Christmas Crack Cookies are a delectable reminder that magic can emerge from the most unexpected places, erupting with flavors that warm the soul during the holiday season. These cookies don’t just fill the house with a sweet, buttery aroma; they hold the spirit of togetherness, laughter, and the joy of sharing with loved ones. Each bite dances on your tongue, merging nostalgic flavors that transport you straight to a cozy, festive gathering.
Why make this recipe? Because Christmas Crack Cookies offer an enchanting twist to traditional holiday treats, combining the irresistible crunch of homemade toffee with a soft, indulgent cookie. The sweet-and-salty goodness creates an experience that will leave a lasting impression, whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or simply indulging in a quiet moment with a warm cup of cocoa. This recipe is an invitation to spread joy, one bite at a time.
How to make Christmas Crack Cookies
Ingredients:
- 9 saltine crackers
- 6 tbsp salted butter
- 6 tbsp brown sugar
- 3/4 cup (150g) chocolate chips
- 1 cup (222g) salted butter, browned
- 1 cup (246g) brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 1/4 cup (342g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Flakey sea salt, for garnish
Directions:
First, let’s create the magic of Christmas Crack. Preheat your oven to a warm 400°F, and prepare a 9×9 pan lined with parchment paper. Arrange the saltine crackers in a beautiful layer, all snug in the pan, and set them aside.
In a small saucepan, combine 6 tablespoons of salted butter with 6 tablespoons of brown sugar. As you watch the mixture come to a boil, resist the urge to stir once bubbles start forming. Allow it to dance and boil for 2 1/2 minutes before gently pouring it over your arranged crackers. Pop this delightful concoction into the oven for a quick 6 minutes, allowing the toffee to envelop those crackers in golden sweetness.
After baking, remove the pan from the oven and shower the top with chocolate chips. Let them sit for 5 minutes, allowing the chocolate to melt just right, then use a spreading knife to smooth it over. This gorgeous layer needs a moment to cool, so tuck the pan into the freezer while you embark on the cookie dough journey.
It’s time to brown the butter that will take your cookies to the next level. In a medium saucepan set over low heat, melt the 1 cup of salted butter completely. As you stir, watch closely as it transforms, bubbling into a beautiful golden brown, releasing a nutty aroma that draws everyone into the kitchen. Once it’s perfect, pour this brown butter into your stand mixer bowl or a large mixing bowl.
Now, preheat your oven to 350°F. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar to the brown butter and mix for about a minute until creamy and blissfully blended. Crack in the eggs, add the vanilla, and mix until smooth and no graininess remains.
Next, gently fold in 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, along with baking soda and salt, creating a dough that is irresistibly soft. Retrieve your heavenly cracker toffee from the freezer and chop it into small pieces, folding these gems into the dough, bringing crunch and flavor to each bite.
Scoop out generous 3-tablespoon portions of dough and arrange them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Top each with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt; this contrast elevates the sweet dough to divine heights. Allow the cookie dough to rest for about 10 minutes at room temperature to ensure a perfect bake. Then, slide them into your preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes or until they are golden, spread out, and no longer glossy. Once baked, let them cool on the pan for a moment before indulging in their magic.
How to serve Christmas Crack Cookies
These cookies shine bright when served warm, perhaps alongside a tall glass of cold milk or a cozy mug of hot cocoa. Present them on a festive platter, garnished with a sprinkle of sea salt on top to catch the light, creating an inviting display for family gatherings or cookie exchanges. They’re an instant hit!
How to store Christmas Crack Cookies
To store these delightful treats, let any leftover cookies cool completely, then place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can be kept for up to a week — though chances are they’ll be gobbled up much sooner! If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze them. Just layer the cookies between parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.
Tips to make Christmas Crack Cookies
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Brown Your Butter Right: Keep a close eye on the browning process; you want that nutty aroma without burning it — the fragrance is half of the experience!
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Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your cookies will greatly improve with higher quality chocolate chips and butter, making each bite a luxurious experience.
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Don’t Skimp on the Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt brings out the flavors and adds a lovely contrast to the sweetness — this is key to achieving the perfect balance.
Variations
Feel free to mix up the cookie dough by adding in chopped nuts for extra crunch or incorporating festive ingredients like dried cranberries or peppermint chips for a seasonal spin. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity flow!
FAQs
1. Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
Absolutely! Just make sure to add a pinch of salt to the dough to maintain flavor balance.
2. What if I don’t have saltine crackers?
You can substitute with Graham crackers or even toffee bits for a similar sweet crunch, though the flavor will be a bit different.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before scooping.
These Christmas Crack Cookies are a celebration of flavor and joy, bringing together the richness of the season with each sugary bite. As you gather around the table with those you hold dear, may these cookies spark laughter and love, making your holiday moments all the more special. Bake, share, and enjoy the delightful magic that unfolds!
Christmas Crack Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a 9x9 pan lined with parchment paper.
- Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer in the pan and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, combine 6 tablespoons of salted butter with 6 tablespoons of brown sugar, bringing it to a boil without stirring.
- Allow to boil for 2 1/2 minutes, then pour the mixture over the arranged crackers.
- Bake in the oven for 6 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips on top, letting them sit for 5 minutes to soften.
- Spread the melted chocolate evenly and place the pan in the freezer to cool.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt 1 cup of salted butter until it turns golden brown.
- Pour the browned butter into a mixing bowl and add brown sugar and granulated sugar, mixing until creamy.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Fold in flour, baking soda, and salt to form a soft dough.
- Chop the cooled toffee into small pieces and fold into the dough.
- Scoop generous 3-tablespoon portions onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
- Sprinkle each with flaky sea salt and let rest for 10 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake cookies for 9-11 minutes, until golden.
- Allow to cool slightly on the pan before transferring to a wire rack.