Christmas Crack Toffee Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving a treat that’s buttery, crunchy, and just downright addictive, you’re going to adore this Christmas Crack Toffee Cookies Recipe. I have to admit, when I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how perfectly the toffee and salty crackers balance the sweet, chocolaty goodness. It’s the kind of cookie that makes you want to bake batch after batch, especially during the holiday season. So pull on your apron—I’m here to walk you through every step to get these beauties just right!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here adds a special touch to the Christmas Crack Toffee Cookies Recipe, from the powdered milk that helps with texture to the pecans toasted just right on top. Shopping-wise, make sure your butter is unsalted and fresh—this really makes a difference when browning it.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy base for these cookies without weighing them down.
• Powdered milk: This little addition helps give a tender crumb and a subtle dairy richness.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for that perfect texture.
• Unsalted butter: Browned for toasty nuttiness—don’t rush this step!
• Granulated sugar: For sweetness and a bit of crispness.
• Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a mild molasses flavor.
• Light corn syrup: Keeps the cookie chewy and shiny.
• Vanilla extract: Because every cookie deserves a lovely vanilla aroma.
• Egg and egg yolk: Together they create richness and structure.
• Saltine crackers: Crushed to add an irresistible salty crunch that’s signature to this recipe.
• Bit-o-Brickle toffee bits: The star of the show—melts into pockets of buttery toffee goodness.
• Pecan pieces: Optional, but I love how lightly toasting them brings out their flavor.
• Chocolate chips: Melted on top for that luxurious finish.
• Holiday sprinkles: For a festive touch and extra crunch.

Variations

I’m all about making recipes your own, and this Christmas Crack Toffee Cookies Recipe is no exception. Sometimes I mix in a handful of shredded coconut for a little tropical surprise, or swap pecans for walnuts depending on what I have on hand.

• Coconut addition: I once added shredded coconut before baking, and it gave the cookies an unexpected but delightful chewiness.
• Nut swaps: Walnuts or almonds work great if pecans aren’t your thing or if you want to change up the texture.
• Chocolate variation: Feel free to try dark chocolate chips or a mix of white and semisweet for a colorful twist.
• Gluten-free substitution: I’ve tested with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and it turns out wonderfully with a slightly different chew.

How to Make Christmas Crack Toffee Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and prep your pans

Start by heating your oven to 375°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. I always use two baking sheets and swap their positions halfway through baking—that little trick helps cook the cookies evenly. Plus, dropping the second batch on an already hot sheet makes the texture just right.

Step 2: Brown the butter for magic

This is the step that truly transforms the cookies. Melt 10 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, stirring frequently. You’ll see foamy bubbles and delicious brown bits start to appear on the bottom—when you smell that nutty aroma, you know you’ve hit the sweet spot. Remove from heat, and stir in the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter until melted. This browned butter base is what gives these cookies their signature rich flavor.

Step 3: Mix the sugars, eggs, and vanilla

Stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla into the browned butter until well combined. Then add your egg and egg yolk and whisk. Here’s a trick I learned: let the batter rest for a few minutes, then whisk again a couple of times, alternating rest and whisking. This gives you a glossy, thick batter that’s almost like caramel sauce—this step really impacts texture.

Step 4: Combine dry and wet ingredients

Whisk together your flour, powdered milk, salt, and baking soda separately, then fold them gently into the wet ingredients. The dough will look pretty soft—that’s totally normal. Don’t worry about chilling; these cookies bake beautifully straight from the mixing bowl.

Step 5: Fold in the toffee and salted crackers

Here’s the fun part—gently fold in most of the crushed saltines and toffee bits. These bits are what give the Christmas Crack Toffee Cookies Recipe its addictive crunch and caramel flavor. Save a few to sprinkle on top after baking.

Step 6: Scoop and bake

Using a ¼-cup cookie scoop, drop your dough balls at least 3 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are just a hint of brown and the surface looks cracked. This ensures a chewy center with delightfully crispy edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 7: Toast pecans and melt chocolate

While the cookies cool, toss your pecans in a microwave-safe bowl and nuke them for about 1.5 minutes, stirring halfway through. This unlocks that amazing toasted flavor. Next, melt your chocolate chips in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until smooth and ready for spreading.

Step 8: Dress and finish your cookies

Spoon the melted chocolate over each cookie, spreading it to cover the top mostly. Then sprinkle with toasted pecans, extra toffee bits, and those festive holiday sprinkles. Let them set completely—this decoration step adds a pretty and tasty final touch that makes your cookies extra special.

How to Serve Christmas Crack Toffee Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick with the toasted pecans and a sprinkle of festive holiday sprinkles—they add color, a little crunch, and a fun holiday vibe. Sometimes I add flaky sea salt on top of the melted chocolate for an extra punch, which I absolutely adore.

Side Dishes

I’ve found these cookies pair wonderfully with hot cocoa or a rich eggnog for those cozy winter nights. They also make a killer companion to your morning coffee if you’re treating yourself during the holidays.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to stack these cookies in a pretty tin or arrange them on a festive platter lined with colorful parchment paper. Wrapping small stacks in cellophane with a bow also makes fantastic edible gifts! Once, I even used a clear jar layered with cookie crumbs and toffee bits as a gift—it was such a hit and looks adorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Christmas Crack Toffee Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. I keep mine layered between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. They stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, although, honestly, they rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

If you want to freeze them (say, to prep holiday treats in advance), freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. I’ve found they keep well for up to 3 months and thaw beautifully at room temperature—still just as delicious and fresh-tasting.

Reheating

To bring back a just-baked feel, pop the cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This softens the toffee and chocolate just enough without melting the toppings too much, ensuring that perfect chewiness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Crack Toffee Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my holiday baking lineup—it’s one of those recipes that instantly brings smiles and makes your kitchen smell amazing. Whether you’re gifting them, sharing at a party, or sneaking a batch for yourself, I promise you’ll be hooked. Take your time with that browned butter and those resting whisk steps; it’s worth it! I can’t wait to hear how these become your new holiday favorite.

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