If you’re looking for a fun, festive, and unbelievably addictive holiday treat, these Easy Christmas Crack Cookies are exactly what you need. With their layers of crispy crackers, buttery toffee, and soft sugar cookie dough, they deliver that perfect crunchy-chewy texture that keeps everyone coming back for “just one more.”
Whether you’re making gifts for neighbors, adding something unique to a dessert tray, or needing a quick holiday recipe that always impresses, this Christmas crack cookie recipe is a guaranteed hit. It’s simple, customizable, and delightfully nostalgic—everything a holiday treat should be.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Just 10 minutes of prep for a bakery-worthy holiday treat.
- Crunchy AND chewy layers for the ultimate texture combo.
- No special skills needed—perfect for beginners or quick holiday baking.
- Easily customizable with sprinkles, chocolate chips, or different cracker bases.
- Great for gifting—break it into pieces and pack into tins or cookie boxes.
Ingredients
- Square crackers (24, saltines or graham crackers): Form the crispy base and add salty-sweet balance.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup): Creates a rich toffee layer when combined with sugar.
- Brown sugar (½ cup): Melts into buttery caramel for the signature “crack” texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and depth to the toffee mixture.
- Refrigerated sugar cookie dough (16 oz roll): Provides the soft, chewy cookie layer.
- Holiday sprinkles (½ cup): Adds festive color and crunch.
- Chocolate chips (½ cup, optional): For added richness and a melty chocolate swirl.
How to Make Easy Christmas Crack Cookies
1. Prepare the Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—it prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
2. Layer the Crackers
Arrange 24 crackers in a single, snug layer. Make sure they touch so the toffee spreads evenly.
3. Make the Toffee
In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Cook for 2 minutes, until thickened and glossy.
Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and immediately pour the mixture over the crackers. Spread evenly using a spatula.
4. Add the Cookie Dough
Break or flatten small pieces of sugar cookie dough and scatter them across the toffee layer. They will melt and spread slightly while baking.
5. Add Optional Chocolate
If using, sprinkle chocolate chips over the dough for extra richness.
6. Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cookie dough is set and lightly golden around the edges.
7. Finish and Chill
Top with holiday sprinkles immediately after removing from the oven.
Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This helps the layers firm up so they crack cleanly.
8. Break Into Pieces
Once fully chilled, break the sheet into rustic cookie pieces and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Chill thoroughly—the colder the cookies, the cleaner the crack.
- Use parchment paper so the toffee doesn’t stick to the pan.
- If using graham crackers, reduce bake time by a minute—they’re softer than saltines.
- Add sprinkles fast—they stick best when the cookie layer is hot.
- Don’t overbake or the toffee may harden too much.
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Saucepan
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife (optional for cutting instead of breaking)
Recipe Variations
- Peppermint Chocolate Crack: Replace sprinkles with crushed peppermint candies.
- Peanut Butter Christmas Crack: Drizzle warmed peanut butter over the baked sheet before chilling.
- White Chocolate Version: Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate chips or drizzle melted white chocolate after baking.
- Nutty Crack: Add chopped pecans or almonds on top before baking for extra crunch.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on holiday platters with fudge, truffles, and classic cookies.
- Bag into treat sacks or gift tins—great for teachers, friends, or neighbors.
- Pair with hot chocolate, coffee, or warm apple cider.
- Add to cookie exchange boxes for a standout treat everyone will rave about.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! It keeps well for 3–5 days in an airtight container and even longer in the freezer.
Can I freeze Christmas crack cookies?
Absolutely. Freeze the sheet whole or in broken pieces for up to 2 months.
Do I have to use sugar cookie dough?
You can use gingerbread dough, chocolate chip dough, or even homemade sugar cookie dough.
Why is my toffee grainy?
This can happen if the sugar isn’t fully melted. Make sure it reaches a gentle boil and stir continuously.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but the result will be slightly saltier, especially if using saltines.
Easy Christmas Crack Cookies: Crunchy, Chewy, and Completely Irresistible
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Christmas Crack Cookies: Crispy, buttery, and irresistibly sweet—these festive cookies layer crackers with a toffee-like topping and soft sugar cookie dough for the ultimate crunchy-chewy holiday treat.
Ingredients
- 24 square crackers (saltines or graham crackers)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 roll (16 oz) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir and bring to a boil for 2 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour the mixture evenly over the crackers.
- Crumble or flatten small pieces of cookie dough over the toffee-covered crackers.
- If using, sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until cookie dough is set and the edges are golden.
- Immediately top with sprinkles.
- Cool completely, then chill for 2 hours before breaking into pieces.
Notes
- Chilling for at least 2 hours helps the pieces set and makes them easier to break.
- You can omit the chocolate chips if you prefer.
- Graham crackers or saltines both work—thicker crackers may need slightly more bake time.
- Store in an airtight container for 3–5 days, or freeze for longer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Easy Christmas Crack Cookies are everything a festive treat should be—fun, colorful, crunchy, chewy, and ridiculously easy. With their buttery toffee base and soft cookie topping, they offer a unique twist on the classic holiday crack recipe that everyone will love.