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Classic Christmas Toffee

Classic Christmas Toffee

Classic Christmas Toffee is a rich and buttery holiday treat with a perfect crunchy texture and a delightful balance of caramel and toasted nuts. This easy-to-make recipe uses simple pantry ingredients to create a festive candy that’s perfect for gifting or enjoying during the holidays. Customizable with optional chocolate or nuts, it’s a timeless sweet that brings warmth and joy to any Christmas celebration.

Ingredients

Scale

Basic Toffee Ingredients

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

Toppings & Optional Ingredients

  • 1 cup sliced almonds or walnuts, toasted
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (milk or dark, optional)
  • Sprinkle of flaky sea salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Pan: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a heavy-duty baking pan to prevent sticking. Spread the toasted nuts evenly across the surface if using.
  2. Melt Butter and Mix Sugar: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until the butter is completely melted and the sugar dissolves.
  3. Cook to Hard Crack Stage: Attach a candy thermometer to the pan’s side. Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring and continue cooking until the temperature reaches 300°F (149°C), known as the hard crack stage, ensuring a perfect crunchy texture.
  4. Add Vanilla and Pour: Remove the pan from heat immediately. Stir in vanilla extract and salt. Pour the hot toffee evenly over the prepared nuts in the baking pan, spreading quickly before it hardens.
  5. Chocolate Topping (Optional): While the toffee is still warm, sprinkle chocolate chips over the top. Allow them to sit for a few minutes until melted, then spread the chocolate smoothly with a spatula. Optionally sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.
  6. Cool and Break: Let the toffee cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator until firm. Once set, break the toffee into bite-sized pieces using your hands or a knife.

Notes

  • Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control to reach the hard crack stage.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
  • Avoid stirring once the mixture begins boiling to prevent sugar crystallization.
  • Toast nuts and prepare chocolate beforehand as timing is crucial once the toffee reaches temperature.
  • Work quickly when pouring and spreading toffee as it hardens fast.

Nutrition

Keywords: toffee, classic toffee, Christmas candy, holiday treats, homemade candy, buttery toffee, nut toffee, chocolate toffee