Classic Christmas Toffee
Classic Christmas Toffee is a rich, buttery, and crunchy festive treat bursting with toasted nuts and optional chocolate. Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, it offers a perfectly balanced sweet and nutty flavor that melts slowly in your mouth. Ideal for holiday gifting or sharing, this customizable and timeless dessert brings warmth and joy to any celebration.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 pieces 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop, Cooling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 cup Light Corn Syrup
- 2 tablespoons Water
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Toppings
- 1 cup Chopped Nuts (Almonds or Pecans), toasted
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips (Optional)
- Prepare Your Pan: Line a baking sheet or pan with parchment paper or a non-stick silicone mat to prevent sticking and ease removal once the toffee cools.
- Melt Butter and Sugar: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in granulated sugar, light corn syrup, salt, and water. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble.
- Cook to the Right Temperature: Without stirring further, cook the mixture using a candy thermometer until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), ensuring the perfect crunchy texture.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Quickly remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to infuse warm, comforting flavor.
- Pour and Sprinkle Nuts: Immediately pour the hot toffee onto the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula. While still warm, sprinkle the toasted nuts generously over the surface.
- Add Chocolate (If Desired): After letting the toffee set for a minute or two, sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Allow them to melt, then spread evenly with a spatula for a smooth chocolate layer.
- Cool and Break: Let the toffee cool completely at room temperature until hardened. Then carefully break into irregular pieces and store in an airtight container to keep fresh.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature and the ideal toffee crunch.
- Prepare all ingredients and tools beforehand as toffee cooking moves quickly.
- Stir gently during cooking to avoid sugar crystallization and poor texture.
- Use fresh butter and nuts for best flavor quality.
- When adding chocolate, spread it promptly to ensure a smooth finish before it sets.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (about 20g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Christmas toffee, holiday candy, buttery toffee, nutty toffee, festive dessert, homemade toffee, gift candy