Easy Cracker Toffee Cookie Recipe

Buttery Cracker Toffee Cookie Recipe: Sweet Joy in Every Bite

Sweet and salty cravings meet their match in this irresistible cracker toffee cookie recipe that delivers pure dessert magic.

Crisp crackers form the unexpected base of a decadent treat bursting with rich caramel flavor.

Butter melts into a golden layer, creating a crunchy foundation that’s both simple and sophisticated.

Chocolate drizzles across the surface, adding depth and indulgence to every single bite.

Sprinkled nuts provide a delightful textural contrast that elevates this dessert from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll fall in love with how effortlessly these cookies come together in just minutes.

One taste, and this recipe will become your new go-to dessert for any occasion.

Why Cracker Toffee Cookies Always Win

Why Cracker Toffee Cookies Always Win
  • Cracker Toffee Delight's Charm
  • Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe perfect for baking novices and seasoned pros alike, ensuring anyone can create a delectable treat without stress.
  • Saltine crackers magically become a gourmet dessert, proving that humble ingredients can turn into something spectacularly delicious with just a few techniques.
  • Endless topping possibilities allow personal creativity, from sprinkles to nuts, making each batch unique and tailored to individual taste preferences or special occasions.
  • Delivers maximum wow factor with minimal effort, becoming an instant hit at potlucks, family gatherings, or as a spontaneous sweet treat that everyone will adore.

What You’ll Need for Cracker Toffee Cookies

Base Ingredients:
  • Saltine Crackers: The crispy foundation that provides a salty base for the sweet toffee and chocolate.
  • Butter: Creates a rich, smooth caramel that binds the toffee together.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep sweetness and helps form the classic toffee texture.
Chocolate and Topping Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Chips: Melts into a smooth layer that adds rich chocolate flavor to the crackers.
  • Sprinkles: Provides a colorful and festive finishing touch to the toffee cookies.
Baking Essentials:
  • Parchment Paper, Silicone Mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy when working with sticky caramel.

How to Put Together Cracker Toffee Cookies

How to Put Together Cracker Toffee Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.

Arrange saltine crackers in a single layer, breaking them to cover the entire surface if needed.

Step 2: Create Caramel Base

Combine ingredients in a medium saucepan:
  • Butter
  • Brown sugar

Heat over medium heat, stirring gently as ingredients melt.

Allow mixture to boil without stirring for 2-3 minutes until it becomes glossy and slightly thickened.

Step 3: Coat Crackers

Pour hot caramel evenly over crackers, using a spatula to spread across the surface.

Don’t worry about perfect coverage.

Step 4: Bake Toffee

Place baking sheet in preheated oven at 300°F.

Bake for 5 minutes, watching caramel bubble and harden.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Layer

Remove from oven and immediately scatter chocolate chips over hot caramel.

Let chips sit for 2-3 minutes to melt naturally.

Spread into smooth layer using spatula.

If chips aren’t melting completely, return to oven for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Decorate Toffee

Sprinkle desired toppings over melted chocolate while still soft.

Consider using:
  • Colorful sprinkles
  • Chopped nuts
  • Sea salt

Step 7: Cool and Break

Allow toffee to cool completely at room temperature.

Once set, break into irregular pieces or neat squares as desired.

Pro Tip: Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Tips for Better Cracker Toffee Results

Tips for Better Cracker Toffee Results
  • Watch the caramel closely and stir gently to avoid scorching, as it can quickly turn from golden to burnt.
  • Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to evenly spread melted chocolate, creating a professional-looking finish.
  • Experiment with different toppings like crushed nuts, sea salt, or festive sprinkles to personalize your cracker toffee.
  • Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for faster setting, helping the chocolate and toffee harden more quickly.
  • Try using different crackers like graham crackers or saltine alternatives for unique flavor variations.

Storage Tips for Cracker Toffee Cookies

  • Store cracker toffee cookies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 7 days. Keep container sealed to prevent moisture absorption and maintain crisp texture.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2-3 months without losing quality. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
  • Keep in sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal crunchiness and flavor preservation.
  • Place in single layer inside airtight container with tight-fitting lid. Maintain consistent room temperature around 68-72°F to prevent chocolate melting or caramel softening.

