Brittle Cookies
Crispy brittle cookies with salty-sweet flavor from saltine crackers, caramelized butter and brown sugar, topped with gooey chocolate chips—perfect for sharing and satisfying sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a cookie sheet with saltine crackers in a single layer.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to boil.
- Pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the saltine crackers on the cookie sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until bubbling and caramelized.
- Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot caramel layer.
- Let sit for a couple of minutes until chocolate chips soften, then spread evenly with a spatula.
- Allow to cool completely before breaking into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra crunch, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the caramel layer. If you don't have saltine crackers, try using graham crackers or even pretzel crisps for a sweet-salty twist. Make sure to keep an eye on the caramel while it bakes to prevent burning, as every oven may vary slightly in temperature.
Serving Suggestions
These brittle cookies are perfect for dessert tables or as a sweet snack alongside a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a great gift when packaged in a decorative tin. For a fun twist, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a delightful dessert reminiscent of an Easy 4 Step Dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover brittle cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the pieces in a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy them later, let them thaw at room temperature or reheat briefly in the microwave to soften the chocolate.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brittle Cookies contains roughly 1191 calories, with 20g protein, 126g carbohydrates, and 69g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (49% of the Daily Value), protein (39% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 793mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of crackers for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of crackers! While saltine crackers are traditional, graham crackers or even pretzel crisps can add unique flavors and textures. Just keep in mind that the sweetness of the topping might need to be adjusted based on the cracker type used.
How do I prevent the chocolate from burning?
To prevent the chocolate chips from burning, remove the cookie sheet from the oven promptly after baking and sprinkle the chocolate chips immediately on top of the hot caramel. The residual heat will soften the chips, allowing you to spread them easily without overheating.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare these brittle cookies in advance and store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about a week at room temperature, making them a great option for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).