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Classic Christmas Toffee

Classic Christmas Toffee

Classic Christmas Toffee is a rich, buttery, and crunchy holiday treat made with simple pantry ingredients. Combining caramelized sugar, luscious chocolate, and toasted nuts, this festive candy is easy to prepare and perfect for gifting or enjoying as a cozy seasonal snack. With customizable options and a perfectly crisp texture, it captures the warmth and magic of the holidays in every bite.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: About 48 pieces 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

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

Toppings

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Sea salt flakes (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Pan: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. Lightly butter or spray the surface if desired for extra assurance.
  2. Melt Butter and Sugar: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in granulated sugar and light corn syrup, mixing continuously to combine evenly.
  3. Boil to the Soft Crack Stage: Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly. Insert a candy thermometer and continue cooking until the temperature reaches 285°F (soft crack stage) to achieve the perfect crispness.
  4. Add Vanilla Extract: Remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract. Immediately pour the toffee mixture onto the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.
  5. Add Chocolate and Nuts: Sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee surface. Let them sit for a minute until softened, then gently spread the melted chocolate evenly. Finally, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top while the chocolate is still warm. Optionally, add sea salt flakes for a sweet-and-salty contrast.
  6. Let Cool Completely: Allow the toffee to cool at room temperature until fully set and hardened, about 2-3 hours. Once cool, break into bite-sized pieces and enjoy or package as gifts.

Notes

  • Use a candy thermometer to ensure accurate temperature for perfect texture.
  • Stir constantly during boiling to prevent burning or crystallization of sugar.
  • Work quickly when adding chocolate and nuts to maintain a glossy finish and fresh crunch.
  • Use room temperature butter and vanilla for smooth blending and balanced flavor.
  • Spread toffee evenly on the pan for consistent thickness and easy breaking.
  • To make nut-free, substitute nuts with toasted coconut flakes or crushed pretzels.
  • Dark chocolate can be used instead of semi-sweet for a richer flavor.
  • Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a spiced holiday twist.
  • For a vegan version, replace butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container layered with parchment paper at room temperature for up to two weeks.
  • Freeze wrapped tightly for up to three months without loss of flavor or texture.
  • Avoid reheating directly; let toffee come to room temperature naturally if too hard.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 15g)
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 30mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Christmas toffee, holiday candy, homemade toffee, festive treat, caramel toffee, crunchy toffee, nut toffee, Christmas dessert