Why Make This Recipe
Classic Christmas Toffee is a delightful treat that brings joy to the holiday season. Its rich buttery flavor and crunchy texture make it a favorite among many. Making this toffee not only fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas but also creates a perfect homemade gift for friends and family. Plus, it’s quite simple to prepare!
How to Make Classic Christmas Toffee
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans)
Directions:
- In a heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in granulated sugar, brown sugar, and water. Mix well until combined.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Continue to cook while stirring until the mixture reaches 285°F (soft crack stage) on a candy thermometer. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in vanilla extract and salt quickly.
- Pour the hot toffee mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread it out evenly.
- Immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the warm toffee. Let it sit for a minute, then spread the melted chocolate over the surface.
- Top with chopped nuts if desired. Allow the toffee to cool completely before breaking it into pieces.
How to Serve Classic Christmas Toffee
Classic Christmas Toffee can be served as a sweet snack or dessert. Arrange it on a festive plate or in a decorative tin for easy sharing. It pairs well with hot cocoa or coffee, making it a perfect addition to your holiday gatherings.
How to Store Classic Christmas Toffee
To keep your toffee fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last for about two weeks. If you want to keep it longer, place it in the refrigerator, where it can stay good for up to a month.
Tips to Make Classic Christmas Toffee
- Make sure to use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning.
- Stir constantly while cooking to ensure even heating.
- If you don’t have a candy thermometer, watch for the color change of the toffee and perform the cold water test to check for the soft crack stage.
Variation
You can customize your Classic Christmas Toffee by using different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate. Additionally, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique flavor twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe.
2. What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
You can use the cold water test. Drop a small amount of the mixture into cold water; if it forms a soft thread, it’s ready.
3. How can I make this toffee vegan?
You can substitute the butter with a vegan butter substitute and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
Classic Christmas Toffee
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful holiday treat featuring rich butter flavor and a crunchy texture, perfect for gifting.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans)
Instructions
- In a heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in granulated sugar, brown sugar, and water. Mix well until combined.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Continue to cook while stirring until the mixture reaches 285°F (soft crack stage) on a candy thermometer, about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- Pour the hot toffee mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips over the warm toffee and let sit for a minute, then spread the melted chocolate.
- Top with chopped nuts if desired and allow to cool completely before breaking into pieces.
Notes
Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning and stir constantly for even heating. Store in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Candy Making
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
