Crockpot Christmas Crack – The Sweet & Salty Holiday Snack Everyone Loves
Move over cookies — this Crockpot Christmas Crack is the ultimate holiday treat! Sweet, salty, crunchy, and chocolatey, it’s the no-bake Christmas snack that practically makes itself. All you need is a slow cooker, some pantry staples, and a little holiday flair.
One bite, and you’ll understand why it’s called Christmas Crack — it’s that addictive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Dump, stir, and set – the slow cooker does the hard work
- ✅ Sweet + salty balance – chocolate, pretzels, and peanuts
- ✅ Perfect for gifting – bag it up with ribbon for homemade presents
- ✅ Make ahead friendly – keeps well for up to 2 weeks
- ✅ Kid-approved – fun to make and even more fun to eat
Equipment Needed
- 6-quart slow cooker (best size for even heating)
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Parchment paper
- Large baking sheet or tray
- Mixing bowl (for toppings)
Ingredients (Serves 12–16)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 (14 oz) bag mini marshmallows
- ½ cup peanut butter (or almond/sunflower butter for nut-free)
- 6 cups crisp rice cereal (like Rice Krispies®)
- 3 cups pretzels, broken into pieces
- 1 cup salted peanuts or mixed nuts (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp sea salt (plus extra for topping)
Optional Festive Add-Ins:
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
- ½ cup red & green M&Ms or holiday sprinkles
- White chocolate drizzle
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1–1.5 hours (hands-off)
Chill Time: 1–2 hours
Total Time: ~3 hours
Yields: 12–16 servings
Step 1: Prep the Crockpot
Lightly coat the inside with non-stick spray or butter.
Step 2: Melt the Base
Add butter, marshmallows, and peanut butter to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 1–1.5 hours, stirring every 20 minutes until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Stir in the Crunch
Fold in cereal, pretzels, nuts, vanilla, and sea salt until evenly coated.
Step 4: Add Holiday Flair
Stir in candy canes or M&Ms (off the heat so colors don’t melt).
Step 5: Spread & Chill
Pour onto a parchment-lined tray. Press down lightly, sprinkle with extra candy cane or sea salt, and refrigerate 1–2 hours until firm.
Step 6: Break & Serve
Break into chunks and enjoy! Store in an airtight container.
Pro Tips for Perfect Christmas Crack
- Stir gently – keeps pretzels and cereal crunchy.
- Don’t overheat – prevents grainy marshmallow mixture.
- Cool completely before breaking into pieces.
- Gift-ready – package in clear bags or cookie tins.
Variations
- Peppermint Bliss – candy canes + white chocolate drizzle
- Nut-Free – swap nuts for extra pretzels or seeds
- Triple Chocolate – drizzle with dark, milk, and white chocolate
- Gluten-Free – use GF pretzels and cereal
- S’mores Style – add graham crackers + chocolate chips
FAQ
Q: Can I make it without a slow cooker?
Yes! Melt butter, marshmallows, and peanut butter in a large pot over low heat. Stir in dry ingredients and follow the same method.
Q: How long does it last?
Up to 2 weeks in an airtight container, or freeze for 3 months.
Q: Can kids help?
Absolutely! Kids love stirring in candy canes and sprinkles.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use an 8-quart crockpot or work in batches.
Crockpot Christmas Crack
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Grease crockpot with butter or nonstick spray.
- Add butter, marshmallows, and peanut butter. Cook on LOW 1–1.5 hrs, stirring every 20 mins.
- Stir in cereal, pretzels, nuts, vanilla, and salt. Mix gently.
- Add candy canes/M&Ms (off heat).
- Spread onto parchment-lined tray, press lightly, and chill 1–2 hrs.
- Break into pieces and serve.
Notes