There’s something incredibly nostalgic and comforting about the Christmas Cornflake Crackles Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of crunchy cornflakes wrapped in sticky, buttery caramel and finally dipped in rich, melty chocolate — a treat that feels like holiday magic in every bite.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made countless holiday treats, but hands down, this Christmas Cornflake Crackles Recipe has a special spot on my list. It’s ridiculously easy, delivers that perfect chewy crunch, and honestly, it brings back so many warm memories of baking with family.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything in your kitchen already, making it a breeze to whip up.
- Quick to Make: From start to finish, this recipe barely takes 30 minutes — keeping your holiday prep stress-free.
- Kid-Friendly: The whole family will love getting involved, especially when dipping those crackles in chocolate.
- Perfect Holiday Gift: Packaged in little jars or festive boxes, these crackles make delightful homemade gifts.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Christmas Cornflake Crackles Recipe plays a crucial part to achieve that perfect balance — crunchy, buttery, sweet, and chocolatey. When shopping, look for quality chocolate and fresh cornflakes for the best results.
- Cornflake Cereal: The crunchy base that holds everything together; choose regular, not sugar-coated varieties for best caramel adhesion.
- Unsalted Butter: Gives richness and helps melt the sugar into a smooth caramel; unsalted lets you control the saltiness better.
- Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a subtle molasses flavor, making the caramel more complex than plain white sugar.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash brightens the caramel and balances out the sweetness.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness from feeling one-dimensional.
- Semisweet Chocolate: Melts over the crackles to add a luscious finish — I prefer chopped blocks for easier melting over chips.
Make It Your Way
I like to experiment with this Christmas Cornflake Crackles Recipe by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or swapping out semisweet chocolate for dark chocolate for a richer flavor. Feel free to get creative — it's a flexible, forgiving recipe.
- Variation: One year, I tossed in some chopped nuts with the cornflakes before baking for an extra crunch. It was a hit at the office party.
- Gluten-Free Option: Make sure your cornflakes are labeled gluten-free for sensitive guests — the rest of the recipe naturally fits.
- Seasonal Twists: Add peppermint extract with the vanilla for a festive flavor twist that’s perfect for Christmas.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Cornflake Crackles Recipe
Step 1: Prep & Toast the Cornflakes
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the cornflakes evenly across the sheet so they toast just a little bit. This extra step adds a subtle nuttiness that makes the final crackles extra tasty.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Mixture
While the cornflakes toast, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat in a saucepan. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture bubbles for 1-2 minutes. Don’t walk away here — stirring helps prevent burning and ensures a smooth caramel.
Step 3: Combine & Bake
Remove the caramel from heat and stir in vanilla and salt. Pour it over the cornflakes and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Press the mixture firmly into a rectangle on the parchment — this helps the crackles stick together when baked. Bake for 5 minutes, then press down again and bake for another 5 minutes. This gives it a perfect chewy crunch.
Step 4: Cool & Dip in Chocolate
Once cooled, break the crackles into chunks. Melt the chocolate in 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring after each. Dip each chunk fully in chocolate, shake off the excess, and place on parchment paper to set. I love sprinkling a tiny pinch of sea salt on top before the chocolate firms for an irresistible salty-sweet finish.
Top Tip
From my many attempts, a few tricks really boosted the success of this Christmas Cornflake Crackles Recipe, especially if it’s your first time making caramel treats.
- Don’t Skip Stirring the Caramel: Constant stirring prevents burning and gives that luscious smooth caramel texture.
- Press Twice in Oven: After the first baking, press the mixture again to compact the crackles before the second round — it makes a huge difference in how well they hold together.
- Use Parchment Paper: It saves you from sticky disasters and makes cleanup super easy.
- Chocolate Dipping Technique: Use a fork or tongs to dip and tap off excess chocolate to avoid puddles on your tray.
How to Serve Christmas Cornflake Crackles Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle just a touch of flaky sea salt or even some crushed candy canes on the chocolate before it sets. It not only looks festive but adds a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
This treat pairs beautifully with a warm cup of peppermint tea or hot cocoa. For holiday parties, I serve it alongside gingerbread cookies or spiced nuts to keep the festive flavors flowing.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or parties, I like to stack the crackles in pretty jars layered with wax paper or arrange them on decorative platters with sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly for that Christmas vibe. Add a ribbon, and you’ve got an instant conversation starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftover crackles in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay crunchy and delicious for up to a week, making them perfect for nibbling over several days.
Freezing
Freezing works like a charm if you want to make these ahead for the holidays. Just layer the crackles between sheets of parchment inside a freezer-safe container. When ready, thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving.
Reheating
To refresh crispy crackles after a few days, just warm them briefly in a low oven (about 250°F) for 5-7 minutes. It brings back that freshly baked crunchy-goodness without melting the chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You can experiment with cereals like Rice Krispies or bran flakes, but keep in mind that cornflakes provide a unique crunch and texture that pairs best with the caramel coating in this recipe.
Make sure to stir continuously over medium heat and don’t let it boil too vigorously. Removing from heat as soon as the sugar dissolves and bubbles for a couple of minutes helps avoid burning while achieving the perfect consistency.
Yes! Substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. The texture might vary slightly, but it will still taste delicious.
Melting chocolate in short bursts of 30 seconds in the microwave, stirring between each, prevents overheating and keeps the chocolate smooth and glossy. Alternatively, use a double boiler on the stovetop for more control.
Final Thoughts
To me, this Christmas Cornflake Crackles Recipe is pure holiday joy wrapped in a crunchy, chocolatey hug. It’s the kind of treat that brings people together, whether you’re baking with family or sharing at a festive party. I hope you’ll give it a try — once you do, I bet it’ll become a holiday tradition for you too.
Print
Christmas Cornflake Crackles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Christmas Cornflake Crackle is a delightful holiday treat featuring crunchy cornflakes coated in a buttery brown sugar mixture, baked to perfection, and finished with a rich semisweet chocolate dip. Perfect for festive gatherings or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Base
- 3 level cups cornflake cereal
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Chocolate Coating
- 12 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Cornflakes: Spread out the 3 cups of cornflake cereal evenly on the prepared baking sheet to form a single layer.
- Make the Sugar Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup unsalted butter and ½ cup packed brown sugar, stirring continuously. Once melted, keep stirring for 1 to 2 minutes until well combined and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Coat Cornflakes: Pour the melted butter and sugar mixture over the cornflakes. Gently stir to coat all the flakes evenly. Using a spoon or rubber spatula, spread the mixture and cornflakes into a rectangle shape on the baking sheet, pressing the cereal together to help it bind.
- First Bake: Bake the coated cornflakes in the oven for 5 minutes to help set the mixture.
- Press and Second Bake: Remove from oven and gently press the cornflakes together around the edges and center using a spoon or spatula to compact the mixture. Return to the oven and bake an additional 5 minutes.
- Cool and Break: Allow the cornflake mixture to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break into chunks of your preferred size.
- Melt Chocolate: Place 12 ounces of chopped semisweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until smooth and completely melted.
- Dip and Set: Dip each cornflake chunk into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess chocolate and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of salt on top while the chocolate is still wet. Let the chocolate set completely before serving. Enjoy your festive crackle!
Notes
- For an extra festive touch, sprinkle colored sugar or holiday-themed sprinkles over the chocolate before it sets.
- Use gluten-free cornflakes if you need this treat to be gluten free.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- If you prefer, substitute semisweet chocolate with milk or dark chocolate based on your taste preference.
- Be careful not to overbake the cornflakes to avoid burning the sugar coating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
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