Christmas Ritz Cracker Toffee
Christmas Ritz Cracker Toffee is a sweet and salty treat made with just a few ingredients. A buttery toffee mixture is poured over crackers and then topped with milk chocolate. This easy dessert is perfect for the holiday season!
You’ll also like this Salted Dark Chocolate Pretzel Fudge, Glazed Eggnog Donuts, and Peppermint Cheesecake Dip!
You’ve probably heard of this Christmas crack toffee or better yet, have tastes it before.
This candy recipe is wildly popular this time of year and I couldn’t wait to experiment with it.
This easy Ritz cracker toffee recipe is just what the name suggests. The base of the toffee is typically a combination of butter and brown sugar, cooked until it reaches a caramel-like consistency. Once poured over the buttery Ritz crackers, it’s baked until bubbly, then spread with melted chocolate chips and topped with holiday sprinkles.
The result is a deliciously crunchy, sweet, and savory snack that’s perfect for sharing. Plus, this sweet treat just so easy to make during the busy season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to Make: It requires minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making it a breeze for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Sweet and Salty Perfection: The combination of buttery crackers, rich toffee, and chocolate creates flavors that are hard to resist.
- Festive Appeal: The addition of crushed peppermint or sprinkles gives it a cheerful holiday vibe, making it a perfect gift for Christmas parties or get-togethers.
- Versatile Toppings: You can customize the toppings to suit your taste—try different chocolates, nuts, or even drizzles of caramel for a personal touch.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This Christmas crack recipe stores well, so you can make it in advance and enjoy it throughout the holiday season.
Ingredients Needed:
- Ritz crackers: I used almost two sleeves of crackers for this toffee recipe.
- Unsalted butter: I prefer using unsalted because you can control the amount of salt.
- Light brown sugar: This is the main ingredient to make the toffee…it gives it that rich, caramel flavor.
- Pinch of salt and vanilla: Added to the brown sugar mixture for a hint of flavor.
- Ghirardelli milk chocolate melting wafers: I used these in place of chocolate chips because they melt easier and taste extra delicious. However, you could also use chocolate chips.
- Christmas sprinkles: For that festive touch.
How to Make:
- Prepare the pan: Line a large jelly roll or baking sheet with aluminum foil and grease with cooking spray. Line the prepared pan with an even, single layer of crackers.
- Make the toffee: In a medium saucepan, heat the butter, salt, and brown sugar over medium-high heat until boiling. Continue boiling for three minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
- Pour the toffee: Pour the hot mixture over the crackers and spread evenly using a spatula.
- Bake: Place the pan into the oven and bake until the toffee begins to bubble.
- Top with chocolate: Sprinkle the wafers or chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee and let sit for several minutes to soften. Then, use a spatula to spread evenly over the toffee and then top with festive sprinkles.
- Refrigerate or freeze: Place pan into the refrigerator or freezer and chill until solid. Break or cut into pieces and serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
How to Store:
Place Ritz cracker candy in an airtight container or bag and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
To freeze: place each piece of cracker toffee in between pieces of parchment paper so it doesn’t stick together when frozen and then place in a freezer-safe container or bag in the freezer for up to three months.
Can I Make Ahead This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ritz cracker crack up to two weeks before you plan to serve it. Just ensure it’s stored properly. If you’re planning to give it as gifts or serve at a party, making it ahead of time allows you to enjoy less stress as the event approaches.
Can I Use Another Cracker?
Yes! Saltine crackers or even graham crackers are another popular choice if you don’t want to use Ritz crackers. The taste will be less buttery but still delicious.
Can I Use Chocolate Chips?
You can! I personally love using Ghirardelli melting wafers, as they’re made specifically for melting and are high quality chocolate.
- However, any type of chocolate chip, such as milk chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, or white chocolate chips can also be used. You could also use green candy melts or red candy melts for a festive touch.
Toppings to Try:
- Crushed Peppermint Candies: Perfect for a festive touch and a refreshing crunch.
- Chopped Nuts: Pecans, walnuts, or almonds add a nice texture and flavor.
- M&Ms or Holiday Candies: Colorful candies not only look festive but also add a sweet crunch.
- Toasted Coconut: Adds a tropical flair and a chewy texture.
- Drizzled Caramel: A rich, sweet addition that pairs beautifully with chocolate and toffee.
- Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances the sweetness and adds complexity.
- Mini Marshmallows: For a fun, gooey touch, you can add mini marshmallows on top.
Looking for More Easy Holiday Recipes? I’ve Got You Covered!
- Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
- Candy Cane Dessert
- Hot Chocolate Cupcakes
- Christmas Sugar Cookie Dip
- Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Easy Peppermint Truffles
- Cookies and Cream Fudge
- Red Velvet Peppermint Cupcakes
Christmas Ritz Cracker Toffee
Ingredients
- 54 Ritz crackers, (roughly two sleeves of crackers)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste, (or vanilla extract)
- 2 cups Ghirardelli milk chocolate melting wafers, (or chocolate chips)
- Holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Line a large baking pan (roughly 12"x17") with aluminum foil or parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. Place crackers in an even, single layer on the pan. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, add butter, brown sugar, and salt and stir to combine. Heat mixture over medium heat, stirring occassionally, until mixture begins to boil. Continue boil for three minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
- Pour brown sugar mixture evenly over crackers and spread with a spatula to ensure all crackers are covered. Place into the oven and back for 4-5 minutes, or until the edges begin to bubble.
- Remove pan from oven and top with chocolate wafters/chips. Let sit for 4-5 minutes to melt slightly, then take a a spatula and spread chocolate evenly over crackers. Top with sprinkles.
- Place pan into the refrigerator or freezer for 1-2 hours to harden completely. Then break into pieces and store in an airtight container at room temperature until ready to serve.
Notes
- Crackers will keep in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- See my tips and tricks for making Christmas Ritz Cracker Toffee above the recipe box.
