Christmas Cracker Candy

Name: Christmas Cracker Candy
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Yield: 16 - 20 serving(s)
Ingredients: Cooking spray; 1 sleeve salted saltine crackers (about 45); 1 c. unsalted butter; 1 c. firmly packed dark brown sugar; 1 tsp. vanilla extract; 2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 c. chocolate-hazelnut spread, such as Nutella; 1 c. Christmas sprinkles, red and green M&M's, and chopped Christmas candy; 1/2 c. toasted slivered almonds

Wrap it for a homemade holiday gift.

By Leah PerezUpdated: Oct 9, 2024

3 Ratings

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the pioneer woman's christmas cracker candy recipe

Danielle Daly

Yields:

16 - 20 serving(s)

Prep Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

2 hrs 15 mins

the pioneer woman's christmas cracker candy

Making Christmas candy has never been easier than this salty-sweet cracker treat. Made with a crispy base of saltine crackers smothered in crunchy homemade toffee and chocolate, this dessert is *almost* addictive! Scatter the top with your favorite combination of toasted nuts, chopped candy, and colorful sprinkles for a perfectly personalized treat. This candy makes a stellar addition to a cookie platter or gift box as an extra sweet Christmas food gift.

What kind of crackers are in Christmas cracker candy?

All you need is classic saltine crackers! They work especially well for this particular treat because the square corners fit together so nice and snuggly in the pan. Club crackers, graham crackers, or matzos are other great options. Skip the buttery round crackers as there will be too many gaps.

Why is my Christmas cracker candy soft?

The key to successful, crunchy toffee is getting that butter and sugar mixture to the correct temperature. For foolproof candy, using an instant-read or candy thermometer is your best bet to getting the sugar to what is known a the "hard-crack stage," which is over 300 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don't happen to have those nifty tools, make sure the mixture boils for a full five minutes to ensure it hardens after being spread over the crackers.

How do you store Christmas cracker candy?

Christmas cracker candy can be stored in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to one week.

Can you freeze Christmas cracker candy?

Yes, this treat freezes well! Place the candy in an airtight container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to one month. To keep pieces from sticking to one another, place a piece of parchment paper between layers of candy.

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Ingredients

Cooking spray
1
sleeve salted saltine crackers (about 45)
1 cup
unsalted butter
1 cup
firmly packed dark brown sugar
1 tsp.
vanilla extract
2 cups
semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup
chocolate-hazelnut spread, such as Nutella
1 cup
Christmas sprinkles, red and green M&M's, and chopped Christmas candy
1/2 cup
toasted slivered almonds

Directions

1. Step 1Line a rimmed half-sheet pan completely with foil and spray with the cooking spray.
2. Step 2Arrange the crackers in a single layer over the entire sheet pan, breaking crackers in half as necessary to fit.
3. Step 3In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and bring to a boil until it forms an amber caramel and the temperature reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Immediately pour the mixture over the crackers, spreading it into an even layer.
4. Step 4Meanwhile, in a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips in the microwave at 50% power until melted and smooth, 1 to 2 minutes, stirring every 15 seconds. Stir in the chocolate-hazelnut spread. Microwave for 15 seconds more to make a smooth mixture. Pour the chocolate mixture over the toffee crackers, spreading into an even layer.
5. Step 5Top with the sprinkles, candy, and toasted almonds. Refrigerate the crackers until set, about 2 hours.
6. Step 6Carefully remove the foil and break the cracker candy into pieces.

Tip: Who said you could only have this at Christmas? Top the cracker candy with any type of sprinkles or candy to reflect Valentine’s Day, Halloween, or any other holiday of the year.