3-Step Christmas Cracker Candy

This 3-Step Christmas Cracker Candy is the easiest holiday treat you’ll make this year, but don’t let its simplicity fool you it’s incredibly addictive! Made with a few basic ingredients like crackers, caramel, and chocolate, this candy is the perfect mix of sweet and salty. The best part? You can whip up this 3-Step Christmas Cracker Candy in no time, making it perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings or as a quick gift. If you’re looking for a festive treat that everyone will love, this 3-Step Christmas Cracker Candy is the answer.

Ingredients & Substitutions for Christmas Cracker Candy

Saltine Crackers: These are the base of the candy, giving it that crunchy, salty contrast to the sweet topping. If you don’t have saltines, you can use Ritz crackers for a slightly buttery flavor, or even graham crackers if you want a sweeter version. The key is to use something that holds up to the caramel and chocolate layers.

Butter: Butter is essential for making the caramel-like layer in this 3-Step Christmas Cracker Candy. Stick to unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of the candy, especially with the saltine crackers. If you only have salted butter, reduce or skip any additional salt.

Brown Sugar: Brown sugar helps create a quick and easy caramel sauce. Light or dark brown sugar both work, but dark brown sugar will give a richer, deeper caramel flavor. In a pinch, granulated sugar can be used, but the caramel flavor won’t be as pronounced.

Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt over the caramel and crackers to create a delicious chocolate layer. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use milk chocolate chips. For a darker, more intense flavor, go for dark chocolate chips. You can also experiment with white chocolate for a sweeter twist.

Toppings (Optional): You can sprinkle chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds), crushed candy canes, or even sprinkles on top of the melted chocolate for extra flavor and texture. This step is optional, but it adds a nice touch, especially around the holidays.

How to Make Christmas Cracker Candy

Step 1: Prepare the Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper, then place a single layer of saltine crackers evenly across the sheet, making sure the entire surface is covered.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Layer
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Let it boil for 3-4 minutes, continuing to stir until it thickens slightly and turns a caramel color. Once ready, carefully pour the caramel mixture over the crackers, spreading it out evenly with a spatula so every cracker is coated.

Step 3: Bake and Add Chocolate
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the caramel-covered crackers. Wait a minute or two for the chocolate to soften, then use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the melted chocolate over the entire surface. If you want to add toppings like chopped nuts or crushed candy canes, sprinkle them on while the chocolate is still warm.

Prep Time: 10 minutes, Cooking Time: 10 minutes, Total Time: 20 minutes, 150 Kcal per piece, Servings: 24 pieces

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

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Toppings

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Saltine Crackers

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Can I use graham crackers instead of saltine crackers for Christmas Cracker Candy?

Yes, you can definitely use graham crackers instead of saltines for 3-Step Christmas Cracker Candy, but it will change the flavor slightly. Saltines give the candy a nice salty-sweet contrast, while graham crackers will make it sweeter. If you like a more dessert-like candy, graham crackers are a great option. Just keep in mind that the saltiness from the saltines helps balance out the sweetness, so you might want to sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top if you switch to graham crackers.

How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

To prevent the caramel from burning when making 3-Step Christmas Cracker Candy, make sure to keep stirring the butter and brown sugar mixture constantly over medium heat. Once the mixture starts boiling, let it bubble for 3-4 minutes while continuing to stir. Keep the heat steady too high and it will burn, too low and it won’t thicken properly. If you see it turning too dark or smelling burnt, take it off the heat immediately.

How to keep Christmas Cracker Candy crunchy?

To keep your 3-Step Christmas Cracker Candy crunchy, make sure it cools completely before storing it. After the candy has cooled and set, break it into pieces and store it in an airtight container. You can keep it at room temperature, but if your home is humid, storing it in the fridge will help maintain its crunch. Avoid leaving it uncovered, as the caramel and chocolate can absorb moisture from the air, making the candy soft or soggy.

How to Serve Christmas Cracker Candy

Serve at Room Temperature: The best way to serve 3-Step Christmas Cracker Candy is at room temperature. Once the candy has set and is fully cooled, break it into bite-sized pieces and arrange it on a platter or in a festive holiday tin. It’s great for snacking, and perfect to put out at holiday parties or gatherings.

Holiday Gift Idea: You can also pack this candy into small decorative bags or tins to give as holiday gifts. Tie them up with a ribbon, and you’ve got an easy homemade gift that everyone will love.

Add to Dessert Platters: If you’re serving a variety of desserts, this candy is an excellent addition to a dessert tray. Its sweet and salty crunch pairs well with cookies, brownies, or even a slice of pie.

Make Ahead and Store: You can make 3-Step Christmas Cracker Candy a few days ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. It keeps well for about a week at room temperature, or you can store it in the fridge if you like it a bit firmer. Just let it sit out for a few minutes before serving to bring it back to the right texture.

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