This Irresistible Christmas Cracker Candy will bring a festive crunch to your holiday treats! With crunchy crackers, melted chocolate, and a sprinkle of festive toppings, it’s oh-so-easy to make!
Your friends will be asking for the recipe before the last piece is gone. I can’t resist sneaking in a bite of this sweet, salty, and nutty combo every time—it’s too good to share! 🎄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Saltine Crackers: These provide the crunchy base. If you don’t have saltines, try using matzo crackers or even pretzel crisps for a fun twist. They all bring a satisfying crunch!
Unsalted Butter: I always use unsalted butter for better control over the sweetness. You can substitute with a dairy-free margarine if needed for a vegan option.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: They melt beautifully and add richness. If you’re looking for a different flavor, dark chocolate or milk chocolate can work, too. For a healthier choice, try using dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts are my favorites for added crunch and nutty flavor. However, if there are nut allergies, feel free to skip them or replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds!
Candied Cherries or Gummies: These add a festive touch and vibrant color. If you can’t find them, any chopped dried fruit or chocolate-covered candies would work well.
How Do You Avoid a Sticky Disaster When Making the Caramel?
Getting the caramel right is essential for this recipe to shine. It’s all about the timing and technique. Here are a few tips:
- Make sure you cook the butter and sugar mixture until it bubbles steadily—about 3 minutes—without stirring. This helps to achieve a nice caramel texture.
- When pouring the hot caramel over the crackers, work quickly and spread it evenly, so everything gets coated.
- If you notice your caramel is too thick to spread, give it a quick stir on low heat to loosen it up.
Taking these steps will help you create a deliciously crunchy and sweet Christmas treat that won’t stick together! Enjoy making and sharing this delightful candy! 🎉
Irresistible Christmas Cracker Candy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 40 saltine crackers (about 4 sleeves)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/2 cup red and green candied cherries or Christmas-colored gummies, chopped
- 1/4 cup white mini marshmallows
- Edible gold dust or glitter (optional, for decoration)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This sweet treat takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to set aside about 2 hours to chill it in the refrigerator before serving. A bit of patience pays off for this delicious candy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Place the saltine crackers in a single, even layer on the lined sheet. You may need to break some crackers to fill in the gaps, so they cover the bottom well.
2. Make the Caramel:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and brown sugar. Allow the mixture to melt and come to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally and let it simmer for about 3 minutes until it is bubbling nicely. Remember, no stirring during this time!
3. Pour the Caramel Over Crackers:
Once the caramel is ready, carefully pour it evenly over the saltine crackers. Use a spatula to gently spread it if necessary, ensuring all crackers are coated.
4. Bake the Candy:
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 5-6 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the caramel is bubbly. This step makes sure everything is perfectly melded together.
5. Add the Chocolate:
Take the baking sheet out of the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot caramel layer. Let them sit for about 3-5 minutes until the chocolate starts to melt, then gently spread it evenly with a spatula.
6. Top it Off:
While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle the chopped nuts, candied cherries (or gummies), and mini marshmallows over the top. Press down gently to help them stick to the chocolate.
7. Add Some Sparkle:
If you want an extra festive touch, sprinkle some edible gold dust or glitter on top. This adds a beautiful holiday flair!
8. Chill the Candy:
Let the pan cool to room temperature, then pop it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until set. This helps everything firm up nicely.
9. Break Into Pieces:
Once set, grab the edges of the foil or parchment paper and lift the candy out of the pan. Break it into pieces of your desired size.
10. Dust and Serve:
If you’d like, dust the candy lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy effect before serving. Enjoy your festive and delicious Christmas Cracker Candy!
Happy Holidays! 🎄 Enjoy this crunchy, sweet treat with friends and family!
Can I Use Different Types of Crackers?
Absolutely! While saltine crackers create a classic flavor, you can substitute them with matzo crackers or pretzel crisps for a different crunch. Just be sure they can hold up to the caramel!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a warmer climate, it’s best to keep them in the fridge to prevent melting.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! This candy can be made up to 3 days in advance. Just make sure it’s properly stored in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Can I Customize the Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with the toppings. You can use different nuts, dried fruits, or even crushed candy canes for a festive twist. Just make sure whatever you choose complements the chocolate flavor!
