Classic Christmas Toffee Recipe

Introduction

Classic Christmas Toffee is a delightful holiday treat combining rich caramel, crunchy pecans, and melted chocolate. This homemade recipe is simple to follow and perfect for gifting or enjoying with family. Get ready for a deliciously sweet and buttery experience.

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped pecans (for the base)
• 1 cup butter (unsalted, Kerrygold recommended)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
• Additional chopped pecans (for topping)
• Chocolate chips
• Flaked sea salt (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Spread 1 cup of chopped pecans evenly on the bottom to form a base.
2. Step 2: In a medium pot, combine butter, sugar, water, and salt. Heat over medium, stirring frequently until melted and bubbling. Attach a candy thermometer.
3. Step 3: Continue cooking and stirring occasionally until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Pour the caramel over the pecan base and spread evenly. Let cool 2 minutes, then sprinkle chocolate chips over the top. Cover with foil or a baking sheet to melt the chocolate.
5. Step 5: After 4 minutes, uncover and swirl the melted chocolate with a knife or spatula. Sprinkle chopped pecans and optionally flaked sea salt over the chocolate. Let cool completely for about 4 hours or refrigerate to chill faster.
6. Step 6: Once set, lift the toffee out using the parchment paper. Cut into pieces with a sharp knife or break apart by hand, then serve.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut alternative, try almonds instead of pecans for a different texture and flavor.
• Use dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips depending on your preferred sweetness level.
• Adding a pinch of cinnamon to the caramel can give a warm holiday twist.
• To speed cooling, refrigerate the toffee but allow it to come to room temperature before cutting for cleaner pieces.

Storage

Store the toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Keep it away from heat and humidity to maintain crunch. If refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature before serving to soften the chocolate slightly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

It’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level precisely. Using salted butter may make the toffee too salty.

What is the hard crack stage and why is it important?

The hard crack stage at 300°F means the caramel will set hard and brittle when cooled, which is essential for that perfect toffee texture. Using a candy thermometer ensures accuracy.

Classic Christmas Toffee Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 71 reviews

Classic Christmas Toffee is a rich, buttery treat featuring a crunchy pecan base topped with golden caramel, melted chocolate, and more nuts for an irresistible holiday dessert. This old-fashioned recipe combines simple ingredients with precise candy-making techniques to create perfect hard crack toffee that’s both sweet and slightly salty, finished with a gourmet touch of flaked sea salt.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: About 36 small pieces 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the base:

• 1 cup chopped pecans

For the toffee:

• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter (such as Kerrygold), cut into pieces
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

For the topping:

• Additional chopped pecans
• Chocolate chips (amount as desired, about 1 cup recommended)
• Flaked sea salt (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Dish and Pecans: Gather all ingredients. Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Evenly spread 1 cup chopped pecans across the bottom to create the toffee base.
2. Make the Caramel Mixture: In a medium pot, combine the butter, granulated sugar, water, and salt. Heat over medium, stirring frequently until melted and bubbling. Attach a candy thermometer and continue cooking, stirring occasionally.
3. Cook the Caramel: Monitor the temperature until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage). Immediately remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
4. Assemble the Toffee: Pour the hot caramel evenly over the pecan base, spreading with a spatula. Let it cool for about 2 minutes, then sprinkle chocolate chips over the caramel. Cover to trap heat and allow chocolate to melt.
5. Finish and Chill the Toffee: After about 4 minutes, uncover and swirl the melted chocolate with a spatula or knife to create patterns. Sprinkle finely chopped pecans on top, and optionally add flaked sea salt. Let cool completely at room temperature for 4 hours or refrigerate to speed chilling.
6. Cut and Serve the Toffee: Lift the toffee out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into pieces with a sharp knife or break apart by hand. Serve and enjoy this festive homemade toffee!

Notes

• Using a candy thermometer is essential to reach the hard crack stage for perfect toffee texture.
• Line your baking dish with parchment paper to easily remove the toffee once set.
• You can substitute pecans with chopped almonds or walnuts if preferred.
• To speed up cooling, place the toffee in the refrigerator after the initial chocolate melting step.
• Store leftover toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
• Use high-quality chocolate chips and sea salt for the best flavor impact.

Keywords: Christmas toffee, holiday dessert, homemade toffee, pecan toffee, caramel candy, chocolate toffee