Christmas Crack (Saltine, Graham Cracker, or Pretzel Version) The BEST Easy Christmas Treat Ever
This recipe recently went viral for a reason. It’s the classic Christmas Crack everyone loves, and yes, it works with graham crackers too.Below you’ll find the original saltine version plus an easy graham cracker and pretzel variation, depending on what you have on hand.
Servings: 20 people
Ingredients
- 1 sleeve Saltine crackers about 40 crackers
- 2 sticks of butter
- 1 cup light or dark brown sugar light brown preferred
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 12 oz bag milk chocolate chips
Variations (Cracker Options)
- 1 box Graham crackers
- 8-9 cups pretzels Mini twists, pretzel snaps, or different shapes of pretzels (pretzel crisps are my favorite!)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange saltine crackers in a single, even layer on the baking sheet.*or one of the variations instead of saltines
- You can also use graham crackers or pretzels instead, arranging them in a single layer.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, and let it boil for 2–3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Carefully pour the hot butter mixture evenly over the crackers or pretzels.
- Bake for 6–7 minutes, watching closely so it does not burn.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top.
- Let sit for 1–2 minutes, then spread the melted chocolate evenly.
- Add any toppings if using.
- Let cool completely, then break into pieces.
Notes
Saltines:
The classic choice for Christmas Crack. They create the perfect sweet-and-salty balance and the most traditional texture. Graham Crackers:
Use full graham cracker sheets arranged in a single layer. This version is slightly softer and more cookie-like, with a sweeter base. Pretzels:
Use about 8–9 cups total, depending on the size of your pan.
Mini twists, pretzel snaps, or pretzel crisps all work well. Arrange them in a single, even layer so the butter and sugar mixture can coat them evenly. Pretzels create a crunchier version with a stronger salty bite. For easy removal, lift the parchment paper off the pan once fully cooled, then break into pieces.
The classic choice for Christmas Crack. They create the perfect sweet-and-salty balance and the most traditional texture. Graham Crackers:
Use full graham cracker sheets arranged in a single layer. This version is slightly softer and more cookie-like, with a sweeter base. Pretzels:
Use about 8–9 cups total, depending on the size of your pan.
Mini twists, pretzel snaps, or pretzel crisps all work well. Arrange them in a single, even layer so the butter and sugar mixture can coat them evenly. Pretzels create a crunchier version with a stronger salty bite. For easy removal, lift the parchment paper off the pan once fully cooled, then break into pieces.