Best Pairings for Cracker Toffee Cookies

  • Pair Decadent Dessert Wine: Select a sweet port or moscato to complement the rich, buttery toffee and chocolate layers. The wine's sugary notes will dance perfectly with the caramel's deep sweetness.
  • Brew Bold Espresso Companion: Serve a strong, dark espresso alongside the cracker toffee. The coffee's intense, bitter undertones will beautifully contrast the treat's sugary crunch, creating a sophisticated flavor balance.
  • Sprinkle Playful Garnish Pairings: Top the toffee with sea salt, chopped nuts, or crushed candy canes. These additional textures and flavors will elevate the dessert, adding unexpected depth and crunch to each bite.
  • Match Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of cold, smooth vanilla ice cream next to the warm toffee pieces. The cool, silky cream will melt against the crispy, caramelized crackers, creating a delightful temperature and texture contrast.
  • Gluten-Free Cracker Swap: Replace saltine crackers with gluten-free rice crackers or gluten-free graham crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Chocolate Option: Use dairy-free dark chocolate chips and substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter alternative for a plant-based treat.
  • Nut-Free Topping Variation: Skip traditional nuts and use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy alternative that's safe for nut-allergic individuals.
  • Low-Sugar Adaptation: Swap brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia blend and use sugar-free chocolate chips to create a diabetic-friendly dessert.

FAQs

  • Is saltine cracker the only option for this recipe?

You can substitute saltines with graham crackers, club crackers, or even plain water crackers. Each type will slightly change the texture and flavor of the final toffee.

  • How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

Watch the caramel closely and maintain medium heat. Stir gently at the beginning and avoid walking away during the cooking process. Use a candy thermometer if possible to monitor the temperature between 270-290°F.

  • What if my chocolate chips don't melt easily?

If the chocolate isn’t melting after spreading, return the baking sheet to the oven for 1-2 minutes at a low temperature. The residual heat will help the chocolate become smooth and spreadable.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cracker toffee and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Make sure it’s completely cooled and the chocolate has hardened before storing.

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Easy Cracker Toffee Cookie Recipe

Easy Cracker Toffee Cookie Recipe


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4.7 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Irresistible chocolate-drizzled cracker toffee cookies promise sweet indulgence with layers of buttery saltine crunch and rich chocolate magic. Crisp crackers meld with caramel and chocolate, creating a simple yet spectacular dessert sure to delight you.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 30 saltine crackers (gluten free)
  • 1 cup (2 sticks/227 grams) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (220 grams) light brown sugar (packed)

Chocolate and Topping:

  • 1 1/2 cups (255 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Decoration:

  • 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 300°F and prepare a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat. Arrange saltine crackers in a single layer, breaking them to cover the entire surface if needed.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Allow mixture to boil without stirring for 2-3 minutes, reaching a glossy, thickened consistency around 270-290°F.
  3. Carefully pour hot caramel over crackers, using a spatula to distribute evenly across the surface.
  4. Bake for 5 minutes, watching as toffee bubbles and hardens.
  5. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over hot caramel. Let chips sit for 2-3 minutes to melt naturally.
  6. Spread melted chocolate into a smooth layer. If chocolate doesn’t melt completely, return tray to oven for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  7. While chocolate remains soft, add desired toppings like sprinkles or nuts for extra texture and visual appeal.
  8. Allow toffee to cool completely at room temperature until fully set.
  9. Break cooled toffee into irregular pieces or precise squares, creating a delightful homemade treat ready to serve and enjoy.

Notes

  • Perfectly time the caramel to prevent burning by watching color and consistency closely, ensuring a rich golden-brown without bitter notes.
  • Use high-quality chocolate chips that melt smoothly, selecting dark, milk, or semi-sweet varieties to match your flavor preference.
  • Add unexpected toppings like crushed nuts, sea salt, or dried fruit to elevate the classic recipe and introduce complex flavor profiles.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 202
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 190mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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