Chocolate Cracker Candy

Chocolate Cracker Candy is a sweet and salty homemade candy sometimes referred to as "Christmas Crack." It can be left plain chocolate or topped with toasted coconut, M&M candies, or sprinkles. It keeps well in the fridge and is perfect for holiday gifting in a festive tin!

This post was originally published as the 5th Day of Christmas in my 12 Days of Christmas Series.

My family first had Chocolate Cracker Candy at a family friend's house many years ago and fell in love with it. It's pretty simple but so delicious. I know there are several versions of this recipe around - some using graham crackers for example. I prefer the saltines because they really contribute to the salty/sweet aspects of the candy. And no one will ever guess they are saltines - seriously!

I've made a note below that you must use real, stick butter and margarine for this recipe for it to turn out right. I know some people prefer to avoid margarine, so if that's the case this might not be the recipe for you. I personally don't use margarine on a daily basis but will make an exception for exceptional recipes such as this 🙂 UPDATE: I have now switched to using ALL butter, I just have to reduce the time the sugar and butter simmer and keep a close eye on it!

I make this candy every year during the holidays and give it away in decorative tins or wrapped up in small bags. When stored in the fridge, it lasts quite a long time. Another thing I love about this candy is that it's so versatile - you can top it with virtually anything (think candy, peppermint, toasted coconut, nuts) and even the chocolate can be personalized to suit your taste - white chocolate, colored chocolate, mint chocolate, raspberry chocolate, swirled, etc. I usually prefer straight up traditional (no topping, semi-sweet chocolate), but feel free to get creative. You will not be disappointed!

Last year I decorated with these red/green swirl morsels.

I could not find them this year 🙁 I decided to use dark chocolate holiday M&M's instead.

I also decorated with toasted coconut this year for the first time.

I served this Chocolate Cracker Candy at our Holiday Open House. I often give it as a Host/Hostess gift when attending parties and to teachers, bus drivers, etc. It is always a HUGE hit, hence the name "Christmas Crack"!

Gluten Free Option

Use gluten free crackers in place of saltines. I have not tired this myself, but I think it should work well!

Looking for More Edible Christmas Gift Ideas?

Check out some of my favorite recipes to gift to family and friends:
Oreo Truffles
Triple Chocolate Biscotti
Homemade Marshmallows
Cranberry Christmas Cake
Poppy Seed Bread
Pineapple Carrot Bread
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

📖 Recipe

Chocolate Cracker Candy

Meghan

Chocolate Cracker Candy is a sweet and salty homemade candy sometimes referred to as "Christmas Crack." It can be left plain chocolate or topped with toasted coconut, M&M candies, or sprinkles. It keeps well in the fridge and is perfect for holiday gifting in a festive tin!

5 from 9 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Chill Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 24 pieces (approx.)

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• salted saltine crackers (approximately 1 sleeve)
• ½ cup salted butter (1 stick, see note (2 sticks if omitting margarine))
• ½ cup margarine (1 stick, see note)
• ½ cup sugar
• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Optional toppings: red/green swirl morsels (M&M's, toasted coconut, crushed peppermint, chopped nuts (pecans or almonds))

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Line a medium-sized (close to 10 ½" x 15 ½" x 1") jelly roll pan with foil.
• Place one layer of saltine crackers edge to edge to cover the pan.
• In a heavy saucepan, heat the butter, margarine, and sugar to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes, no stirring necessary. If using all butter (2 sticks), keep a close eye on it to prevent it from burning. It may only take 2 minutes. If the butter mixture begins to turn brown, remove from heat and proceed with recipe.
• Pour mixture over saltines and spread with a rubber spatula if necessary to distribute evenly over the crackers.
• Bake about 6-10 minutes or until crackers are golden brown (the browner the crackers, the more toffee-tasting the candy will be).
• Remove from oven and pour the chocolate chips over the crackers. Wait 1-2 minutes, then spread the chocolate to cover the entire surface. Optional: decorate with toppings of choice.
• Refrigerate pan for 2 hours or longer. Break candy into pieces. Store in refrigerator for best results.

Notes

*IMPORTANT NOTE: Use only stick butter and margarine - not soft or light. Must use the margarine so that the butter does not burn OR you may use ALL butter (2 sticks) but  cook it for less time.

Source: Adapted from a family friend Margaret S.

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Keyword candy, chocolate, dessert, gluten free, holiday

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