Saltine Cracker Toffee combines layers of crispy saltines, rich buttery toffee, melted chocolate, and toasted pecans in a sweet and salty holiday treat. This easy 5-ingredient recipe comes together in just 20 minutes and is perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday gifts, or whenever you need a quick homemade candy!
If you love this recipe, try my Graham Cracker Toffee and Double Chocolate Peppermint Bark next!
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Easy Saltine Cracker Toffee Recipe
While traditional toffee requires careful temperature monitoring and candy thermometers, this 5-ingredient version transforms simple saltine crackers into an irresistibly addictive holiday treat. No special equipment or candy-making experience is needed; if you can boil butter and sugar, you can make this treat.
While this toffee is perfect on its own, I love adding different toppings like crushed candy canes, toasted nuts, or a drizzle of white chocolate. Try serving it with my Oreo Fudge, Crockpot Candy, and Raisin Butter Tarts for the ultimate holiday treat platter!
Recipe Ingredients
This recipe turns basic pantry staples into something extraordinary. Here's what you'll need, with special notes to assist you:
- Saltine Crackers: One sleeve creates the perfect crispy, salty base. Regular salted saltines work best, but graham crackers work great, too! If using unsalted crackers, sprinkle the top with coarse sea salt.
- Butter: Use real butter, not margarine. It creates that rich, caramel-like toffee layer.
- Brown Sugar: Either light or dark brown sugar works. Dark gives a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet is my go-to, but milk or dark chocolate work too. High-quality chips like Ghirardelli melt beautifully.
- Chopped Nuts: Toasting them first brings out amazing flavor. Walnuts or almonds work great too!
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Saltine Cracker Toffee
Each step is carefully timed to ensure perfect toffee every time.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. If using toasted pecans, spread on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, or toast in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring often. Set aside to cool. Line a 10x15-inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange one sleeve (about 38) of saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared pan, salt side up. Make sure the crackers are touching but not overlapping.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1 cup packed brown sugar and bring to a boil. Cook for exactly 3 minutes, stirring constantly with a whisk. The mixture will become thick and bubbly.
- Immediately pour the hot toffee mixture over the saltines, spreading quickly with a spatula to cover all crackers completely. Work fast as the toffee starts hardening quickly.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes until the toffee is bubbly all over.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee.
- Let stand for 3-5 minutes until the chocolate chips become glossy and soft. Return to the warm oven for 1 minute to help melt if needed. Spread melted chocolate into an even layer with an offset spatula.
- Sprinkle with ¼ cup chopped pecans. Refrigerate for 2 hours or freeze until completely set. Break or cut into pieces and enjoy! Note: If your kitchen is warm, store in the refrigerator between layers of wax paper.
Top Tips
While this recipe for saltine toffee is pretty forgiving, here are my tried-and-true tips:
- About the pan: A rimmed baking sheet is essential - the hot toffee will run off a flat cookie sheet.
- Stick-Free: Use parchment paper, not aluminum foil. If you only have foil, spray it with cooking spray first.
- Watch the butter-sugar mixture: Boil for exactly 3 minutes after it comes to a full boil, no more or less.
- Work quickly: Have all ingredients measured and ready before starting. The toffee hardens fast!
- For easy cutting: Score with a sharp knife while still slightly warm before fully chilling.
What To Serve With Christmas Crack
Perfect for holiday cookie platters alongside Christmas Fudge, Easy Soft Peanut Brittle, 2-ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge, Cake Mix Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, Old-Fashioned Ginger Snap Cookies, and Christmas Sugar Cookies.
Storage Instructions
This homemade toffee can be stored a few ways, so it is easy to make ahead. Place parchment paper or wax paper in between layers. Here's how to store it:
- Room Temperature: Up to 5 days in an airtight container (if it's not too warm).
- Fridge: 2 weeks in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Up to 3 months (great for making way ahead!)
Recipe Variations
- Change the chocolate: Try milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate.
- Switch the nuts: Use toasted almonds, walnuts, or mixed nuts.
- Holiday versions:
- Christmas: Crushed candy canes and white chocolate drizzle.
- Valentine's: Pink chocolate and heart sprinkles.
- Easter: Pastel M&Ms and white chocolate.
- Halloween: Orange and black sprinkles with dark chocolate.
Gift Giving & Packaging
Christmas Crack makes a wonderful homemade gift! Here's how I package it:
- Holiday cookie tins lined with wax paper.
- Clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon.
- Wide-mouth mason jars with pretty labels.
- Cookie boxes with other holiday treats like my Christmas Fudge or Peanut Brittle.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Graham crackers, Ritz crackers, or even pretzels work great.
It should be thick and bubbly after exactly 3 minutes. Don't rely on color or temperature.
Absolutely! Try sprinkles, crushed candy, toffee bits, or leave plain.
Yes! Use an 8x8 pan and halve all ingredients. Keep cooking times the same.
More Holiday Candy Recipes
If you love this Christmas Crack, try these other festive treats:
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Recipe
Easy Saltine Cracker Toffee
Equipment
- 10 x 15-inch rimmed baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 sleeve saltine crackers with salt (about 38 crackers)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup toasted pecans chopped (see note for toasting instructions)
Instructions
- PREP: Preheat the oven to 350°F and position the rack in the middle. Line a 10x15-inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. If toasting pecans, spread on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until fragrant, then set aside to cool.
- ARRANGE: Place saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared pan, salt side up, making sure they touch but do not overlap.
- BOIL: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter. Add 1 cup packed brown sugar and stir until combined. Bring mixture to a boil and cook for exactly 3 minutes, stirring constantly. The mixture should become thick and bubbly.
- SPREAD: Immediately pour the hot toffee mixture over the saltines, working quickly to spread it evenly and cover all crackers completely. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure even coverage.
- BAKE: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes or until the toffee is bubbling all over. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle 2 cups of chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee layer.
- MELT: Let stand for 3-5 minutes until the chocolate chips become glossy and soft. Using a spatula, spread the melted chocolate into a smooth, even layer. If needed, return it to the warm oven for 1 minute to help the chocolate melt completely.
- FINISH: Sprinkle ¼ cup chopped toasted pecans evenly over the melted chocolate. Refrigerate for 2 hours or freeze until completely set. Break into pieces and enjoy!
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Recipe Notes:
- Watch the butter-sugar mixture carefully and boil it for exactly 3 minutes.
- Line the pan with parchment paper, not foil, for easy removal.
- Work quickly when spreading toffee - it hardens fast.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- To toast pecans: Spread on a baking sheet, toast in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or in a dry skillet over medium heat on the stove for 3-4 minutes, stirring often.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months between layers of wax paper.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
About Jeri Walker
Jeri Walker is the founder and CEO of Winding Creek Ranch. She is a self-taught home cook who specializes in easy family-friendly recipes. Jeri is also a food writer who regularly writes articles for MSN. Read about Jeri's journey and connect with her on your favorite social media channels!
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