Easy Christmas Crack Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday season. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up these indulgent cookies that are sure to impress family and friends alike. This recipe embodies the warmth of gathering around the kitchen during festive times, creating cherished memories over something delicious. Having made these crack cookies with my own family for years, I can assure you they never last long on the table.
Why Make This Recipe
These Easy Christmas Crack Cookies are not just quick and easy to make, but they also offer a fantastic blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love. The combination of salty Ritz crackers and sweet chocolate creates the perfect balance, making these cookies wonderful for parties or cozy family nights at home. They’re a great way to involve kids in the baking process as well, allowing them to sprinkle the chocolate on top or even add their favorite toppings.
"This cookie recipe was a total hit at our holiday party. Everyone asked for seconds, and I love how simple it was to make," says a happy home baker.
Whether you’re looking to wrap up a sweet gift for neighbors or wanting to indulge yourself while savoring a cup of hot cocoa, these cookies are perfect for this time of year. They’re also quick enough to make whenever the craving strikes.
How to Make Easy Christmas Crack Cookies
Creating these Easy Christmas Crack Cookies is a breeze. Start by preheating your oven and preparing a lined baking sheet. The real magic happens when you melt the butter and brown sugar together, transforming them into a delicious toffee mixture. Next, you’ll pour this luscious concoction over the crackers laid out on the baking sheet. After a short bake in the oven, chocolate chips get sprinkled on top, melting just enough to create a gooey layer of chocolate goodness. Once it cools, those beautiful cookie pieces are ready to be broken apart and enjoyed!
Ingredients
Gather these items to make your own batch of Easy Christmas Crack Cookies:
- Ritz crackers
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- Sea salt (optional)
For those looking to tweak the recipe a bit, you could try using graham crackers instead of Ritz for a slightly different flavor. Additionally, dark chocolate chips can be swapped in for a richer taste.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the crackers in a single layer.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat, bringing it to a boil for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the toffee mixture over the crackers, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- Let the chocolate soften for a few minutes, then spread it to cover the toffee layer.
- If desired, sprinkle with sea salt.
- Allow to cool completely before breaking into pieces.
How to Serve Easy Christmas Crack Cookies
These cookies can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways. They’re delightful on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special dessert. If you’re hosting a party, consider arranged platters alongside coffee, hot chocolate, or even festive cocktails. The beauty of these cookies also lies in their versatility; you could easily package them as sweet, homemade gifts in festive tins or boxes to share with family and friends.
How to Store
When it comes to keeping these Easy Christmas Crack Cookies fresh, they’ll do best stored in an airtight container, either at room temperature or in the fridge. They’ll last about a week at room temperature or up to two weeks in the fridge. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze them! Just ensure they’re defrosted completely before indulging.
Tips to Make
For the best results when making these cookies, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. The butter should be unsalted to maintain that savory sweet balance. Keep an eye on the toffee mixture while boiling; it’s quick, and you want to avoid burning it. If you find the chocolate not melting enough on top, you can pop the tray back in the oven for a minute or two after baking. Lastly, let them cool completely before breaking them apart, as this allows the chocolate and toffee to set nicely.
Variations
Get creative with your Easy Christmas Crack Cookies. You can try using flavored chocolate chips, like peppermint or caramel, to switch things up. Adding toppings like crushed nuts, sprinkles, or even mini marshmallows before the chocolate sets will also give them a fun, festive flair. For a chewy twist, try drizzling some caramel over the chocolate layer for a truly indulgent treat. The possibilities are endless!
FAQs
Can I use different types of crackers for this recipe?
Yes, while Ritz crackers work perfectly, you can also try graham crackers or even saltines for a different taste.
How long can I keep these cookies?
They can last up to a week at room temperature in an airtight container or up to two weeks if refrigerated.
What can I do if my chocolate chips don’t melt?
If the chocolate chips do not melt completely after baking, place the tray back in the oven for a minute or two.
Can I freeze the cookies?
Absolutely! Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll freeze well for up to three months.
For More Recipe Inspiration
If you’re looking for more delicious recipes, be sure to try our smash cake recipe or explore the banana cottage cheese pancakes that the whole family will enjoy.
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Easy Christmas Crack Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the crackers in a single layer.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat, bringing it to a boil for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the toffee mixture over the crackers, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- Let the chocolate soften for a few minutes, then spread it to cover the toffee layer.
- If desired, sprinkle with sea salt.
- Allow to cool completely before breaking into pieces.