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Home » Latest Recipes » Christmas Reindeer Crack

Christmas Reindeer Crack

By Incredible Recipes | 14 Comments | Posted: 11/16/15 | Updated: 12/13/25

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 No Bake Christmas Reindeer Crack is one of those holiday treats that disappears almost as fast as you make it. Sweet, salty, crunchy, and ridiculously addictive, this festive no-bake dessert checks every single box — and it’s one of the easiest things you’ll make all season. Around here, this is the kind of recipe that gets made “just to test it”… and then suddenly half the pan is gone before it even cools. My husband James is always the first to break off a piece, Ariya loves helping add the toppings, and Cameron watches very closely while everyone else enjoys it. It’s simple, fun, and totally stress-free — which is exactly what holiday baking should be. Whether you’re making treats for a party, a cookie exchange, or just something festive to snack on while wrapping gifts, Christmas Reindeer Crack is always a hit.

Christmas Crack on a white table
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 What Is Christmas Reindeer Crack?

Christmas Reindeer Crack is a festive twist on classic Christmas crack (sometimes called saltine toffee). It starts with a crunchy base, layered with rich chocolate, and finished with colorful holiday toppings that give it that playful “reindeer” look.

It’s sweet and salty, crunchy and melty, and requires no baking skills at all. Once everything sets, it’s broken into rustic pieces — which is part of the charm. No perfect cuts, no decorating stress, just pure holiday fun.


When to Serve Christmas Reindeer Crack

This recipe is perfect for:

  • Christmas cookie trays
  • Holiday parties and potlucks
  • School events and classroom treats
  • Cookie exchanges
  • Gifting to friends, neighbors, and teachers
  • Late-night holiday snacking while wrapping gifts

Because it’s no-bake and sets quickly, it’s ideal for busy December schedules.

This has MANY names from White Trash (because its basically a bunch of stuff thrown all together with white chocolate)
Christmas Crack
Reindeer Crack
Sweet N’ Salty Munch

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No baking required
  • Sweet + salty flavor combo everyone loves
  • Customizable toppings
  • Perfect for gifting
  • Kid-friendly to assemble
  • Great make-ahead holiday treat

It’s one of those recipes that looks festive and impressive but is secretly incredibly easy.


Ingredient Breakdown (And Why Each One Matters)

  • Crunchy base – Provides structure and that irresistible snap
  • Chocolate – The rich, melty layer that ties everything together
  • Candy toppings – Add color, crunch, and festive flair
  • Pretzels or candy accents – Create the classic reindeer look and add salty contrast

Each ingredient plays a role in balancing sweetness, texture, and visual appeal.


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Variations & Substitutions

  • Use white chocolate or a mix of milk and white chocolate
  • Swap candy colors to match different holidays
  • Add crushed peppermint for a minty version
  • Use mini marshmallows for extra texture
  • Make it nut-free by skipping any nut toppings

This recipe is extremely flexible and easy to adapt.


Troubleshooting Tips

  • Chocolate too thick? Gently reheat in short bursts
  • Toppings not sticking? Add them while chocolate is still warm
  • Crack breaking unevenly? That’s normal — rustic pieces are the goal
  • Chocolate blooming? Let it cool slowly at room temperature before refrigerating

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Storage & Serving Tips

  • Store in an airtight container
  • Keep at room temperature for up to 5 days
  • Refrigerate for a firmer texture
  • Separate layers with parchment paper
  • Serve straight from the fridge or let sit briefly at room temp

Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips

  • Make up to 1 week ahead
  • Freeze fully set crack for up to 2 months
  • Thaw at room temperature before serving
  • Avoid stacking until fully set to prevent sticking

Perfect for early holiday prep.

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Budget Breakdown (Approximate)

  • Chocolate: $4.00
  • Base crackers/snacks: $2.50
  • Candy toppings: $3.50

Estimated total: ~$10 for a large festive batch


Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

Using low-quality chocolate (it matters here)

Overheating the chocolate

Waiting too long to add toppings

Storing before fully set

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How to Gift Christmas Reindeer Crack

Christmas Reindeer Crack is one of the best edible gifts you can give. Once fully set, break it into medium-sized pieces and package it in:

  • Holiday tins
  • Cellophane bags tied with ribbon
  • Bakery boxes lined with parchment paper

It travels well, doesn’t crumble easily, and looks incredibly festive. Include a small tag noting that it’s sweet and salty, and suggest storing it in a cool place. This is an especially great gift for teachers, neighbors, coworkers, and anyone who loves easy holiday treats.


Perfect for Christmas Cookie Trays

Every cookie tray needs variety — and this recipe adds something different. The crunchy texture and chocolatey sweetness balance softer cookies like sugar cookies, gingerbread, and shortbread. It also fills space beautifully on trays and adds visual interest with its colorful toppings.

