Christmas Crack Cookies

Name: Christmas Crack Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup butter; ½ cup packed brown sugar; 25-30 Saltine crackers (or Ritz); 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips; 1 cup toasted and chopped nuts (optional); 1 cup butter (browned and cooled); 1 cup packed brown sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 & ⅓ cups flour; ¾ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt

By:

Thomas

Published:

December 6, 2025

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The Best Christmas Crack Cookies Recipe is a treat that brings joy and warmth to the holiday season. Picture this: soft, chewy cookies topped with a layer of sweet caramel and a sprinkle of chocolate. It’s the kind of dessert that makes everyone feel festive and happily nostalgic. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just to enjoy at home, this recipe blends flavors and textures that make it truly special. The sweet aroma wafting from your kitchen will draw in family and friends, and they’ll all be excited to taste your delicious masterpiece. Trust me, once you try these unforgettable cookies, you’ll want to make them a holiday tradition for years to come.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe combines the rich, buttery flavor of Christmas Crack with a soft, chewy cookie base, making it an irresistible treat. The layers of salty and sweet enhance the experience, while the contrasting textures keep you reaching for more. Each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors that perfectly showcases the holiday spirit.

Why You’ll Love This The Best Christmas Crack Cookies Recipe

These cookies capture the festive spirit perfectly. They’re suitable for holiday gatherings, cozy nights by the fire, or simply as a sweet snack while watching your favorite holiday movies. With minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques, baking these cookies becomes a joyful, aromatic endeavor everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients

½ cup butter
½ cup packed brown sugar
25-30 Saltine crackers (or Ritz)
1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
1 cup toasted and chopped nuts (optional)
1 cup butter (browned and cooled)
1 cup packed brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 & ⅓ cups flour
¾ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

Preparing the Christmas Crack Layer

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Crackers

To start, preheat your oven to 400°F. Next, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Carefully arrange 25-30 Saltine crackers in a single layer, covering the entire bottom of the sheet. This will create a fantastic base for the caramel layer.

Create the Caramel Mixture

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup butter along with ½ cup packed brown sugar. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to bubble, then let it boil without stirring for about 4-5 minutes. Be attentive, as the caramel can burn if left unattended!

Pour Caramel Over Crackers

Once bubbling, carefully pour the caramel mixture over the arranged crackers. Make sure to cover them evenly so each bite of the cookie is delightful. Bake this for about 5 minutes until bubbly.

Add Chocolate and Cool

After removing the cookies from the oven, immediately sprinkle 1 cup of chocolate chips over the hot caramel. Let it sit for about 2 minutes to soften. Then, spread the melted chocolate evenly across the caramel layer. If you want, top it with chopped nuts and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for added texture and flavor. Allow this layer to cool completely before chopping it into smaller pieces.

Brown the Butter for Cookies

Melt the Butter

In a separate saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter over medium heat. Stir it frequently until it becomes golden brown, releasing that fantastic nutty aroma with some brown bits forming at the bottom.

Cool the Browned Butter

Once browned, transfer the melted butter into a bowl and immerse it in a larger bowl filled with ice water. Whisk continuously until the butter thickens and hardens slightly. This process is crucial for achieving the right cookie texture.

Make the Cookie Dough

Prepare Baking Sheet

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will keep your cookies from sticking and help them bake evenly.

Mix the Ingredients

In a stand mixer, combine the brown butter with 1 cup packed brown sugar and ½ cup granulated sugar. Mix for about 2 minutes until everything is well blended.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add 2 large eggs along with 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract into the mixture. Continue mixing until smooth and creamy.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 & ⅓ cups of flour, ¾ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Just mix until everything is combined; overmixing can make the cookies tough.

Fold in Christmas Crack

Gently fold in the chopped Christmas Crack. Make sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough to ensure that every bite is deliciously filled with that wonderful flavor.

Assemble and Bake

Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop (around 4 tablespoons), scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. If desired, top each scoop with additional pieces of Christmas Crack for that extra crunch.

Freeze the Cookie Dough

Freeze the dough balls for about 2 hours, or overnight if you prefer. This helps achieve the perfect texture in your cookies.

Preheat Oven and Bake

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Take the chilled dough balls and place them on the lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each ball. Bake for approximately 13 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Cool and Serve

Once they’re done, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 20 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time helps them firm up a bit. Then serve and enjoy this festive treat!

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Christmas Crack cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of cocoa. It makes for a delightful experience during the holiday season. You could also share them with friends or family, making the holiday spirit even brighter.

Tips for Success

Make sure the caramel reaches the right temperature for that perfect texture.
Try not to overmix the cookie dough after adding dry ingredients. This is key for chewy and soft cookies.

Variations

For a minty holiday twist, substitute some crushed peppermint candies into the mix.
Swap out chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch for different flavor profiles, adding your unique touch.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cracker?
Yes! Ritz crackers or even graham crackers work great in this recipe.

2. How do I store leftover cookies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Frozen cookie dough can last for up to three months. Just bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

4. What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can easily substitute with granulated sugar mixed with a bit of molasses—about 1 tablespoon of molasses for each cup of granulated sugar will do.

5. Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Yes, these cookies make a perfect gift! They’re ideal for holiday gift baskets or as party favors, beautifully packaged in decorative tins.

These Christmas Crack Cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they capture the essence of joyful celebrations and cherished moments. Each bite is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that bring everyone together. So roll up your sleeves, get baking, and make these cookies a memorable part of your holiday traditions. Enjoy creating those wonderful memories with every batch!

Christmas Crack Cookies

Why This Recipe Works

Why You’ll Love This The Best Christmas Crack Cookies Recipe

Ingredients