Christmas Crack with Pretzels

Name: Christmas Crack With Pretzels
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 104 snap pretzels (the square-shaped ones); ¾ cup unsalted butter; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 10- ounce package Ghirardelli melting wafers; 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional); 2 tablespoons of holiday sprinkles (optional)

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The holiday season is the perfect time to bring joy into your kitchen with sweet treats like Christmas Crack with Pretzels.

A piece of Christmas Crack with pretzels topped with dark chocolate and holiday sprinkles.

Although the traditional recipe uses saltine crackers, I love using crunchy pretzels as an alternative. When combined with chocolate, the sweet and salty combination is hard to resist!

If you're looking for more holiday treat recipes that are impressive and festive but don't require hours spent in the kitchen, try my Wreath Cookies, Old Fashioned Bourbon Balls, and my Christmas Chex Mix.

Whether you're looking for an easy treat to share at holiday parties or a last-minute gift idea for this time of year, this pretzel crack recipe will surely be a favorite!

Why You'll Love This Chocolate Toffee Pretzel Bark

Simple and Quick. Make this easy 5-ingredient recipe with just a few minutes of prep time, and you'll have a show-stopping snack or dessert ready to go. Additionally, making this toffee-like bark doesn't require a candy thermometer or watching the clock. Just bring the butter and sugar mixture to a rolling boil and pour it over the pretzels!
Perfect Combination. The salty pretzels, sweet caramel mixture, and rich chocolate layer create an addictive, sweet flavor profile.
Customizable. Add your favorite toppings, like chopped walnuts, mini M&Ms, or holiday sprinkles.
Crowd-Pleaser. Perfect for cookie trays, holiday gifts, or sharing during Christmas time.

Substitutions

Butter. Swap unsalted butter for vegan butter to make it dairy-free.
Brown Sugar. Replace granulated sugar with brown sugar for a more caramel flavor.
Chocolate Chips. Substitute Ghirardelli melting wafers with semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or even white chocolate chips. After the baking, sprinkle an 11-ounce package of chocolate chips over the top of the pretzels. Allow the chocolate to soften, and after a few minutes, spread the chocolate into a smooth layer with an offset spatula.
Additional toppings. Add crushed candy canes, sea salt, or even a drizzle of peanut butter for a unique twist.

Christmas pretzel toffee topped with dark chocolate and chopped walnuts, broken into pieces and laying on a cookie sheet.

Variations

Valentine's Day Treat - Use pink and red sprinkles for a festive twist on another holiday.
Nut-Free - Skip the chopped walnuts and opt for a topping of mini m&m candies or sea salt.
Gluten-Free - Use gluten-free pretzels
Dark Chocolate Lovers - Use dark chocolate melting wafers for a richer, more intense flavor.

Ingredients

*Please scroll down to the printable recipe card for specific ingredient amounts.

How To Make This Christmas Crack Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan. Preheat your oven to 350℉. Line a 15x10 rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Arrange the Pretzels. Lay the pretzels in a single layer on the prepared cookie sheet, covering the entire bottom of the pan. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Mixture. Melt butter and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture reaches a rolling boil.

Step 4: Pour Over Pretzels. Carefully pour the hot caramel mixture over the top of your pretzels, spreading it evenly to coat all pieces.

Step 5: Bake. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes.

A butter and sugar mixture being poured over a pan of pretzels.

A pan of pretzels, covered with butter and sugar and baked.

Step 6: Melt the Chocolate. While the pretzel toffee is baking, melt the Ghirardelli wafers according to the package instructions.

Step 7: Add the Chocolate Layer. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately pour the melted chocolate over the caramel-coated pretzels. Use an offset spatula to spread the chocolate evenly.

Melted chocolate being poured over a layer of pretzel toffee.

A pan of Christmas Crack topped with melted chocolate.

Step 8: Add Toppings. Sprinkle chopped walnuts or holiday sprinkles on top of the pretzels for extra crunch and festive flair.

Step 9: Let It Set. Allow the bark to cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Once hardened, break it into bite-sized pieces.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Store your pretzel Christmas crack in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

For longer storage, place the pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to three months. Let thaw at room temperature before serving.

Christmas Pretzel Toffee topped with white and dark chocolate and holiday sprinkles, and broken into pieces.

Natalie's Pro Tip

If you'd like to make this in a 9" x 13" pan, you'll need 70 pretzel snaps. All the other ingredients stay the same.

Sometimes, when I make this, I spread melted dark chocolate over half the pan and white chocolate over the other half. Then, I package this toffee bark up to give as a fun holiday treat, and it looks so festive.

Notes and FAQ

What if I don't have parchment paper?

Aluminum foil works as a great alternative. Just be sure to lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent it from sticking.

Can I use a different type of pretzels?

Because the snaps create an even layer of pretzels, I prefer them to pretzel sticks or twists.

Can I use a different kind of chocolate?

Sure! This chocolate pretzel toffee is delicious with milk, semi-sweet, dark, or white chocolate for the top layer.

How do I store Christmas Crack?

Store your pretzel Christmas crack in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
For longer storage, place the pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to three months. Let thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I make this recipe without nuts?

Yes. You can omit the nuts and replace them with crushed peppermint candies, mini M&M's, or a sprinkle of sea salt.