If not, head on over to our original recipe for this chocolate-covered saltine toffee and check it out! If this holiday treat is already a regular on your cookie tray, then maybe you’re looking for new ways to gussy it up! Any of these five ideas below would make a decadent twist on the classic: pretzel-topped, coconut-dusted, pecan-topped, rocky road, and slivered almonds with dried cherries.
How to Make Christmas Cracker Candy
In brief, this candy is made by pouring melted brown sugar and butter over saltine crackers. Bake this for a few minutes until the brown sugar is bubbly and caramel-like, then top with melted chocolate. Let this sit until firm, then crack and consume with wanton abandon.
Again, if you need it, here’s the original recipe: How to Make Christmas Cracker Candy
When to Add the Toppings
You can add any of the toppings below after spreading the melted chocolate over the caramelized crackers. Just sprinkle your topping of choice evenly over the top and they will adhere to the surface, just like making chocolate bark. You can even make a single batch with two or three different toppings! Just keep each topping contained to a section of the baking sheet.
Ready for Ideas? Let’s Go!
I’m not giving exact amounts for any of these toppings ingredients because I trust you to determine for yourself how much is enough topping for you. Generally speaking, two to three cups of any particular topping should be sufficient for a sheet pan of Christmas Cracker Candy. Aim for an even layer of topping over the chocolate. If you use too much, then you’ll end up with loose bits that don’t stick to the chocolate.
Pretzel-Topped Christmas Cracker Candy
Pretzels take the salty-sweetness of Christmas Cracker Candy just one notch further! You could also sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top for a bar snack treat. Pretzel knots or pretzel sticks will work here. Roughly chop the pretzels before scattering over the warm chocolate.
Coconut-Topped Christmas Cracker Candy
A truly festive candy fit for the season! I like using dry shredded coconut for a snow-topped look, but you could also use flaked coconut if you like larger, crunchier flakes. Sprinkle the coconut liberally over the surface and use the palms of your hands to press it lightly into the chocolate.
Slivered Almonds and Dried Cherries
Try using a truly dark chocolate with a higher percentage of cacao for this one. It makes such a nice contrast with the tangy (and chewy!) cherries and slivered almonds. Swap out the cherries for cranberries if you prefer! This makes a decidedly more grown-up version of Christmas Cracker Candy, suitable for cocktail parties and late-night rounds of eggnog.
Rocky Road Christmas Cracker Candy
If you’re going to go all out, you might as well go all out, ammiright?! Grab your mini marshmallows and chop up some walnut halves, and scatter with abandon. To really gild the lily, drizzle some chocolate sauce over top just before setting out your cookie tray. I also recommend briefly toasting the walnuts in the oven before sprinkling them over your candy. This gives them a richer, nuttier flavor and a crunchier texture.
Pecan “Turtle” Christmas Cracker Candy
My idea behind this one – aside from a straight-up love of pecans – was a “turtle” version of Christmas Cracker Candy. Turtle candies are made with chocolate-coated caramel and pecans, and this cracker candy delivers all those same elements. Of course, you could switch up the pecans for any other kind of nut. Hazelnuts would be amazing, as would walnuts or chopped almonds. As with the walnut and cranberry version, I recommend toasting your pecans (or whatever nuts you choose) before using them to give them a nuttier flavor and crunchier texture.
Your turn to share!
Ok, your turn! Do you love Christmas Cracker Candy? Have you played around with different toppings? Please share your favorite versions! P.S. We used to call this delicious treat “Christmas Crack,” which is its most common name. But several readers wrote asking us to change the name because it makes light of something that is a very real addiction for many people. We agree, hence this recipe’s new name “Christmas Cracker Candy.”
