Classic Christmas Toffee Recipe

Introduction

Classic Christmas Toffee is a crunchy, buttery treat that captures the festive spirit perfectly. This easy-to-make recipe is ideal for gifting or enjoying while cozying up with a holiday movie. Get ready to delight your loved ones with this sweet and festive classic!

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped pecans (for the base)
• 1 cup butter (unsalted, such as Kerrygold)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon 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 across the bottom to form the base.
2. Step 2: In a pot, combine butter, granulated sugar, water, and salt. Heat over medium, stirring frequently until melted and bubbling. Attach a candy thermometer and cook until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
3. Step 3: Remove the pot from heat once 300°F is reached. Stir in vanilla extract thoroughly.
4. Step 4: Pour the hot caramel over the pecan base, spreading evenly. Let it cool for 2 minutes, then sprinkle chocolate chips over the warm caramel. Cover the dish to let the chocolate melt.
5. Step 5: After 4 minutes, uncover and gently swirl the melted chocolate to create a pattern. Sprinkle with additional chopped pecans and flaked sea salt if using. Cool completely for about 4 hours or refrigerate to speed up cooling.
6. Step 6: Once set, lift the toffee from the dish using the parchment paper. Cut into pieces with a sharp knife or break apart by hand. Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Substitute pecans or almonds with walnuts or hazelnuts for similar crunch and flavor.
• Use sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version; note this will slightly change the taste.
• Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, which adds a subtle coconut flavor.
• Swap granulated sugar with coconut or maple sugar for a less refined, caramel-flavored toffee; monitor cooking closely as color and timing may vary.

Storage

Store toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To refresh crispness, warm briefly in a low oven before serving. Refrigeration is not necessary but can be used to speed up setting time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different nuts in this recipe?

Yes, walnuts or hazelnuts work well as alternatives, maintaining crunch and flavor. For a nut-free version, sunflower or pumpkin seeds are good substitutes but they will alter the flavor slightly.

How do I know when the toffee is done cooking?

The key is to reach the hard crack stage, which is 300°F on a candy thermometer. This ensures the toffee will set properly and have the right crunch.

Classic Christmas Toffee Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 77 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 4-5 hours
• Yield: Approximately 64 small toffee pieces (assuming cutting into 8x8 pieces from 9x9 pan) 1x

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Description

Classic Christmas Toffee is a rich, buttery, and crunchy holiday treat that’s perfect for gifting or enjoying during festive gatherings. Made with a pecan base, caramelized butter and sugar mixture cooked to the hard crack stage, and topped with melted chocolate, chopped nuts, and a hint of sea salt, this toffee offers a delightful blend of sweet and nutty flavors. It’s a medium-difficulty recipe that takes some patience but guarantees a delicious reward for the holiday season.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base

• 1 cup chopped pecans

Toffee

• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter (Kerrygold recommended)
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt

Topping

• Additional chopped pecans
• Chocolate chips (quantity as needed to cover toffee)
• Flaked sea salt (optional, for garnish)

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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 dish to create the base layer.
2. Make the Caramel Mixture: In a medium pot, combine 1 cup of butter (cut into pieces), 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of water, and 1/2 tsp salt. Heat over medium, stirring frequently until the mixture melts and starts to bubble. Attach a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.
3. Cook the Caramel: Stir occasionally as the mixture heats. When it reaches the hard crack stage at 300°F (149°C), promptly remove from heat. Stir in 1 tsp of vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse flavor.
4. Assemble the Toffee: Pour the hot caramel evenly over the pecan base in the baking dish. Let it cool for about 2 minutes, then sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the warm caramel. 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, uncover and gently swirl the melted chocolate with a knife or spatula to create a marbled effect. Sprinkle finely chopped pecans on top, and optionally add flaked sea salt for a gourmet touch. 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 cool, remove the toffee by lifting the parchment from the pan. Cut into pieces with a sharp knife or break apart by hand. Serve and enjoy this festive homemade treat!

Notes

• For nut-free options, substitute pecans with sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
• Butter can be replaced with coconut oil for a dairy-free version, using equal amounts. This may add a subtle coconut flavor.
• Granulated sugar can be substituted with coconut sugar or maple sugar at a 1:1 ratio; watch the cooking time and color as these sugars may darken the toffee.
• Ensure the candy thermometer is properly attached to achieve the correct hard crack temperature of 300°F.
• Use caution when handling hot caramel to prevent burns.
• Flaked sea salt is optional but adds a sophisticated flavor contrast.

• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas toffee, holiday dessert, homemade toffee, buttery toffee, pecan toffee, caramel candy, festive treats