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This post is all about Christmas Cracker Toffee.
The Sweet-and-Spicy Treat That Tastes Like Christmas in Every Crunch
If Christmas had a scent, it would be this buttery brown sugar bubbling into golden caramel, cinnamon and ginger swirling in the air and a hint of nutmeg whispering “It’s the holidays!”
Meet your new favorite festive indulgence Gingerbread-Spice Toffee, also known as Gingerbread Christmas Cracker or Gingerbread Saltine Toffee.
It’s the same irresistible concept as classic Christmas Cracker (saltine crackers + caramelized brown sugar + melted chocolate) but with a cozy holiday twist.
Think buttery toffee infused with gingerbread spices, topped with silky chocolate, and sprinkled with crushed ginger snaps or mini gingerbread men for that extra crunch.
⭐ Why You’ll Love Gingerbread-Spice Toffee
- It tastes like a holiday candle — but edible. Spicy, warm, and sweet in every bite.
- Quick and easy. No candy thermometer, no stress, just pure Christmas magic.
- Perfect for gifting. Wrap in tins, jars, or clear bags for neighbors and teachers.
- Budget-friendly. Simple pantry ingredients = gourmet-level treat without the cost.
- Customizable. Add nuts, drizzle white chocolate, or go full gingerbread-cookie-topping mode.
🍪 Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saltine crackers | 1 sleeve (about 35 crackers) | Substitute graham crackers for extra spice |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (2 sticks / 225 g) | Salted works too, reduce added salt |
| Brown sugar | 1 cup (200 g) | Dark brown sugar for richer flavor |
| Ground ginger | 1 ½ teaspoons | Freshly ground gives more punch |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon | Essential for warmth |
| Ground nutmeg | ¼ teaspoon | Optional but cozy |
| Ground cloves | ⅛ teaspoon | A little goes a long way |
| Chocolate chips | 2 cups (340 g) | Semi-sweet, dark, or milk — your choice |
| Crushed gingersnap cookies | ½ cup | Or mini gingerbread men for topping |
| Sea salt flakes | Pinch | Optional, balances sweetness |
🎄 Equipment
- Rimmed baking sheet (10 × 15 inch)
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Medium saucepan
- Offset spatula
- Whisk or heatproof spoon
🎁 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Pan
Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C).
Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it.
Arrange saltine crackers edge-to-edge in a single layer — no gaps.
2. Make the Gingerbread Toffee Base
In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup butter and 1 cup brown sugar over medium heat.
Bring to a boil and stir occasionally until fully combined and slightly thickened (about 3–4 minutes).
Remove from heat and whisk in your gingerbread spice mix: ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.
Your kitchen will instantly smell like Christmas morning.
Pro tip: Taste a drop (carefully!) — you should get buttery sweetness with warming spice. That’s the holiday magic.
3. Pour and Bake
Pour the spiced toffee mixture evenly over your saltines.
Use a spatula to spread quickly so every cracker is coated.
Bake for 5 minutes, or until the mixture bubbles all over and looks slightly caramelized.
4. Add Chocolate
Remove the tray from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips evenly across the surface.
Let them sit for 2–3 minutes to melt, then spread with an offset spatula until smooth.
Optional swirl: Melt ¼ cup white chocolate and drizzle in zigzags, then use a toothpick to swirl for a festive pattern.
5. Sprinkle the Toppings
While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle crushed gingersnap cookies or mini gingerbread cookie pieces over the top.
Press gently so they stick to the chocolate. Add a light pinch of sea salt if desired.
6. Cool, Chill & Crack
Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 1 hour or freeze for 15 minutes until set.
Lift out of the pan using the foil and crack into rustic pieces.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 week, or in the fridge up to 2 weeks.
🍫 Flavor Variations & Add-Ons
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| White Chocolate Gingerbread Cracker | Use white chocolate chips for the topping and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. |
| Nutty Gingerbread Toffee | Add chopped pecans or walnuts over the chocolate layer. |
| Gingerbread Latte Cracker | Mix 1 tsp instant espresso into the toffee base for coffeehouse flavor. |
| Cranberry Gingerbread Cracker | Add dried cranberries for a sweet-tart twist. |
🎁 Holiday Gifting Ideas
This recipe looks as beautiful as it tastes — ideal for sharing!
- Mason jar gifts: Stack toffee pieces with parchment between layers. Tie with jute twine and a gingerbread cookie charm.
- Gift tins: Pair with hot cocoa mix or spiced nuts for a “Cozy Christmas Night” gift set.
- Treat bags: Perfect for bake sales or stocking stuffers. Add a printable “Homemade Gingerbread Crack” tag.
🧂 Tips for Success
✅ Use dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor (very “gingerbread-y”).
✅ Don’t overbake. The caramel layer should be bubbling, not dark brown.
✅ Cool completely before cracking. This ensures perfect snap and clean pieces.
✅ Line with foil or parchment. You’ll thank yourself later.
✅ Add toppings while chocolate is warm. That’s how they stick beautifully.
🍥 Recipe Card
Gingerbread-Spice Toffee (Christmas Cracker)
Yields 35–40 pieces | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 10 min | Chill: 1 hr
Ingredients:
- 1 sleeve saltine crackers
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 ½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp cloves
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- ½ cup crushed gingersnap cookies
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheet with foil and arrange saltines.
- Melt butter + sugar, boil 3–4 minutes. Stir in spices.
- Pour over crackers; bake 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Remove, add chocolate chips, spread once melted.
- Top with gingersnap crumbs + sea salt. Chill 1 hour, then crack apart.
🍫 Nutrition (Approx. per piece)
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Sugar | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 160 | 9 g | 19 g | 15 g | 1 g |
💬 FAQ
Q: Can I use graham crackers instead?
Yes! Graham crackers add even more gingerbread-like sweetness.
Q: Can I add molasses?
Yes — 1 teaspoon added to the toffee mixture enhances flavor depth.
Q: What’s the best chocolate for this recipe?
Dark or semi-sweet balances the spice perfectly.
Q: How long does it last?
About 2 weeks refrigerated in an airtight container.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
Definitely. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months — just thaw uncovered before serving.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Gingerbread-Spice Toffee is everything you love about the holidays; cozy, fragrant and impossible to stop eating. It’s like sipping a gingerbread latte by the fireplace in crunchy candy form.
It’s an easy recipe that delivers big flavor and even bigger smiles. Gift it, share it, or stash it.
Grab your butter, sugar, and spice and let your kitchen smell like Christmas joy.
