Christmas Crack Cookies with Toffee and Chocolate Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a sweet and crunchy holiday treat that’s guaranteed to disappear fast, then you’re going to love my Christmas Crack Cookies with Toffee and Chocolate Recipe. These cookies are a delightful mix of salty-sweet saltine crackers, buttery toffee bits, and rich chocolate topping that I’ve made countless times during the holidays. Seriously, once you bake a batch, you won’t want to share—though from my experience, everyone will ask for seconds anyway!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe blends everyday pantry staples with some fun mix-ins like toffee bits and pecans that add texture and that extra special holiday touch. When you shop, try to get fresh pecans and good quality toffee bits for the best flavor.

• All-purpose flour: Makes the cookie base tender but with enough structure to hold the mix-ins.
• Powdered milk: Adds subtle richness and helps with texture—trust me, don’t skip it!
• Salt and baking soda: Essential for balancing sweetness and helping the cookies rise just right.
• Unsalted butter: Browning the butter gives the cookies a deep, nutty flavor, which I love for that warm holiday vibe.
• Granulated and light brown sugar: The combo lends moisture and caramel notes—brown sugar is the star here.
• Light corn syrup: Keeps the cookies chewy and glossy.
• Vanilla extract: Classic, warm, and aromatic to bring everything together.
• Egg & egg yolk: Adds richness and helps with the cookie’s structure without drying them out.
• Saltine crackers: Yes, the salty crunch is key—you’ll crush them right into the dough.
• Toffee bits: These add bursts of buttery crunch and sweetness.
• Pecan pieces (optional): Toasted for that extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Chocolate chips: Melted over the top, they add creamy decadence and bind the toppings.
• Holiday sprinkles (optional): For festive flair and a bit of color that kids and grown-ups alike will adore.

Variations

I’ve played around with this Christmas Crack Cookies with Toffee and Chocolate Recipe quite a bit, and I encourage you to make it your own! Whether it’s swapping nuts, adding spices, or tweaking the toppings, fun customizations make the process even more special.

• Add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin spice: I discovered this trick when I wanted a warmer, spicier cookie—it gave the batch a cozy twist perfect for chilly holiday evenings.
• Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds: Depending on what you have or prefer; each nut adds a slightly different crunch and flavor.
• Use gluten-free crackers and flour blend: For anyone with dietary needs, the recipe still works wonderfully with those swaps.
• Add mini peppermint candies or crushed candy canes on top: It turns these cookies into a winter wonderland treat that’s as festive as it is delicious.

How to Make Christmas Crack Cookies with Toffee and Chocolate Recipe

Step 1: Prep and brown your butter for unbeatable flavor

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. I always use two baking sheets and rotate the batches midway to keep the cookie texture consistent – dropping dough on a hot sheet can change how they bake. Next, melt 10 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a skillet and keep stirring until you see brown bits form and the butter has a nutty aroma—that’s browned butter magic. Stir in the remaining 4 tablespoons off the heat, then transfer to your mixing bowl. This browning adds such depth, I swear it’s a game-changer for these cookies.

Step 2: Whisk sugars, eggs, and dry ingredients thoughtfully

Add both sugars, corn syrup, and vanilla to your browned butter and mix until combined. Beat in the egg and egg yolk, then give your batter repeated whisking and resting intervals. This back-and-forth makes the batter silky smooth and shiny, almost like caramel sauce. It’s a bit unusual but trust me, it’s worth the wait! Then fold in the dry ingredients and give it a good stir—don’t be alarmed if the dough seems soft, it’s supposed to be.

Step 3: Fold in the salty crunch and sweet toffee

Gently fold in the crushed saltine crackers and most of your toffee bits. The crackers add that unmistakable salty crunch that contrasts perfectly with the toffee’s sweetness. Using a large cookie scoop (about ¼ cup) drop the dough about 3 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. This spacing keeps them from spreading into one another during baking.

Step 4: Bake and cool to perfection

Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, and don’t forget to rotate the pans halfway so they cook evenly. You’ll know they’re done when the cookies look slightly cracked and just a bit golden at the edges. Let them rest on the pan for 3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely—this brief cooling helps them firm up without losing any softness inside.

Step 5: Toast nuts, melt chocolate, and decorate

While your cookies cool, toast the pecans in the microwave (I usually do 1 minute, stir, then 30 seconds more). This intensifies the nutty flavor and adds crunch. Then melt your chocolate chips gently in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time to avoid burning. Spread the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies, sprinkle toasted pecans, extra toffee bits, and holiday sprinkles if you like for some festive sparkle. Let the chocolate set completely before digging in.

How to Serve Christmas Crack Cookies with Toffee and Chocolate Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these cookies with a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans and extra toffee bits for that double crunch. A scattering of festive holiday sprinkles also makes them look irresistible on any dessert table—and it’s fun for kids to help decorate.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of rich, creamy hot chocolate or a glass of eggnog. I’ve also served them alongside fresh fruit platters for a refreshing contrast, making dessert feel more balanced when entertaining.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like to arrange them on a festive platter layered with evergreen sprigs or cranberries. Wrapping individual cookies in cellophane with a ribbon makes charming edible gifts too. One time, I stacked them in a cookie jar with alternating layers of crushed candy canes for a colorful, decorative touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, ideally separated by parchment paper to avoid sticking. In my experience, they stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, though they rarely last that long in my household!

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. I wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When I want a festive treat later, I pull a few out and let them thaw at room temperature for an hour or so—still crackly and delicious.

Reheating

If you want to refresh a slightly stale cookie, warming it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds brings back some softness without melting the chocolate topping. Just be cautious not to overheat, or the chocolate may become too soft to handle.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Crack Cookies with Toffee and Chocolate Recipe holds a special place in my holiday baking traditions because it’s the one I can always count on to impress family and friends without too much fuss. I love the contrast of textures and flavors, and I think you’ll enjoy how these cookies can quickly become a festive staple in your kitchen, too. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making these well beyond the holidays—they’re just that good. Grab your ingredients, get baking, and prepare for lots of happy smiles around the cookie jar!

Print