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Classic Christmas Toffee Recipe

Classic Christmas Toffee Recipe

5.2 from 10 reviews

This Classic Christmas Toffee recipe features a rich, buttery caramel base layered with chopped pecans, topped with melted chocolate and optional sea salt for a perfect balance of sweet and salty. It’s a festive treat ideal for holiday gatherings or gifting during the Christmas season.

Ingredients

Scale

Toffee Base

  • 1 cup chopped pecans or almonds
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
  • 1 cup butter (226 grams), cut into pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup water (60 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

  • Chocolate chips (enough to cover the toffee, about 1 cup)
  • Additional chopped pecans for garnish (about 1/4 cup)
  • Flaked sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Baking Dish and Pecans: Gather all ingredients. Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Spread 1 cup of chopped pecans evenly over the bottom of the baking dish to create a nutty base for the toffee.
  2. Make the Caramel Mixture: In a medium pot, combine the butter pieces, granulated sugar, water, and salt. Place over medium heat and stir frequently until the butter melts and mixture starts to bubble. Attach a candy thermometer to the pot, making sure it doesn’t touch the bottom, and heat until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
  3. Cook the Caramel: Continue to stir occasionally while monitoring the temperature. Once the caramel reaches 300°F, promptly remove the pot from heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract thoroughly to incorporate the flavor into the caramel.
  4. Assemble the Toffee: Pour the hot caramel evenly over the pecans in the baking dish, spreading it carefully with a spatula. Let the caramel cool for about 2 minutes, then sprinkle chocolate chips generously on top while the caramel is still warm. Cover the dish with foil or a baking sheet to trap heat and allow the chocolate to melt.
  5. Finish and Chill the Toffee: After approximately 4 minutes, remove the cover and gently swirl the melted chocolate with a knife or spatula to create a marbled effect. Sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top, and optionally add a pinch of flaked sea salt for enhanced flavor. Allow the toffee to cool completely at room temperature for about 4 hours or refrigerate to speed up the setting process.
  6. Cut and Serve the Toffee: Once fully set and firm, lift the parchment paper from the pan, and cut the toffee into bite-sized pieces with a sharp knife or break it apart by hand. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Christmas toffee treat!

Notes

  • Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature to achieve perfect hard crack texture.
  • To ensure even melting of chocolate, cover the toffee while chips melt.
  • Store leftover toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
  • For variety, try different nuts such as almonds or walnuts.
  • Adding sea salt enhances the toffee’s flavor by balancing sweetness with a salty kick.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas toffee, homemade toffee, holiday candy, caramel toffee, nutty toffee, chocolate toffee, festive treats