2 minutes and then spread.
- Decorate: Sprinkle your choice of sprinkles or crushed candy evenly over the melted chocolate while still warm.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool completely at room temperature or place them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour to set. Once set, pop the cookies out of the muffin tin, serve, and enjoy!
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Notes
- You can customize the toppings by using different types of chocolate chips such as milk or white chocolate, or a mix.
- Sprinkles can be substituted with crushed candy canes, M&M’s, or other small candy pieces for variety.
- Ensure the toffee mixture reaches a rolling boil and is amber in color to achieve proper caramelization and texture.
- If the chocolate hardens too fast, warming it slightly in the oven helps spread it smoothly.
- Using lined muffin tins makes for easier removal and cleanup.
- Refrigerating speeds up the setting process but is optional.
