Christmas Crack

The Holiday Treat Everyone Asks For

Christmas crack made with melted chocolate, honey roasted peanuts, and red green and white holiday sprinkles

Christmas Crack is one of those holiday treats that shows up on party trays every year and for good reason. It’s sweet, salty, crunchy, and just a little bit addictive. This is the recipe I get asked for over and over, especially once December rolls around.

It’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and disappears faster than you think. I usually make more than one batch because one never seems to be enough.

Ingredients for Christmas crack including saltines butter brown sugar chocolate chips peanuts and sprinkles

Why This Recipe Always Works

This is one of those recipes that checks all the boxes during the busy holiday season. Simple pantry ingredients come together to make the most addictive holiday treat.

  • Takes just minutes to make
  • Sweet and salty perfection
  • Perfect for party trays and cookie exchanges
  • Easy to package for friends and neighbors
  • One sleeve of saltines per batch (one box makes four batches)
Steps showing brown sugar and butter being melted into caramel and poured over saltine crackers for Christmas crack

The caramel comes together quickly and the chocolate melts right on top.

Steps showing brown sugar and butter being melted into caramel and poured over saltine crackers for Christmas crack

It helps having the toppings measured and ready to sprinkle on when the chocolate is melted. the chocolate cools fast and the toppings “stick” better to the chocolate when you get them on while it’s hot.

Honey roasted peanuts chopped and mini chocolate chips in a measuring cup.

Save This For Later!

If this recipe makes your life a little easier (or a little tastier!), tap and hold to pin it so you can come back to it anytime. And if you love simple, healthy recipes, you can follow me on Pinterest for more ideas that make midlife cooking feel fun and doable. 💛

Close up of Christmas crack with chocolate peanuts and holiday sprinkles.
Christmas crack made with melted chocolate, honey roasted peanuts, and red green and white holiday sprinkles

Christmas Crack

It’s sweet, salty, crunchy, and completely addictive. This is one of those recipes that disappears fast, so you might want to make more than one batch.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 40
Calories 138 kcal

Equipment

  • Aluminum foil
  • Bar pan
  • Mixer
  • 2 Mixing bowls one for wet & one for dry ingredients

Ingredients
  

  • 40 Saltine crackers one sleeve
  • 2 sticks Butter
  • 1 cup Brown sugar packed
  • 2 cups Semi sweet chocolate chips I prefer mini
  • 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles
  • 1/2 cup Honey roasted peanuts chopped
  • Non-stick cooing spray

Instructions
 

  • Line a sheet pan with foil and coat with cooking spray.
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  • Place the crackers in a single layer on the baking sheet or bar pan.
  • Measure chopped nuts and sprinkles so they are ready to sprinkle when needed.
  • In a medium saucepan bring butter and brown sugar to a boil; stirring consistently. Boil for 3 minutes.
  • Pour the brown sugar mixture over the crackers and spread with a spatula to coat completely.
  • Place the bar pan in the oven and bake for 3-5 minutes, or until bubbling.
  • Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the top. Place the pan back in the oven for another 2-3 minutes to melt chocolate. Spread the chocolate evenly over the top.
  • Sprinkle chopped peanuts and holiday sprinkles on top of the chocolate. Let sit until completely cool, either at room temperature or refrigerate.
  • Break into pieces. Store in air tight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 138kcalProtein: 1gFat: 7.8g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cathy’s Notes & Tips

This recipe is very forgiving, which makes it perfect for holiday baking.

  • I love using chopped honey roasted peanuts for extra crunch and flavor
  • Holiday sprinkles make it festive and fun. Change out the colors for different holidays too.
  • Mini chocolate chips melt faster and spread easier than regular size chips.
  • Use 1 1/2 cups mini chocolate chips in place of regular size chips.
  • Buying chocolate chips in bulk saves time and money.
  • Cooling the pan in tthe refrigerator helps it set faster.
Glass jars filled with Christmas crack for holiday treats.

Once it’s set, break into pieces and try not to eat it all before sharing!

Serving & Gifting Ideas

  • Add it to holiday party trays
  • Package in treat bags for neighbors and friends
  • Bring to cookie exchanges
  • Keep in a jar on the counter for easy sharing

Christmas Crack is one of those classic holiday recipes that’s been passed around for years, and once you make it, you’ll understand why. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and guaranteed smiles.

If you make a batch, I’d love to hear how you served it or who asked you for the recipe first.

From My Kitchen Table

I hope this recipe brings a little comfort and joy to your day because food should nourish both body and soul.
If you make it, I’d love to see! Tag me on Instagram @cathyshealthylife so I can cheer you on from my kitchen table.

Christmas Crack Pinterest photo

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