Print

Classic Christmas Toffee

Classic Christmas Toffee

Classic Christmas Toffee is a rich, buttery holiday treat combining smooth caramel flavors with a satisfying crunch. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this festive dessert is perfect for gifting and sharing, offering a perfect balance of crisp texture and creamy richness. Customize with nuts, chocolate, and festive toppings to bring warmth and nostalgia to your Christmas celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

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

Optional Toppings

  • 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (milk, dark, or bittersweet)
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)
  • Optional add-ins: flaky sea salt, crushed peppermint candies, or pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Pan: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and lightly butter the surface to ensure easy removal of the toffee once set.
  2. Melt Butter and Mix Ingredients: In a heavy saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and salt until the mixture is combined and begins bubbling evenly.
  3. Cook Toffee Mixture: Using a candy thermometer, cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it reaches 300°F (the hard crack stage). This temperature is critical for achieving the perfect toffee texture.
  4. Pour and Spread: Quickly pour the hot toffee onto the prepared pan and spread it evenly using a spatula, working carefully to avoid burns.
  5. Add Chocolate and Nuts: Immediately sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee and let them melt. Once melted, spread the chocolate smoothly, then sprinkle with chopped nuts or your chosen toppings such as sea salt, peppermint, or spices.
  6. Cool and Break: Allow the toffee to cool completely at room temperature until it hardens. Once set, break it into bite-sized pieces to serve or package.

Notes

  • Use a candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches the exact 300°F hard crack stage.
  • Stir constantly during cooking to prevent burning and to help dissolve the sugar evenly.
  • Work quickly when pouring and adding toppings because the toffee sets fast.
  • Choose a heavy-bottomed saucepan for even heat distribution and to avoid scorching.
  • Allow the toffee to cool fully at room temperature for the best texture and clean breaks; do not refrigerate.
  • To make nut-free toffee, simply omit nuts or replace toppings with crushed candies.
  • Store leftover toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas toffee, holiday candy, festive treats, homemade toffee, easy christmas dessert, buttery toffee, holiday gifts