The holiday season is all about indulging in treats that bring joy and comfort. If you’re looking for an easy-to-make dessert that’s sure to wow your family and friends, look no further than Christmas Crack. This irresistible combination of crunchy pretzels, buttery toffee, creamy chocolate, and festive toppings is the perfect way to sweeten up your celebrations. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about making this holiday favorite.
Ingredients & Equipment
Before you get started, gather all your ingredients and equipment. Preparation is key to ensuring your Christmas Crack turns out perfectly.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup brown sugar
2¼ cups chocolate chips
2 cups mini pretzels
2 cups red and green M&M’s
Flaky sea salt
Equipment:
9×13-inch pan
Parchment paper
Medium saucepan
Spatula
With just a handful of ingredients and basic kitchen tools, you’ll be amazed at how quickly this treat comes together.
Prepare the Base
The foundation of any great Christmas Crack is a solid, crunchy base, and mini pretzels are the perfect choice. Start by lining your 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring the edges are covered for easy removal later. Arrange 2 cups of mini pretzels in a single layer across the bottom of the pan. The pretzels should be packed closely together to create a sturdy base for the toffee.
Not a fan of pretzels? Don’t worry. You can substitute with saltine crackers or even graham crackers for a slightly different twist. But for that ultimate sweet-and-salty balance, pretzels are the way to go.
Make & Bake the Toffee
Making homemade toffee may seem intimidating, but it’s easier than you think. In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 1 cup of brown sugar and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Stir the mixture until it’s fully combined and begins to boil.
Here’s where the magic happens: Stop stirring and let the mixture bubble gently for 3–4 minutes. During this time, the toffee will thicken and develop a rich amber color. Be careful not to overcook it—burnt toffee isn’t the vibe we’re going for!
Once the toffee is ready, carefully pour it over the pretzels in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring every pretzel gets coated. Pop the pan into your preheated oven (set to 350°F) and bake for 5 minutes. This step helps the toffee set and meld with the pretzels, creating that perfect crunch.
Add the Chocolate & Toppings
While the toffee is baking, melt the chocolate chips and vegetable oil in the microwave at 30 second intervals. Stir in between, until completely melted and smooth. When the toffee layer is done baking, pour the melted chocolate over the hot toffee. Then use a spatula to spread it into a smooth, even layer.
Now comes the fun part: toppings! Sprinkle 2 cups of red and green M&M’s over the melted chocolate, pressing them down gently so they stick along with the chopped pecans. For a final touch, add a generous pinch of flaky sea salt. This step not only enhances the sweet and salty flavor profile but also makes your Christmas Crack look extra festive.
Tips for Making Homemade Toffee
Toffee can be tricky, especially if you’re new to candy-making. Here are some helpful tips to ensure success:
Use a Candy Thermometer: If you’re nervous about overcooking the toffee, use a candy thermometer. Aim for a temperature of 285–290°F (soft crack stage).
Work Quickly: Toffee hardens fast, so pour and spread it over the pretzels as soon as it’s ready. Have your tools and pan prepped in advance.
Even Heat Is Key: Use medium heat and stir continuously until the mixture starts to boil. This prevents the butter and sugar from separating.
Don’t Skip the Salt: Salt enhances the flavor of the toffee and balances the sweetness. If you don’t have flaky sea salt, kosher salt works too.
By following these tips, your toffee layer will turn out perfectly every time.
Cool & Break Christmas Crack
Once you’ve added the toppings, let your Christmas Crack cool at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Then transfer the pan to the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to allow the chocolate and toffee to firm up completely.
When the Christmas Crack is fully set, lift it out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper. Break it into irregular pieces by hand. There’s no need to be precise—the rustic look is part of its charm. Store your Christmas Crack in an airtight container for up to a week (if it lasts that long!).
There’s a reason Christmas Crack has become a holiday staple in so many households. It’s quick to make, endlessly customizable, and downright addictive. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing it with loved ones, this sweet-and-salty treat is guaranteed to spread holiday cheer.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, follow these steps, and let the magic of Christmas Crack add a little sparkle to your holiday season. Happy baking!
Christmas Crack
Equipment
- 9x13 inch pan
- Parchment Paper
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 2 ¼ cup chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 2 cups red & green M&M’s
- 1 cup chopped Pecans
- Flaky Sea Salt
Instructions
Prepare the Base
- Line a 9x13 inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides.
- Spread 2 cups of mini pretzels evenly across the pan to create a base. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Make and Bake the Toffee
- In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 1 cup of brown sugar and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cook for 3–4 minutes without stirring until it turns amber.
- Pour the toffee evenly over the pretzels, spreading it with a spatula. Bake for 5 minutes in the preheated oven to set.
- While the toffee is baking melt the chocolate chips in the microwave with the vegetable oil until smooth.
Finish and Set
- Remove the toffee from the oven and pour the melted chocolate all on top, then spread evenly.
- Top with 2 cups of red and green M&Ms and the chopped pecans. Finish by sprinkling on the flaky sea salt. Cool at room temperature for 15 minutes, then refrigerate for 10 minutes until firm.
- Break into pieces and serve!
