There is nothing quite like the perfect combination of crunchy, buttery, sweet, and chocolatey in the holiday season, and that’s exactly what makes this Christmas Crack Cookies (Cracker Toffee Cookies) Recipe an instant crowd-pleaser. These irresistible treats bring together crispy Ritz crackers coated with a homemade toffee layer, topped with melty chocolate and festive sprinkles for a delightfully crunchy yet gooey experience. Whether you’re making them for a party, gifting, or simply treating yourself, this recipe has the magic to fill your kitchen with warmth and holiday cheer in just minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together beautifully to create the perfect Christmas Crack Cookies. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering the signature sweet crunch and rich flavor that makes every bite a holiday celebration.
- 24 Ritz crackers: The sturdy, buttery base that holds all the delicious layers together with a perfect crunch.
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks, salted or unsalted): Adds richness and helps create the luscious toffee that coats the crackers.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Gives the toffee its deep caramel flavor and chewy texture.
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts beautifully over the toffee and adds a velvety, sweet chocolate layer (feel free to mix milk chocolate, white chocolate, or any favorite variety).
- 1/4 cup sprinkles (or crushed candy canes, M&M’s, etc.): Provides a festive pop of color and an extra hint of holiday fun with every bite.
How to Make Christmas Crack Cookies (Cracker Toffee Cookies) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350℉ and lining a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Place one Ritz cracker in each muffin cup, creating the crunchy canvas for our toffee masterpiece.
Step 2: Make the Toffee
In a medium-sized pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Stir occasionally as this mixture comes to a rolling boil. Let it bubble for exactly 3 minutes until it achieves a gorgeous amber color. This process develops the toffee’s signature depth of flavor.
Step 3: Coat the Crackers
Remove the pot from heat and carefully ladle about 2 teaspoons of the hot toffee mixture onto each Ritz cracker. This sticky, bubbling layer is what transforms the simple cracker into an irresistible treat.
Step 4: Bake the Toffee
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 3 to 5 minutes until the toffee starts to bubble. This step ensures the sugar is perfectly caramelized and ready to set atop the crackers.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Layer
Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the bubbling hot toffee. Let them sit for a minute or two until they’re soft enough, then spread the chocolate smoothly over each cookie with a spatula. If the chocolate isn’t melting easily, pop the tin back in the oven for another 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 6: Finish with Festive Toppings
Sprinkle your choice of colorful sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or mini candies on top of the melted chocolate while it’s still warm. Let everything cool completely, either at room temperature or in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour, so the treats set perfectly.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Pop each Christmas Crack Cookie out of the muffin tin, and you’re ready to delight in a crunchy, chocolatey, buttery bite. These treats are Christmas-worthy in appearance and flavor!
How to Serve Christmas Crack Cookies (Cracker Toffee Cookies) Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a final decorative touch not only makes these cookies look festive but also adds a bit of extra flavor. Try crushed peppermint for a refreshing zing or chopped nuts for a bit of deeper crunch. A light dusting of sea salt pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Serve Christmas Crack Cookies alongside warm beverages like hot cocoa, coffee, or mulled cider to balance the richness. They also pair wonderfully with a simple vanilla or cinnamon-spiced ice cream for an indulgent holiday dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider stacking the cookies in a mason jar filled with shredded paper or festive tissue for a charming gift. You can also arrange them on a holiday-themed platter decorated with pine sprigs and miniature ornaments, turning them into the star of your cookie exchange party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Christmas Crack Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to keep their crisp toffee texture fresh. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week, perfect for snacking throughout the holiday season.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead of time or save some for later, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed easily at room temperature when cravings hit.
Reheating
To bring back that just-made magic, warm the cookies slightly in a low oven (around 300℉) for 5 minutes. This reactivates the toffee crunch and melts the chocolate just a little, giving you a freshly baked feel with minimal effort.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cracker?
Absolutely! While Ritz crackers are classic for their buttery flavor and sturdy texture, you can experiment with similar salted crackers. Just make sure they are not too thin or they might become soggy under the toffee.
Can I substitute the chocolate chips with other toppings?
Yes, you can swap chocolate chips for white chocolate, peanut butter chips, or even caramel chips. Just keep in mind the melting point and sweetness to maintain the cookie’s balance.
Is it necessary to use brown sugar in the toffee?
Brown sugar is key because it adds moisture and a deeper caramel flavor. Using white sugar alone can make the toffee harder and less flavorful.
How do I prevent the toffee from sticking to the pan?
Lining your muffin tin with cupcake liners helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up a breeze. If you skip liners, lightly grease the tin to ensure easy removal.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just substitute the Ritz crackers with a gluten-free cracker that has a similar texture and flavor, and you’re good to enjoy your Christmas Crack Cookies without gluten worries.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Crack Cookies (Cracker Toffee Cookies) Recipe is truly a holiday gem that combines simplicity with incredible flavor and texture. Its effortless preparation and impressive taste make it a go-to for festive gatherings and gift-giving. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become one of your all-time favorite holiday treats to bake and share. So grab those Ritz crackers and get started — your sweet holiday magic awaits!
Print
Christmas Crack Cookies (Cracker Toffee Cookies) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Christmas Crack Cookies are a delightful holiday treat featuring crispy Ritz crackers topped with buttery toffee, melted chocolate, and festive sprinkles. These easy-to-make cracker toffee cookies combine sweet, salty, and crunchy textures that are perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting.
Ingredients
Base
- 24 Ritz crackers
Toffee Layer
- 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 and prepare tins: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) and place a cupcake or muffin liner in each cup of your muffin tin to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Arrange crackers: Place one Ritz cracker into each muffin tin cup, creating an even base for the toffee topping.
- Make toffee: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the butter and brown sugar. Stir occasionally until the mixture reaches a rolling boil. Continue boiling for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture turns bubbly and amber in color, indicating it’s properly caramelized.
- Pour toffee over crackers: Remove the saucepan from heat. Carefully ladle about 2 teaspoons of the hot toffee mixture over each Ritz cracker, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Bake the toffee: Place the muffin tins in the preheated oven and bake for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the toffee begins to bubble, which helps the toffee set and get crisp.
- Add chocolate chips: Remove the tins from the oven and immediately sprinkle the 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee. Let them sit for 1 to 2 minutes to soften.
- Spread chocolate: Using a spatula, gently spread the melted chocolate over each toffee-covered cracker. If the chocolate doesn’t melt easily, return the muffin tins to the oven for 1 to 2 minutes, then spread evenly.
- Add sprinkles: Sprinkle your choice of sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or other colorful candies evenly over the melted chocolate while still soft.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cookies to cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour until the chocolate and toffee are set.
- Remove and store: Once cooled, pop the cookies out of the muffin tin, serve, and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Use salted or unsalted butter depending on your preference; salted butter adds a nice balance to the sweetness.
- For variety, try different types of chocolate chips like milk chocolate, white chocolate, or a mix.
- Sprinkles can be substituted with crushed candy canes or holiday-themed candies for festive flair.
- Ensure the toffee mixture reaches a rolling boil for the full 3 minutes to achieve the right texture and color.
- If chocolate hardens too quickly, briefly reheating helps it spread smoothly.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crispness.
