There’s a certain magic that blooms in the kitchen during the holiday season. The scents of warm spices, caramelized sugars, and chocolatey goodness create an inviting atmosphere, reminding us of cozy nights spent with family and friends. One of my all-time favorite treats to whip up during this time is the gloriously indulgent Christmas Crack Cookies. Trust me; these little bites of heaven are the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and utterly addictive!
Why you’ll love this recipe
Now, why should you rush to make these Christmas Crack Cookies tonight? It’s simple: the unexpected combination of flavors. First, there’s that nostalgic crunch from saltine crackers, which you wouldn’t typically think of at a cookie party. Then you bring in the rich and nutty flavor of browned butter, which transforms that basic cookie dough into something sensational. And don’t get me started on the chocolate topping! The sweet and salty layers meld together in a way that simply celebrates the spirit of the season.
What’s even better? They’re incredibly easy to make and rely on simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, they are a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just want a cozy treat to enjoy with a warm cup of cocoa, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.
Gather these ingredients
Let’s talk ingredients, shall we? It may look like a list, but each component plays a key role in creating that delightful symphony of flavor.
- Saltine Crackers (9 pieces): These are the unsung heroes. They give a fabulous crunch and a touch of salt that balances the sweetness.
- Salted Butter (6 tbsp + 1 cup): We’re using salted butter to enhance the flavors and, of course, to create that perfectly browned butter for the cookie dough.
- Brown Sugar (6 tbsp + 1 cup): Light brown sugar adds moisture and a caramel flavor that enhances the cookie flavor profile beautifully.
- Chocolate Chips (3/4 cup or 150g): Because chocolate makes everything better. You can use milk or dark, depending on your preference.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Just a bit for that sweet touch that rounds out the flavors.
- Eggs (2): These bind everything together and provide structure.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): For that aromatic warmth that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups): The backbone of our cookie dough; it gives the cookies body.
- Baking Soda (1 tsp): For the perfect rise.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Just a pinch to amplify all those delicious flavors.
- Flaky Sea Salt (for garnish): This is the finishing touch! It elevates the cookies with its saltiness and texture.
Preparing Christmas Crack Cookies
Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this beautiful process! Here’s how you can create these decadent cookies in no time.
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Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and neatly arrange the saltine crackers in there. Set aside; we’ll come back to them soon.
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Make the Christmas Crack: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the salted butter and brown sugar. Stir to combine, then bring it to a boil—here’s the fun part—once it starts boiling, stop stirring! Let it bubble for 2 and a half minutes. Pour this golden mixture over the saltines, spreading it evenly, then pop it in the oven for 6 minutes.
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Chocolate Time: After baking, take those toffee-covered saltines out, and sprinkle your chocolate chips evenly on top. Let them sit for about 5 minutes to soften, then spread the chocolate with a spatula. Now allow this to set by placing it in the freezer—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
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Brown that Butter: While your toffee cools, let’s work on the star of the cookie dough. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt 1 cup of salted butter completely. Keep stirring until it bubbles and turns a deep golden brown—this step is where the magic happens! The nutty aroma that fills your kitchen? A hint of what’s to come!
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Mixing the Dough: Pour your browned butter into a mixing bowl. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar, mixing well for about a minute. Now, add the eggs and vanilla, stirring until fully combined. It should look smooth and luscious! Gradually add in the flour, baking soda, and salt until everything is just combined—the dough will be delightfully soft.
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Fold in the Goodies: Take that chilled toffee out of the freezer and chop it into small pieces. Gently fold these delightful chunks into your cookie dough—this is where your cookies really become special!
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Scoop and Bake: Using a 3 tablespoons scoop, place mounds of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for that gourmet touch. Next, give the dough about 10 minutes to rest; this helps achieve a better texture once they bake.
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Bake it Up: Toss the cookies into the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 9 to 11 minutes. You want them to spread nicely and lose their glossy appearance. Once done, let them cool on the pan for a bit before transferring them to a wire rack.
