This Crockpot Christmas Crack is the ultimate holiday treat—rich, crunchy, sweet, and incredibly easy to make! Loaded with peanuts, chocolate, peanut butter chips, and white chocolate, this no-fuss candy comes together in the slow cooker, freeing up your oven for other holiday baking. Topped with festive sprinkles, it’s perfect for cookie plates, holiday parties, or gifting to friends and family. Once you make it, you’ll see why it’s called “Crockpot Christmas Crack”—it’s completely addictive!
Why You Will Love Crockpot Christmas Crack
This Crockpot Christmas Crack Recipe is a must-have during the holiday season because:
- Effortless: Minimal prep with the slow cooker doing all the work.
- Perfect for gifting: Great for cookie exchanges, party platters, or homemade gifts.
- Customizable: Swap out nuts or chocolate types to suit your tastes.
Ingredient Notes for Crockpot Christmas Crack
These simple ingredients combine to make a delicious, crunchy treat:
- Peanuts (2 pounds): Use one pound salted and one pound unsalted to balance the flavor.
- Peanut Butter Chips (20 oz): Adds a creamy, peanut buttery sweetness to the mix.
- White Melting Chips (20 oz): Use high-quality melting wafers (like Ghirardelli) or white almond bark for smooth results. Avoid low-quality chips as they may clump.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (12 oz): These provide a rich chocolate flavor that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Baking Bar (4 oz, optional): Melts smoother than chips and helps create a silkier consistency.
- Christmas Sprinkles: Adds a festive finishing touch—red, green, and white sprinkles make it perfect for the holidays.
Substitution Tip: If you prefer milk chocolate, you can swap semi-sweet chocolate chips, but the mix is already sweet from the peanut butter and white chocolate chips.
Kitchen Equipment Needed For Crockpot Christmas Crack
- Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
- Parchment or wax paper
- Spoon or small scoop for portioning
- Airtight container for storage
How to Make Crockpot Christmas Crack
1. Layer the Ingredients
- Place the peanuts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Layer the semi-sweet chocolate chips, chocolate baking bar (if using), peanut butter chips, and finally, the white melting chips on top.
2. Melt the Mixture
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 1 hour.
- After 1 hour, stir the mixture thoroughly. This helps the chocolate start to melt evenly.
- Continue cooking on LOW, stirring every 30 minutes, until all the chocolate and chips have melted together into a smooth mixture. This will take approximately 2 hours total.
3. Spoon onto Parchment Paper
- Once everything is melted and combined, turn off the slow cooker.
- Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop the mixture onto parchment or wax paper in tablespoon-sized portions (or larger if you like).
- Immediately sprinkle each piece with Christmas sprinkles before the chocolate begins to harden.
4. Let Cool and Set
- Allow the Christmas Crack to cool completely at room temperature until the chocolate has hardened. This usually takes about 1 hour. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the pieces in the refrigerator to speed up the process.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Once the candy is completely set, transfer to a serving tray or airtight container for storage.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve these bite-sized treats at room temperature on a festive platter or cookie tray.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: While freezing is not recommended (it may affect texture when thawed), you can eat them straight from the freezer for a chilly treat.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is easy to customize to suit your preferences:
- Nuts: Use almonds, cashews, or pecans in place of peanuts for a different flavor.
- Chocolate Options: Swap out semi-sweet chocolate for milk chocolate or dark chocolate if preferred.
- Festive Additions: Stir in crushed pretzels, mini marshmallows, or a handful of crushed candy canes for extra holiday flair.
- Toppings: Try topping with shredded coconut, crushed cookies, or a light sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet touch.
Helpful Notes
- Layering Tip: Always place the white melting chips on top because they melt the fastest. This gives the other chocolate time to melt evenly without burning.
- Stirring is Key: Stirring every 30 minutes ensures the chocolate melts evenly and doesn’t overcook.
- Portion Control: Use a cookie scoop for consistent candy sizes. This makes them look neat and ensures they set at the same time.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ree Drummond: Use high-quality chocolate and chips for the smoothest, most decadent results.
- Ina Garten: Always toast nuts lightly beforehand for extra depth of flavor.
- Martha Stewart: Sprinkle a small pinch of flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-and-salty contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use almond bark instead of white melting chips?
Yes! Chop the almond bark into small pieces and layer it towards the bottom of the slow cooker to help it melt evenly.
How do I prevent the chocolate from burning?
Always use the LOW setting on your slow cooker and stir every 30 minutes. Avoid using the HIGH setting, as chocolate can scorch easily.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to hold all the ingredients, and stir frequently to ensure even melting.
Can I use unsalted peanuts only?
Yes, but combining salted and unsalted peanuts adds a nice balance of sweet and salty flavors.
How do I make this less sweet?
Use dark chocolate or bittersweet chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet to tone down the sweetness.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Christmas Crack is a simple, no-fail holiday treat that’s perfect for any festive occasion. It’s crunchy, chocolatey, and incredibly addictive—one bite, and you’ll understand why it’s earned its name. Whether you’re making it for a party, a cookie exchange, or gifting to friends and neighbors, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. So grab your slow cooker, whip up a batch, and spread some holiday cheer!