Name: Saltine Toffee Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 40 saltine crackers; 1 cup butter; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Why You’ll Love Saltine Toffee Cookies Recipe

The contrast of salty crackers with sweet toffee and chocolate makes these cookies addictively good.

It’s a simple recipe with only a handful of ingredients that comes together quickly.

The texture — crunchy base, smooth chocolate, and nutty topping — offers a satisfying bite every time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 ounces saltine crackers
1 cup butter
1 cup dark brown sugar
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
¾ cup chopped pecans (or your preferred nuts)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Spread the saltine crackers in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
In a saucepan, combine the butter and brown sugar. Bring to a boil and let it boil for 3 minutes.
Immediately pour the hot toffee mixture over the crackers, spreading it to cover them completely.
Bake in the preheated oven for 5 to 6 minutes.
Remove from the oven, sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot toffee, and let them sit for about 5 minutes until they begin to melt. Then spread the melted chocolate evenly over the toffee.
Sprinkle the chopped pecans on top. Let the cookies cool completely (about 25 minutes).
Once cooled and set, break the toffee into pieces and enjoy.

Servings and timing

Makes about 35 servings.
Total time: approximately 55 minutes (10 min prep, 15 min cooking, plus cooling time).

Variations

Use different nuts — walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts instead of pecans.
For a nut-free version, skip the nuts and optionally sprinkle some flaky sea salt or mini candy pieces on top.
Try mixing milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips depending on your chocolate preference.
For an extra crunch, use a slightly sturdier cracker (if saltines are too delicate) — though the original saltines give the ideal sweet‑salty base.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover toffee pieces in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep well for several days. If the chocolate softens in warm weather, refrigerate briefly — they’ll remain crisp and delicious.

FAQs

How long does the toffee stay fresh?

Properly stored in an airtight container, the toffee will remain fresh for about a week. If it gets warm, you can refrigerate to keep the chocolate from softening.

Can I use a different cracker instead of saltines?

Yes — but make sure the cracker is light and fairly thin. Saltines are ideal for their crisp, salty bite; heavier or sweeter crackers may alter the texture or taste.

What if I don’t have pecans — will other nuts work?

Absolutely. Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts are all fine substitutes. For a nut‑free version, you can omit nuts altogether or sprinkle something else (like crushed candy canes or sea salt).

Do I have to use semisweet chocolate chips?

No, you can use milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference. Semisweet gives a nice balance to the sweetness of the toffee.

Can I double or halve the recipe easily?

Yes — you can scale the quantities. Just note that cooking time for the toffee layer may vary slightly if you use more or fewer crackers.

What kind of butter should I use — salted or unsalted?

You can use either. If using salted butter, the final result will be slightly saltier. If you prefer control over saltiness, unsalted butter is a safe choice.

Do I need to stir while boiling the sugar and butter mixture?

No — the recipe works best if you bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil without stirring for the full 3 minutes before pouring over the crackers.

Can I add extra toppings or flavors?

Yes — some people like to add a light sprinkling of sea salt, crushed candy canes, or even a drizzle of white chocolate on top for extra flavor and contrast.

What’s the best way to break the toffee so it forms nice pieces?

Let the toffee cool completely (about 25 minutes). Then, once it’s set, use your hands or a clean towel to break it into irregular pieces — that gives a rustic, homemade feel.

Is this recipe suitable for holiday gifting?

Definitely. The toffee stores and travels well, and its sweet‑salty flavor is universally loved. Packaged in a tin or cellophane bag, it makes a great homemade gift.

Conclusion

Saltine Toffee Cookies are a simple but magical treat — combining salty crackers, rich buttery toffee, melted chocolate, and crunchy nuts in one irresistible snack. Whether you bake them for yourself, your family, or to give as gifts, they’re sure to disappear fast. Try them today and enjoy the sweet‑salty crunch!