Chocolate Saltine Cracker Recipe – Christmas Crack – The Gifted Gabber

You are going to want to make this almost-no bake chocolate saltine cracker recipe for your holiday party.

Ever so many years, I get bored with the usual Christmas cookies, going on the hunt for something new and different. However, I will still make my coconut pecan praline no bake cookies this season, too.

Recently, I came across several recipe versions of Christmas crack with saltine crackers. Some are savory and some are sweet. It seems you really can’t go wrong with pairing something sweet and Saltines.

What are Saltine Crackers?

So what are saltine crackers anyway? To me, Saltines are plain crackers. They are about as plain as a cracker gets, in my opinion. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have their uses. They make a mean cheddar/cracker snack. Their bland flavor makes them great for soothing a sick tummy. And they are great in this cracker candy recipe. 

Where Can I Buy Saltine Crackers for these Chocolate Christmas Crackers?

You should be able to find saltine crackers at any grocery store, big-box store with a food section, and even large convenient stores. I usually buy the Nabisco saltine crackers from Walmart or Edward’s. The saltine crackers brands may vary, but you should still be able to find a brand that carries this salty cracker. As far as the best saltine crackers, I can’t tell you that. To me, they are all about the same. You can even make your own saltines from scratch! 

What is the Difference Between Toffee and Caramel?

I’m always a bit confused between the difference between toffee and caramel. Through a little research this week, I learned that toffee consists of melted butter and sugar while caramel often involves the addition of cream. I’ve made caramel many times, but this was a first for making toffee.

What are Other Names for This Chocolate Saltine Cracker Recipe?

I made a slightly tweaked version and took them to two potlucks this week, thinking I was taking something unique. Several people at each potluck said this chocolate saltine cracker recipe reminds them of their old childhood favorites.  A couple of them referred to these chocolate saltine crackers as chocolate Christmas crackers. Some called them Christmas crack or chocolate crack cookies. One called it saltine cracker candy and then specified that it is saltine toffee. Still, a couple more called them chocolate toffee cookies. One person said they were chocolate icebox cookies. And, yet, one other person held steady that her grandmother called it saltine toffee bark. 

Soooo….I don’t know? What do you think? Crackers, cookies, bark, or candy?! I’m just calling them Chocolate Christmas crackers because they are made of chocolate and saltines, and they primarily seem to be served at Christmas time.

So much for new and different!

But easy? Definitely, this saltine toffee bark is easy and it is almost no-bake.

Tips for Making This Chocolate Saltine Cracker Recipe

• Place your saltine crackers as evenly as you can on the cookie pan – with 8 rows of 6 crackers. 
• Make sure to stir your mixture frequently as it comes to a boil.
• During the 3 minutes of boiling time, stir continuously so it doesn’t burn.
• When working with the hot butter mix, smooth is as quickly and consistently as you can over the crackers.
• After you bake the crackers for five minutes, you will pour the chocolate chips on top and leave them alone until they are shiny and limp looking.
• After two minutes or so, “frost” the cookies with a big flat spatula so the entire rectangle of crackers is covered with smooth chocolate.
• Optional: pour a little sea salt and chopped pecans over at least half the tray. (I say half because some people don’t like nuts or can’t have them.)
• After you refrigerate the pan, do not be tempted to pull it out until the crack cookies are completely chilled and firm. I recommend at least two hours.
• When ready, break the huge rectangle up into lots of irregular, jagged chocolate toffee bars. 
• Store in an air-tight container. (I recommend keeping the bowl of chocolate Christmas crackers in the fridge until ready to serve as they can become gooey if the room temp becomes warm with the heater.)

Of course, you can always add on sprinkles during the step with the melted chocolate (instead of pecans) to match any holiday or party theme. There are so many possibilities with these saltine cracker cookies!

The flavors of the saltines, the toffee, and the chocolate really dance well together. Some day, I am going to add crushed pretzels (and omit the sea salt) to heighten the sweet-and-salty medley of this chocolate Christmas crack!

Chocolate Toffee Cookies - Saltine Cracker Cookies - The Gifted Gabber

5 from 1 vote

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Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 48 saltine crackers
• 2 1/2 sticks of butter
• 1 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips or whatever kind you prefer
• 1 cup chopped pecans optional
• sea salt optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Layer crackers in rows of 8 x 6 on a greased cookie sheet.
• In a saucepan, bring the butter and sugar to a boil. Boil for exactly three minutes, stirring constantly.
• Carefully pour the hot butter mixture over the crackers.
• Place pan in oven and bake for five minutes.
• Very carefully remove the pan from the oven.
• Pour chocolate chips over crackers/hot butter and leave alone for about two minutes.
• With a spatula, spread the melting chocolate chips like frosting.
• If desired, add pecans and sea salt or other toppings.
• Chill in fridge for at least two hours.
• Break the hardened cookies into jagged pieces.
• Keep cookies chilled until ready to serve.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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