If you’re building a tray to impress, this one earns its spot.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Reindeer Crack

Is Christmas Reindeer Crack the same as Christmas crack?
It’s a festive variation. The base concept is similar, but the toppings and presentation give it a holiday-specific twist.

Do I need to refrigerate it?
No, but refrigeration helps it set faster and keeps it firm.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — it’s perfect for making days in advance.

Can kids help make this?
Absolutely. Adding toppings is a great kid-friendly task.

Does it travel well?
Very well, especially once fully set.

Can I use different candies?
Yes — use what you like or what you already have.

Why is mine sticky?
Humidity can affect chocolate. Store in a cool, dry place.

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Personal Kitchen Notes

This is one of those recipes I come back to every single December because it’s reliable, fast, and always loved. I don’t need to plan it days ahead, and I don’t need to stress about perfection — it always turns out festive and delicious.

I especially love making this when time is tight but I still want something homemade. It’s the kind of treat that makes people smile immediately, and that’s exactly what holiday baking is about.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fun, festive, no-bake Christmas treat that’s guaranteed to disappear fast, Christmas Reindeer Crack is it. Easy to make, easy to customize, and perfect for sharing, this recipe earns its place in every holiday baking lineup.

Once you make it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a yearly tradition.

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Christmas Crack on a white table
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Christmas Reindeer Crack!

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Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups salted pretzels
  • 2 cups bugles
  • 2 cups fritos
  • 1 cup Chex mix
  • 1 cup roasted peanuts
  • 1 1/2 cups M&Ms
  • 1 pack of white chocolate bark or melting chocolate i used Ghirardelli melting chocolate

Instructions

  • In a Large bowl pour your Pretzels, Fritos, Bugles, Chex Mix, Peanuts & M&M’s..
  • Place the melting chocolate or bark in a bowl & microwave for 90 seconds. Stir and, if needed, heat an additional 15 seconds until it’s smooth and creamy. watch it closely, keep stopping to stir , it burns easily if you use this way! I recommend using a double boiler, easier and you always get perfect melted chocolate.
  • Drizzle melted chocolate over the mixture in the bowl and mix around to coat it all.
  • Once fully coated, take a large cookie sheet and pour coated mixture onto the sheet and spread it out and allow to cool completely.
  • Once cooled, break into pieces.
  • Store in an air tight container- does NOT need to be refrigerated.
  • ENJOY!

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posted in: Appetizers, Desserts, For the Kids

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    Comments & Reviews

  1. Jaimie says

    November 16, 2015

    Hi 🙂 could I use milk chocolate instead?? Me and the hubby don’t really like the taste of white chocolate lol

    Reply
    • Vicki Cates says

      December 19, 2017

      Why yes you can. You can use whatever flavors you would like. Butterscotch, peanut butter etc

      Reply
    • Dawn Nichols says

      December 27, 2017

      I’ve used milk and dark chocolate before with success. It’s a matter of your taste. This year I’m adding oreo cookies and Carmel M&MS as well as the regular M&MS. And I’ve drizzled white chocolate over the dark for a pretty effect. You can also add sprinkled or crushed peppermint over top too. I add it when I pour the mix onto the cookie sheet and wait for it to cool

      Reply
  2. Leslie says

    November 16, 2015

    Thanks for the great new recipe!

    Reply
  3. Ronni says

    November 16, 2015

    Thank you for sharing

    Reply
  4. Sheila Louise Chapman says

    November 16, 2015

    I have tried lots of the recipes that are posted on facebook and sometimes have used them in our Care Packages to our Troops.

    Reply
  5. Norma says

    November 20, 2015

    I have made this or a variation of it. Great snack that most enjoy.

    Reply
  6. Judi says

    December 19, 2017

    How much is 1 pack of white chocolate bark – how many ounces or the almond bark comes in “cubes” how much?

    Reply
  7. Llara says

    December 22, 2017

    AWESOME THANKS

    Reply
  8. Tina says

    December 31, 2017

    I couldn’t find the red package of chex mix, just the traditional one in the blue bag. Will that work?

    Reply
  9. Ann says

    January 13, 2018

    How big is the bag of white chocolate bark?
    It does not specify here.

    Reply
  10. Pizza neer me says

    January 16, 2018

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  11. dfw animal rescue says

    January 22, 2018

    Oh. My.I always thought you’d get sick if you eat dog or cat food.
    How did you guys feel after filming this article?Kudos for doing something that I probably won’t do.
    I’d rather eat Balut (Your next article.).
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  12. Lauren Monger says

    December 11, 2024

    5 stars
    We love this sweet and salty mixture! The kids enjoyed making it and adding Christmas sprinkles. It was a hit with the family and coworkers as well.

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Lisa!

Welcome to My Incredible Recipes!
I’m a wife, a mom to a beautiful little girl and a cookbook author. I’m here to bring you easy to follow, tried & true recipes that you will love! Come take a look around at all the deliciousness & let’s get cooking!

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