Crispy Christmas Crack Cookies
These crispy Christmas crack cookies feature a buttery, caramelized cracker base topped with gooey chocolate, marshmallows, caramel, and festive toppings. Quick to make and endlessly customizable, they’re the ultimate holiday treat for parties, gifting, or cozy family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 36 squares 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 40 saltine crackers or graham crackers (unsalted preferred)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramels, chopped
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Sprinkles or festive colored sugar, as desired
Instructions
- Line a large rimmed baking sheet (about 18×13 inches) with parchment paper or foil. Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Arrange crackers in a single, tight layer to cover the baking sheet.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir until smooth and bubbly, about 3 minutes. Let boil gently for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and sea salt.
- Pour hot caramel over crackers and spread evenly with a spatula. Bake for 10 minutes, watching closely.
- Remove pan from oven. Immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over hot caramel. Wait 2 minutes, then gently spread melted chocolate.
- Scatter marshmallows, caramel bits, crushed peppermint candies, and nuts (if using) over chocolate. Press gently so toppings stick. Add sprinkles or colored sugar as desired.
- Let cookies cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
- Lift the sheet out using parchment or foil. Slice into squares or crack-style pieces with a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
Notes
For gluten-free or vegan adaptations, use gluten-free crackers and dairy-free butter/chocolate. Chill cookies fully before slicing for clean cuts. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days, in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to 2 months. Customize toppings to suit allergies or preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (about 2x2
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 70
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: Christmas cookies, holiday dessert, crack cookies, gooey cookies, caramel cookies, chocolate cookies, festive treats, easy cookies, potluck dessert, cookie exchange