Ritz Cracker Toffee Recipe (Two Easy Flavors)
A while back, I saw someone on Pinterest make Christmas crack using Ritz crackers instead of saltines. I had to try it. I’ve made the saltine version for years, but the idea of that buttery Ritz flavor with toffee and chocolate sounded too good to pass up.
I’m so glad I did. This Ritz cracker toffee recipe is every bit as easy but a little more melt-in-your-mouth and rich. Since I accommodate loved ones with allergies, I made two versions. The second one was inspired by the cranberry bark recipe I made a year or so ago. One is the classic chocolate toffee that everyone loves, and the other is a white chocolate version topped with cranberries and pistachios.
If you’re after a sweet and salty treat that takes just minutes to make and disappears fast, this is the one to keep handy.
What you’ll love about this recipe:
Ingredients for the Toffee Base
The base for both versions is the same and uses just a few pantry staples. I used an 18-by-13-inch pan. You can use an 11-by-17-inch pan, or a jelly roll 15-by-10-inch pan. Just make sure the pan has sides at least an inch high.
For the Toffee
- 1 box of Ritz crackers (about 35 or enough to cover a parchment-lined baking sheet)
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: a sprinkle of flaky salt (like fleur de sel) before adding chocolate
- Parchment paper for lining the pan
Milk Chocolate Flavor
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup finely chopped pecans
White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Flavor
- 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/3 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
- Optional: 2 tbsp crushed candy canes
If you’re ready to make your own Ritz cracker toffee rcipe at home, here is how simple it is.
How to Make Ritz Toffee
Step 1 – Prepare Your Pan
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the Ritz crackers in a single, even layer.
Step 2 – Make the Toffee
Melt the butter and light brown sugar together in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring often. Bring to a gentle boil and let bubble for about 3 minutes until thickened and glossy.
Step 3 – Pour and Bake
Carefully pour the hot toffee over the crackers, spreading evenly. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes, until the toffee is bubbling all over.
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes, until the toffee is bubbling all over.
Step 4 – Add the Chocolate
Remove from the oven and sprinkle your choice of chocolate chips over the hot toffee.
Let it sit for 1–2 minutes to soften, then spread it smooth.
Step 5 – Top and Chill
Add toppings while the chocolate is soft, then transfer to the fridge (or a cool spot) until firm. Break into pieces once set.
Step 6 – Classic Chocolate Version
- Add the chocolate. Sprinkle about one cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee.
- Melt and spread. Let sit 1–2 minutes, then spread smooth.
- Add toppings (optional). Sprinkle with a little flaky salt or finely chopped pecans.
- Chill and break apart. Chill until firm, then break into pieces.
Step 7 – White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Version
- Add the white chocolate. Sprinkle about one cup of white chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee.
- Melt and spread. Let them sit a minute until soft, then gently spread the melted white chocolate across the surface.
Tip: When you spread the white chocolate, the toffee layer underneath may show through slightly. You can leave it for a pretty marbled look, or add another ½ cup of chips for a thicker, opaque layer.
- Add the toppings. Sprinkle chopped dried cranberries and pistachios over the soft white chocolate.
- Chill and break apart. Refrigerate until firm, then break into pieces.
This version has a light, buttery flavor with the sweetness of white chocolate, the tart chew of cranberries, and a bit of crunch from the pistachios.
Variations and Baker’s Tip
Candy Cane White Chocolate Toffee – Swap the cranberries and pistachios for crushed candy canes or peppermint bits. The pink and red flecks look so festive.
Nut-Free Option – Skip the pistachios and add extra cranberries or sprinkles.
Dark Chocolate Cranberry Toffee – Use dark chocolate chips instead of white for a less sweet version.
Tip
Make Two Flavors in One Pan
If you want a bit of both versions without making two full batches, line one large rimmed baking sheet (about 11×17 inches) and arrange the crackers as usual. After pouring on the toffee and baking, use a butter knife or spatula to mark a line down the middle.
Add semi-sweet chocolate chips to one side and white chocolate chips to the other, then finish with their toppings. It’s a fun way to get variety for cookie trays or edible gifts in half the time.
Storage and Freezing Tips
Store the cooled toffee pieces in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Keep them in a cool, dry place for up to a week, or in the fridge for two to three weeks.
For longer storage, freeze the toffee between layers of parchment paper inside a freezer-safe container or bag. It keeps beautifully for up to three months.
When you’re ready to serve, take it out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about ten minutes. The texture stays crisp, and the chocolate will stay glossy instead of developing chocolate bloom (the white or grey shading on top).
This Christmas toffee recipe keeps very well for weeks, making it perfect for make-ahead gifts or Christmas dessert trays.
Wrapping It Up
This Ritz cracker toffee recipe has quickly become one of my favorite holiday treats. It’s so simple to make, but it feels special enough for gifting or setting out on a dessert tray.
Whether you make the classic chocolate version or the festive white chocolate with cranberries and pistachios, both look beautiful packaged up in a little tin or glass jar. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does.
If you’d like to save this recipe to make later, don’t forget to pin it to your Christmas recipe or holiday baking board. It’s one of those easy homemade candies you’ll want to come back to every year. It’s quick to make, pretty for gifting, and always a hit with family and friends.
Ritz Cracker Toffee (Recipe Two Easy Flavors)
Ingredients
Toffee Base
- 1 small box Ritz Crackers (35 crackers) enough to cover a parchment-lined baking sheet
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- pinch flaky salt (optional)
Classic Chocolate Version
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup finely chopped pecans (Optional)
White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Version
- 1 cup white chocolate chips add 1/2 cup more for full coverage if desired
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries chopped
- ⅓ cup shelled pistachios chopped
- 2 tbsp crushed candy canes (optional)
Instructions
- Line a rimmed baking sheet (10×15 or 11×17 inches) with parchment paper. Arrange Ritz crackers in a single even layer.
- Melt butter and brown sugar together in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring often. Bring to a gentle boil and let bubble for 3 minutes until thickened and glossy.
- Carefully pour the hot toffee over the crackers, spreading evenly. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes until the toffee is bubbling all over.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle your choice of chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Let sit 1–2 minutes to soften, then spread smooth.
- Add toppings while the chocolate is soft, then transfer to the fridge (or a cool spot) until firm. Break into pieces once set.
- Classic Chocolate Version
- Sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Let melt and spread smooth.
- Top with chopped pecans or flaky salt if desired.
- Chill until firm, then break into pieces.
- White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Version
- Sprinkle white chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Let soften, then spread evenly.
- Tip: The caramel may show through leave it for a marbled look or add another 1/2 cup of chips for a thicker layer.
- Top with chopped cranberries, pistachios, and candy cane bits if using.
- Chill until firm, then break into pieces.
Notes
For longer storage, freeze between layers of parchment for up to 3 months.
Other Easy Christmas Candy Recipes
If you love easy homemade Christmas candy, I have other easy recipes you should enjoy.
Christmas Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers
Here’s another quick and easy Christmas candy recipe made with graham crackers and melted chocolate. It’s not quite as rich and buttery as this Ritz cracker toffee, but it’s just as crunchy, sweet, and perfect for holiday snacking.
Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Pretzels for Christmas
These crunchy and salty peanut butter pretzels are an easy Christmas treat that kids especially love. A chewy peanut butter filling sandwiched between mini pretzels makes them fun to make and simple to serve on any holiday tray.