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Looking for a quick and easy holiday treat that’s perfect for last-minute parties or gift-giving? These Christmas Ritz cracker candies have become my go-to December recipe when I need something festive but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Between shopping, wrapping presents, and attending holiday events, who has time for complicated baking? That’s why I love that these sweet and salty treats come together in just minutes using simple pantry ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Suggestions for Ingredient Substitution
Ritz crackers can be replaced with graham crackers or gluten-free crackers for those with wheat sensitivities. Adjust the quantity to maintain a similar coverage area on the baking sheet. Butter can be substituted with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, using a 1:1 ratio. This swap will add a subtle coconut flavor to the candy. Milk chocolate chips can be replaced with dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor and potential health benefits. Use the same amount of dark chocolate as called for in the original recipe. For a nut-free version, replace pecans with toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, maintaining a similar crunchy texture. Adjust the quantity of seeds as needed to achieve the desired coverage and crunch.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 8-10 minutes |
| Total Time | 18-25 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 3500-3800
- Protein: 40-50 g
- Fat: 250-270 g
- Carbohydrates: 400-420 g
Ingredients
- 76 crackers, halved (equivalent to 2 sleeves of a ritz-style cracker)
- 3/4 cup butter
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup toasted pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup white chocolate, chopped
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Surface
Begin by lining a jellyroll pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Arrange the crackers in a single layer on the prepared pan, ensuring they are close together but not overlapping.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Mixture
In a saucepan, combine butter and brown sugar.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Once boiling, continue to cook for 3 minutes, stirring often to ensure it doesn’t burn or stick to the bottom of the pan.
Step 3: Pour and Bake
Carefully pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the crackers, ensuring each cracker is well-coated.
Place the jellyroll pan in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bake for 5 minutes, then turn off the oven but leave the pan inside.
Step 4: Melt and Spread the Chocolate
With the oven turned off, sprinkle chocolate morsels over the hot caramel-covered crackers.
Allow them to stand in the warm oven for about 3 minutes or until the chocolate morsels have melted.
Once melted, spread the chocolate evenly over the crackers using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Cool
Top the melted chocolate layer with pecans and white chocolate, pressing them in lightly if needed.
Let the entire confection cool completely to allow the caramel and chocolate to set.
Once cooled, break the candy into pieces of your desired size.
Step 6: Store Properly
Transfer the prepared candy pieces to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and crisp.
Enjoy this sweet treat as a snack or dessert!
