Saltine Cracker Toffee

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This addictive treat layers saltine crackers with buttery toffee and melted chocolate for the perfect sweet-salty combination.

Often called Christmas Crack, it takes about 20 minutes to make and disappears even faster.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Only 5 ingredients
  • Ready in under 30 minutes
  • Sweet, salty, crunchy, and chocolatey all at once
  • No candy thermometer needed
  • Highly customizable with different toppings
  • Inexpensive to make in large batches

Ingredients

  • 40 saltine crackers (about 1 sleeve), enough to cover a sheet pan in a single layer
  • 1 cup (2 sticks / 226g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • Flaky sea salt for topping

Optional Toppings

  • 1 cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds
  • Crushed candy canes
  • Toffee bits
  • Sprinkles

Steps

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, leaving overhang on all sides.
  3. Spray the foil generously with cooking spray or coat with butter.
  4. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared pan, salt side up.
  5. Fill in any gaps with broken crackers since you want complete coverage.
  6. Combine the butter and brown sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  7. Stir constantly until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a boil.
  8. Once boiling, let it bubble for exactly 3 minutes without stirring.
  9. The toffee should darken slightly and become thick and glossy.
  10. Pour the hot toffee immediately over the crackers.
  11. Use an offset spatula to spread it quickly and evenly over all the crackers.
  12. Transfer to the oven and bake for 5-6 minutes until the toffee is bubbling all over.
  13. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee.
  14. Wait 3-5 minutes for the chocolate to soften from the residual heat.
  15. Spread the melted chocolate into an even layer with the offset spatula.
  16. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and any additional toppings while the chocolate is still wet.
  17. Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator.
  18. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until completely set and the chocolate is firm.
  19. Break into irregular pieces by hand or cut into squares with a sharp knife.

Helpful Tips and Substitutions

Do not skip greasing the foil because the toffee will stick permanently without it.

Watch the toffee carefully during the 3-minute boil since it can burn quickly if left too long.

Pour and spread the toffee quickly because it starts to set as soon as it hits the cooler crackers.

If the chocolate chips do not melt fully from the residual heat, return the pan to the oven for 1 minute.

Use a mixture of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips for a less intense chocolate flavor.

Graham crackers, butter crackers (like Ritz), or matzo can be substituted for saltines.

For white chocolate toffee, use white chocolate chips and add dried cranberries on top.

Store your brown sugar properly so it stays soft and measures accurately.

Serving Ideas

Break into pieces and pile on a platter for an informal presentation.

Package in cellophane bags with a ribbon for easy holiday gifts.

Layer pieces in a decorative tin with parchment between layers.

Chop into small pieces and sprinkle over ice cream or brownies.

Include on a dessert board alongside cookies, truffles, and fresh fruit.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This toffee keeps well, making it ideal for preparing ahead of holiday gatherings.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Layer pieces with wax paper or parchment to prevent sticking.

In warm weather, keep refrigerated since the chocolate will soften at room temperature.

Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.

Thaw frozen toffee in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

The toffee may become slightly chewy after freezing but the flavor remains excellent.

Dangerously Easy

There is a reason this recipe goes viral every holiday season.

It tastes far more impressive than the effort involved, and the salty-sweet combination is genuinely addictive.

Make extra because once people try it, they will ask for the recipe.

Keep a stack of parchment paper sheets on hand for all your holiday baking projects.

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