Christmas Crack Candy
This Christmas Crack Candy is an irresistible sweet-and-salty treat that’s perfect for holiday celebrations! It’s quick to make and requires only a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- Saltine crackers (enough to cover a cookie sheet)
- 2 sticks of butter (1 cup)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- Chocolate chips (about 1½–2 cups)
- M&Ms (optional, for topping)
- White almond bark (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Base:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line the Cookie Sheet:
- Cover a cookie sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange a single layer of saltine crackers to cover the entire sheet.
2. Make the Toffee Layer:
- Melt Butter and Sugar:
- In a medium saucepan, melt 2 sticks of butter over medium heat. Add 1 cup of brown sugar and stir until the mixture reaches a caramel-like consistency. This should take about 3–5 minutes.
- Pour Over Crackers:
- Carefully pour the toffee mixture over the saltine crackers, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure all crackers are coated.
3. Bake and Add Chocolate:
- Bake:
- Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 5 minutes. The caramel will bubble during this time.
- Add Chocolate Chips:
- Remove the sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the hot caramel. Let them sit for 1–2 minutes to melt.
- Spread the Chocolate:
- Once the chocolate chips have softened, use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate over the toffee layer evenly.
4. Decorate and Cool:
- Add Toppings (Optional):
- Sprinkle M&Ms over the melted chocolate for a festive touch. Drizzle melted white almond bark over the top for added sweetness and texture.
- Refrigerate:
- Place the cookie sheet in the refrigerator and chill for 1–2 hours, or until the candy is completely set.
5. Break and Serve:
- Break into Pieces:
- Once the candy is firm, remove it from the cookie sheet and peel off the foil or parchment paper. Break it into pieces by hand or with a knife.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Plate the candy or store it in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips for Success
- Toffee Texture: Ensure the butter and sugar mixture reaches a bubbly, caramel-like consistency before pouring it over the crackers. This step is key for the candy’s texture.
- Variations: Swap M&Ms for crushed peppermint, chopped nuts, or festive sprinkles for different flavors.
- Storage: Keep the candy refrigerated or in a cool place to maintain its crisp texture.
This holiday treat is perfect for gifting or sharing at gatherings. Enjoy the sweet crunch of Christmas Crack!