Christmas Cracker Candy

Name: Christmas Cracker Candy
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Yield: 16 - 20 serving(s)
Ingredients: Cooking spray; 1 sleeve salted saltine crackers (about 45); 1 c. unsalted butter; 1 c. firmly packed dark brown sugar; 1 tsp. vanilla extract; 2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 c. chocolate-hazelnut spread, such as Nutella; 1 c. Christmas sprinkles, red and green M&M's, and chopped Christmas candy; 1/2 c. toasted slivered almonds

It's better than anything under the tree.

By Leah PerezUpdated: Dec 8, 2025

3 Ratings

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the pioneer woman's christmas cracker candy recipe

Danielle Daly

Yields:

16 - 20 serving(s)

Prep Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

2 hrs 15 mins

Christmas candy recipes don't get any easier than this cracker treat. Made with a crispy base of saltine crackers smothered in homemade toffee and melted chocolate, this dessert is salty, sweet, and seriously delicious. Bonus: It only requires about 15 minutes of work! Scatter the top with your favorite combination of toasted nuts, chopped candy, and colorful sprinkles, let it chill, then break it into pieces. Pack some into little bags with ribbon and you've got the perfect homemade Christmas food gifts for neighbors and friends!

What kind of crackers are in Christmas cracker candy?

All you need are classic saltine crackers! They work especially well for this particular treat because the square corners fit together so nice and snuggly in the pan. Club crackers, graham crackers, or matzos are other great options. Skip buttery round crackers as there will be too many gaps.

What kind of chocolate is best for Christmas cracker candy?

This recipe calls for semi-sweet chocolate chips, but you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate if you prefer.

What toppings can you put on Christmas cracker candy?

You can top Christmas cracker candy with almost anything, so have fun with it! Swap the almonds in this recipe for any toasted nut you like, such as pecans, peanuts, pistachios, or walnuts. (Here's a tutorial on how to toast nuts!) Sprinkle on crushed pretzels or chocolate sandwich cookies, or for a festive holiday spin, try crushed peppermint candies! You can also switch up the color of chocolate candies and sprinkles to match any occasion—pastels for Easter; red, white, and blue for the Fourth of July; or pinks and reds for Valentine’s Day. The possibilities are endless!

Why is my Christmas cracker candy soft?

The key to successful, crunchy toffee is getting the butter and sugar mixture to the correct temperature. For foolproof candy, using an instant-read or candy thermometer is your best bet to getting the sugar to what is known a the "hard-crack stage," which is over 300 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don't happen to have one of these nifty tools, make sure the mixture boils for a full five minutes to ensure it hardens after being spread over the crackers.

How do you store Christmas cracker candy?

Christmas cracker candy can be stored in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to one week.

Can you freeze Christmas cracker candy?

Yes, this treat freezes well! Place the candy in an airtight container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to one month. To keep pieces from sticking to one another, place a piece of parchment paper between layers of candy.

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Ingredients

Cooking spray
1 sleeve salted saltine crackers (about 45)
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread, such as Nutella
1 cup Christmas sprinkles, red and green M&M's, and chopped Christmas candy
1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds

Directions

1. Step 1Line a rimmed half-sheet pan completely with foil and spray with the cooking spray.
2. Step 2Arrange the crackers in a single layer over the entire sheet pan, breaking crackers in half as necessary to fit.
3. Step 3In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and bring to a boil until it forms an amber caramel and the temperature reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Immediately pour the mixture over the crackers, spreading it into an even layer.
4. Step 4Meanwhile, in a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips in the microwave at 50% power until melted and smooth, 1 to 2 minutes, stirring every 15 seconds. Stir in the chocolate-hazelnut spread. Microwave for 15 seconds more to make a smooth mixture. Pour the chocolate mixture over the toffee crackers, spreading into an even layer.
5. Step 5Top with the sprinkles, candy, and toasted almonds. Refrigerate the crackers until set, about 2 hours.
6. Step 6Carefully remove the foil and break the cracker candy into pieces.

Tip: Who said you could only have this at Christmas? Top the cracker candy with any type of sprinkles or candy to reflect Valentine’s Day, Halloween, or any other holiday of the year.