Bring the sparkle of holiday cheer to your dessert table with Christmas Cracker Candy. This simple yet irresistible treat combines the crispiness of saltine crackers with rich caramel and chocolate, topped off with festive candy canes or sprinkles. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just looking for a fun baking project with the kids, this recipe promises to be both enjoyable to make and a joy to eat.
Easy, Sweet, and Irresistibly Festive
Christmas Cracker Candy is the perfect mix of salty, sweet, and crunchy. The process is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for last-minute holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift. With its colorful toppings and delicious layers, this candy is as fun to look at as it is to eat!
Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Cracker Candy
- Perfect Timing: Keep a close eye on the caramel as it cooks; letting it simmer the full five minutes without stirring is crucial for achieving the right consistency.
- Even Coverage: Make sure the caramel mixture covers all the crackers evenly to ensure every bite is as good as the last.
- Chocolate Melting Trick: Allow the heat from the freshly baked crackers and caramel to melt the chocolate chips naturally before spreading—this helps create a smooth, even layer.
- Chill Well: Let the candy set in the refrigerator until completely firm to make breaking it into pieces easier and mess-free.
Christmas Cracker Candy Recipe:
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 11-12 minutes
- Chill time: 2 hours
- Serving: Varies
- Equipment: Rimmed baking sheet, aluminum foil, saucepan, spatula
This candy is not just a treat; it’s a festive celebration on a plate, capturing the spirit of the holiday season with each crunchy, chocolatey bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 sleeve saltine crackers
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes or holiday sprinkles
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick spray.
- Arrange Crackers: Place saltines in a single layer on the sheet.
- Cook Caramel: Melt butter with brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until boiling, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes without stirring.
- Cover Crackers: Pour the caramel over the saltines, spreading evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Put the sheet in the oven for 5-6 minutes, until the caramel bubbles.
- Add Chocolate: Remove from the oven, sprinkle chocolate chips over the caramel, wait a few minutes, then spread the melted chocolate.
- Decorate: Sprinkle crushed candy canes or sprinkles on the chocolate.
- Chill: Refrigerate until set, about 2 hours.
- Serve: Break into pieces and enjoy!
Holiday Magic in Every Bite
Christmas Cracker Candy is more than just a treat; it’s a piece of holiday magic that you can share. Easy to make and even easier to love, this candy is sure to become a beloved tradition in your holiday recipe repertoire. Enjoy breaking it apart and watching the smiles it brings!
