Description

Classic Christmas Toffee is a rich, buttery holiday treat featuring a crunchy caramelized sugar base topped with toasted nuts and smooth melted chocolate. Easy to prepare with pantry staples, this festive candy is perfect for gifting and enjoying throughout the season. Customizable with different nuts, chocolate varieties, and even a salty or spicy twist, it offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures for candy lovers of all levels.

Ingredients

Scale

Toffee Base

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

1 to 1 1/2 cups chopped nuts (almonds or pecans recommended)
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet, white, or dark chocolate)

Instructions

Prepare Your Equipment: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or a silicone mat, leaving extra hanging over the edges for easy removal later. Measure and prepare all ingredients beforehand as the process requires quick timing.
Melt Butter and Sugar: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a rolling boil.
Cook to the Perfect Temperature: Using a candy thermometer, continue cooking the mixture until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) to ensure a firm, crunchy toffee.
Add Vanilla and Pour: Remove the saucepan from heat immediately upon reaching 300°F. Quickly stir in the vanilla extract, then pour the hot toffee evenly into the prepared pan. Spread with a heatproof spatula.
Top with Nuts and Chocolate: While still hot, sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly over the toffee. Let them sit for a couple of minutes, then spread melted chocolate chips on top using an offset spatula to create a smooth chocolate layer.
Chill Until Set: Refrigerate the pan for at least two hours or until the toffee is firm. Lift the set toffee out with the parchment paper and break into bite-sized shards for serving.

Notes

Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control to ensure perfect crunch.
Stir constantly during cooking to prevent burning or uneven heating.
Work quickly when adding nuts and chocolate as the toffee sets fast.
Line pans with parchment or silicone mats to easily remove toffee without sticking.
Store finished toffee in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to maintain crunchiness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 piece (approximate)
Calories: 150
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 60mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Christmas toffee, holiday candy, homemade toffee, easy toffee recipe, gluten free candy, buttery toffee, nut toffee, chocolate toffee