These Christmas Crack Cookies are the perfect combination of sweet and salty. They’re easy to make and are a wonderful treat to share with family and friends. With just a few everyday ingredients, you’ll create a batch of cookies that everyone will love. These cookies are not only festive but also a delightful addition to any holiday gathering!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

These cookies are great for many reasons. They are simple to prepare, making them perfect for beginner bakers. The flavor mix of chocolate and toffee is incredibly delicious. Plus, they come together quickly, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones. With seven simple ingredients, you likely have most of them on hand already!

How to Make Christmas Crack Cookies

Making these cookies is a straightforward process. First, you’ll create a delicious toffee layer using saltine crackers. Then, you’ll prepare a soft cookie dough with brown butter and chocolate. Finally, it’s all combined for a sweet treat that will be a hit with everyone.

What You Need

9 saltine crackers
6 tbsp salted butter
6 tbsp brown sugar
3/4 cup (150g) chocolate chips
1 cup (222g) salted butter, browned
1 cup (246g) brown sugar
1/2 cup (115g) granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/4 cup (342g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
flakey sea salt, for garnish

Step-by-Step

First make the Christmas Crack. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a 9×9 pan with parchment paper and arrange the saltine crackers in the pan. Then set aside.
In a small saucepan, combine the salted butter and brown sugar. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, stop stirring. Boil for 2 1/2 minutes and then pour over the saltine crackers.
Bake the toffee-covered crackers in the oven for 6 minutes.
Remove the cracker toffee from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. Let them sit for 5 minutes and then spread. Allow the cracker toffee to cool completely and then put in the freezer.
While the toffee is chilling, brown the butter for the cookie dough. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter completely. Continue to heat the butter while stirring until it bubbles, turns a golden brown color, and gives off a nutty aroma. Then remove from the stove.
Pour the brown butter into the bowl of your stand mixer or into a large bowl. Preheat the oven to 350° F (180°C).
Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar to the bowl and mix thoroughly for 1 minute.
Next, add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until completely combined and the mixture is smooth and no longer grainy.
Add the flour, baking soda, and salt and mix until combined. The dough should be very soft.
Remove the cracker toffee from the freezer and chop the cracker toffee into small pieces. Fold the cracker toffee pieces into the cookie dough.
Scoop the dough out into 3 tbsp portions and arrange on a parchment or silicone lined cookie sheet. Top with flakey sea salt.
Allow the cookie dough to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes prior to baking.
Bake for 9-11 minutes or until spread, and the cookie no longer looks glossy. Allow the cookies to cool on the pan. Enjoy!

How to Serve Christmas Crack Cookies

These cookies are delightful on their own or served with a glass of milk. They can also be great to take to holiday parties or gatherings. Consider pairing them with a warm cup of cocoa for a cozy dessert at home. They make wonderful gifts during the holiday season, wrapped up nicely in a festive tin.

How to Store Christmas Crack Cookies

To store any leftovers, keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like to save them longer, you can freeze them. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature.

Recipe Tips

Use freshly browned butter for the best flavor.
Make sure to let the toffee cool completely before adding it to the dough.
You can mix in nuts or dried fruit for added texture.
Check the cookies towards the end of baking; they should be just golden and no longer shiny.
If they look too soft, allow them to stay on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up before moving.

Variations & Swaps

Swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate or peanut butter chips for a different flavor.
For a nutty crunch, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.
Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
You can use unsalted butter instead of salted, just add a pinch of salt into the dough.
For a festive twist, mix in some crushed candy canes for a peppermint flavor.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for a couple of days before baking. Just let it come to room temperature before scooping and baking.

Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely. These cookies freeze well. Just make sure they are stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can substitute margarine for butter, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly. Brown the margarine as you would the butter for a richer taste.

What’s the best way to reheat them?
To reheat, place them in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F until warm. This will bring back their soft texture.

What if I don’t have saltine crackers?
You can substitute with any buttery cracker. Just ensure it has a similar texture for the toffee layer to set correctly.