This Christmas Cracker Candy is a fun and sweet treat that will brighten your holidays. It’s made with crunchy crackers, buttery caramel, and tasty chocolate, all mixed together!
Your family will love this colorful candy, and it’s super easy to make! I always make extra for gift-giving, but honestly, they often vanish before I can wrap them up! 🎁😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Saltine Crackers: These are key for their saltiness and crunch. If you’re looking for a change, try using graham crackers or matzo for a sweeter or different flavor.
Unsalted Butter: This gives the candy a rich texture. You can substitute with margarine or use coconut oil for a dairy-free version, though it may alter the flavor a bit.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar brings a lovely caramel flavor. You can use dark brown sugar for a deeper taste or replace it with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chocolate is a great choice, but feel free to use milk chocolate or dark chocolate depending on your sweetness preference. For a fun twist, consider using white chocolate too!
Peppermint Candies: They add a festive crunch! If you’re not a peppermint fan, you can use crushed nuts or even toffee bits for added texture instead.
What’s the Best Way to Achieve Smooth Caramel?
Making perfect caramel is all about timing! Here’s how to get it right:
- Start with medium heat to melt the butter and sugar. Stir until it just comes to a boil, then stop stirring.
- Let it simmer for 3 minutes without stirring to thicken it. Keep an eye on it—burnt caramel is not fun!
- Pour it over the crackers while it’s hot! It spreads best this way.
If you’re not sure, use a candy thermometer. It should reach soft ball stage (about 234°F or 112°C) for a successful set!
Irresistible Christmas Cracker Candy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 40 saltine crackers (regular size, about 4 sleeves)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
For the Toppings:
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (or Christmas-colored candy melts)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- 1/2 cup assorted Christmas M&Ms or red and green chocolate candies
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This festive treat takes about 15 minutes to prep, and you’ll need an additional 2 hours to cool and set. It’s a simple and delightful recipe that doesn’t take too long—perfect for holiday gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Base:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a large baking sheet, approximately 13×18 inches, and line it with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This will help with easy cleanup later. Now, arrange your saltine crackers in a single layer to cover the entire sheet. Overlap them as little as possible to create a solid base.
2. Making the Caramel:
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir the mixture continuously until it begins to boil. Once it reaches a boil, let it bubble away for 3 minutes without stirring—this will give you that delicious, thick caramel texture!
3. Pouring the Caramel:
Carefully pour the hot caramel over the saltine crackers, spreading it out gently with a spatula to ensure every cracker is coated. Make sure to do this quickly before the caramel starts to set!
4. Baking the Candy:
Bake the pan in your preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
5. Adding the Chocolate:
Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips evenly over the bubbly caramel layer. After 2-3 minutes, they should be nice and soft. Use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly across the caramel layer.
6. Topping it Off:
Now for the fun part! Sprinkle the white chocolate chips, crushed peppermint candies, and assorted Christmas M&Ms over the melted chocolate. Make it as colorful and festive as you like!
7. Letting it Set:
Allow the candy to cool at room temperature for about 2 hours until it’s fully set. If you want to speed things up, you can pop it in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes.
8. Breaking it Apart:
Once set, gently lift the candy from the pan by pulling on the edges of the foil or parchment. Break it into pieces of your desired size. Enjoy the satisfying crunch!
9. Finishing Touches:
If you’d like, dust the pieces lightly with powdered sugar for a festive, snowy effect. It makes for a great presentation and a delightful treat!
Now you’re ready to enjoy your irresistible Christmas Cracker Candy! It’s perfect for sharing at holiday parties, giving as gifts, or just indulging in a tasty treat yourself!
Can I Substitute Saltine Crackers?
Yes, you can use graham crackers or even matzo in place of saltine crackers. Just keep in mind that different crackers will give a slightly different flavor and texture!
How Can I Store Leftover Candy?
Store any leftover Christmas Cracker Candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer, you can also refrigerate it for extended freshness, but let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying!
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the semisweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate or dark chocolate, depending on your taste preference. You can even use butterscotch or peanut butter chips for a fun twist!
What If My Caramel Becomes Hard?
If your caramel sets too quickly while spreading, you can return the whole pan to the oven for a minute or two to re-melt it slightly. Just be careful not to overbake, as you want to maintain the gooey caramel texture!