Classic Christmas Toffee Recipe
This Classic Christmas Toffee recipe delivers a rich and buttery caramel base topped with melted chocolate, crunchy pecans, and an optional sprinkle of sea salt. Perfect for holiday gifting or festive snacking, this homemade toffee combines the satisfying texture of crunchy nuts with smooth chocolate for a delightful seasonal treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes (including cooling time)
- Yield: Approximately 36 small pieces 1x
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: Stovetop Cooking, Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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 (about 1 cup)
- Additional chopped pecans for garnish (about 1/4 cup)
- Flaked sea salt (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish and Pecans: Gather all ingredients. Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper and spread 1 cup of chopped pecans evenly on the bottom to form the base.
- Make the Caramel Mixture: In a medium pot, combine butter, sugar, water, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until melted and bubbling. Attach a candy thermometer to monitor temperature.
- Cook the Caramel: Continue stirring occasionally. When the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), promptly remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Assemble the Toffee: Pour the hot caramel over the pecans in the baking dish, spreading evenly with a spatula. Let cool for 2 minutes. Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the warm caramel and cover to let the chocolate melt.
- Finish and Chill the Toffee: After 4 minutes, uncover and swirl melted chocolate with a knife or spatula for a decorative effect. Sprinkle with additional chopped pecans and optional flaked sea salt. Allow to cool completely for 4 hours or chill in the fridge to speed up setting.
- Cut and Serve the Toffee: Once set, lift toffee out using parchment paper. Cut into pieces with a sharp knife or break apart by hand. Serve and enjoy your homemade classic Christmas toffee!
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature to achieve the perfect hard crack stage.
- Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal of the toffee.
- Optionally substitute almonds if pecans are not preferred.
- Allow toffee to cool completely before cutting to prevent melting and ensure clean pieces.
- Store toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- Be cautious handling hot caramel to avoid burns.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (about 15 grams)
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: Christmas toffee, holiday candy, homemade toffee, pecan toffee, caramel candy, chocolate toffee
Find it online: https://dinewithlily.com/classic-christmas-toffee-recipe/