How to plate and pair
Here’s the moment to showcase your creations! Serve these gorgeous cookies on a festive plate, maybe with a cute little holiday garnish. Pair them with a hot cup of cocoa or a glass of cold milk—oh, can you even imagine? If you want to impress, why not arrange them next to some freshly whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream? Now that’s how you elevate a cookie experience!
Keeping leftovers fresh
Now, all this talk about delicious cookies has me excited, but what if there are leftovers (though I highly doubt it)? Fear not! Store these beauties in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for about a week—if they even last that long! If you want to be extra fancy, stack them in layers with parchment paper in between to keep that signature crunch.
Pro chef tips
A few key tips to ensure you nail this recipe like a pro:
- Don’t rush the browning of the butter; it’s where the "wow" factor lives!
- Feel free to experiment with your chocolate choice—white chocolate chips or even butterscotch can add a fun twist.
- Remember, room temperature dough is your cookie’s best friend; chilling it enhances the flavors!
Creative Twists
Want to make these cookies your own? Here are a few creative twists you can try:
- Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) for a crunchy bite.
- Minty Freshness: Toss in a dash of peppermint extract and crushed candy canes for a holiday flair!
- Dried Fruits: Incorporate some dried cranberries or cherries for a tart contrast to the sweetness.
Your questions answered
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How long do these cookies take to make?
From start to finish, you’re looking at about an hour, give or take the cooling times. -
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! They freeze beautifully. Just make sure they’re fully cooled, then place them in an airtight container with layers of parchment paper between the cookies. -
What should I serve with these cookies?
A warm drink like cocoa or coffee complements the cookies perfectly. It’s all about that cozy vibe! -
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and you’re good to go! -
What’s the best way to store these?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay divine!
As the final touches of this holiday season come to life, I just want to say: don’t be afraid to dive into the kitchen! These Christmas Crack Cookies are not just a treat; they’re an experience. So gather your loved ones, get those hands messy, and embrace the joy of baking during this festive time. Remember, the best memories are often made surrounded by good food and even better company!
Christmas Crack Cookies
Description
These Christmas Crack Cookies are a glorious blend of sweet and salty, featuring a delightful toffee-like topping and a rich cookie base. The perfect indulgence for holiday gatherings!Ingredients
Base Ingredients
Instructions
Preparation
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Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Arrange the saltine crackers in the dish. -
Make the Christmas Crack
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the salted butter and brown sugar. Stir to combine, then bring to a boil. Once boiling, stop stirring and let it bubble for 2.5 minutes. Pour over saltines and bake for 6 minutes. -
Add Chocolate
Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Let sit for 5 minutes then spread the melted chocolate evenly. Place in the freezer to set. -
Brown the Butter
In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of salted butter over low heat, stirring until it becomes a deep golden brown. Remove from heat.The butter should have a nutty aroma. -
Mix the Dough
Pour the browned butter into a mixing bowl. Add brown and granulated sugars, mixing well. Add eggs and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.The dough should be soft. -
Combine and Bake
Chop the chilled toffee mixture and fold into the cookie dough. Scoop mounds onto parchment-lined sheets and let rest for 10 minutes. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 9-11 minutes until set.Cool slightly on the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 24
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 150kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 9g14%
- Saturated Fat 5g25%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 20mg7%
- Sodium 100mg5%
- Potassium 50mg2%
- Total Carbohydrate 15g5%
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugars 8g
- Protein 2g4%
- Vitamin A 250 IU
- Vitamin C 0 mg
- Calcium 20 mg
- Iron 1 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 0 mcg
- Thiamin 0 mg
- Riboflavin 0 mg
- Niacin 0 mg
- Vitamin B6 0 mg
- Folate 0 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0 mg
- Phosphorus 50 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 5 mg
- Zinc 0 mg
- Selenium 0 mcg
- Copper 0 mg
- Manganese 0 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
