Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday treat: Christmas cracker candy! This festive delight is a sweet, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying indulgence that always brings a smile to my face during the holiday season. I remember the first time I made it for a Christmas party—it was such a hit that I ended up making three batches just to keep up with the demands! It’s such a unique treat, combining the classic flavors of chocolate and peppermint with the crunchy goodness of rice cereal. Not only is it super easy to whip up, but it also makes your kitchen smell like a holiday dream. Trust me, once you try this Christmas cracker candy, it’ll become a staple in your holiday celebrations too!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened and ready to melt
• 1 cup packed brown sugar, for that rich caramel flavor
• 1 cup granulated sugar, to add sweetness and crunch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, because every sweet treat needs a hint of warmth
• 4 cups rice cereal, the perfect base for crunchiness
• 1 cup mini marshmallows, adding that delightful chewy texture
• 1 cup chocolate chips, for a luscious, melty topping
• 1 cup crushed candy canes, to bring the festive peppermint crunch

How to Prepare Christmas Cracker Candy

Getting ready to make this Christmas cracker candy is as exciting as the finished treat itself! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be snacking on this festive delight in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your candy bakes perfectly.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the packed brown sugar and granulated sugar. Keep stirring until the mixture is bubbly and smooth, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This is where the magic begins; the aroma will fill your kitchen!
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice cereal and mini marshmallows. Pour the melted butter and sugar mixture over this crunchy goodness.
5. Mix everything together until the cereal and marshmallows are well coated. You want every bite to be sweet and delicious!
6. Spread the mixture evenly onto a lined baking sheet, pressing it down gently to form an even layer.
7. Bake in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it—just enough time to get everything toasty.
8. Once it’s out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot mixture. Let them sit for a minute to melt, then spread the melted chocolate evenly across the top.
9. Finally, sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the melted chocolate for that festive flair. Allow the whole thing to cool completely before breaking it into pieces.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s incredibly easy to make—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
• The blend of chocolate, marshmallows, and crushed candy canes creates a festive explosion of flavors.
• It’s a crowd-pleaser that disappears quickly at parties and gatherings.
• With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a delightful treat in about 25 minutes.
• It makes a wonderful homemade gift—just package it up in a cute box or jar!

Tips for Success

To make sure your Christmas cracker candy turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips! First, when melting the butter and sugars, keep the heat at medium and stir constantly to prevent burning—nobody wants a bitter taste! If you want an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of sea salt to the melted mixture. Once baked, let the candy cool completely before breaking it into pieces; this helps it set nicely. For storage, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain that delightful crunch. It should last about a week—if it lasts that long!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for each piece of Christmas cracker candy. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands or substitutions you might use:

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Sugar: 12g

With these sweet numbers, you can indulge a little during the holidays while keeping an eye on what you’re enjoying. Happy snacking!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making your Christmas cracker candy? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up:

How should I store my candy?
You’ll want to keep your Christmas cracker candy in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay fresh and crunchy for about a week—if it lasts that long!

Can I use different cereals?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the rice cereal for your favorite kind. Cornflakes or even Cheerios could work nicely too.

What if I don’t have mini marshmallows?
No worries! You can cut up regular marshmallows into smaller pieces as a substitute. Just make sure they’re evenly mixed in.

Can I add nuts to the mix?
Yes! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch and flavor. Just toss them in when you mix the cereal and marshmallows.

How can I make this treat more festive?
Get creative! You can drizzle white chocolate on top or add sprinkles for a pop of color. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying your Christmas cracker candy, the options are as festive as the treat itself! Pair it with a warm cup of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream for a cozy holiday vibe. If you’re feeling a bit cheeky, serve it alongside a glass of spiced eggnog—talk about a flavor explosion! For a fun twist, why not include it in a holiday dessert platter with cookies, peppermint bark, and some fresh fruit? Trust me, this candy will shine among the other treats and bring smiles all around!

For more festive recipes, check out Christmas Pretzel Treats and Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Christmas Cracker Candy: 5 Irresistible Festive Twists

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

A festive treat perfect for Christmas celebrations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups rice cereal
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup crushed candy canes

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and sugars over medium heat.
3. Stir in vanilla extract and mix well.
4. In a large bowl, combine rice cereal and marshmallows.
5. Pour the melted mixture over the cereal and marshmallows.
6. Mix until well coated.
7. Spread the mixture onto a lined baking sheet.
8. Bake for 10 minutes.
9. Remove from the oven and sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
10. Allow the chocolate to melt, then spread evenly.
11. Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the chocolate.
12. Let cool completely before breaking into pieces.

Notes

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can substitute different cereals if desired.
• Add nuts for extra crunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: christmas cracker candy, holiday treats, festive dessert