Name: Classic Christmas Toffee
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488169H40M22S
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons water; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Classic Christmas Toffee is a simple, buttery treat made by baking a crunchy layer of toffee, then coating it with melted chocolate and a sprinkle of crushed nuts. It’s the perfect holiday gift or festive snack that’s rich, sweet, and incredibly addictive.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this toffee is both crunchy and melt-in-your-mouth smooth. The buttery base and rich chocolate coating make it an irresistible holiday treat, while the nuts add the perfect crunch. It’s incredibly easy to make and always a hit with friends and family.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts)

Directions

I start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a saucepan over medium heat, I melt the butter and stir in the granulated sugar, water, and salt. I bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly.
I let the mixture cook for about 10 minutes, keeping an eye on it until it reaches a deep golden brown color (it should be around 300°F/150°C on a candy thermometer).
Once the toffee reaches the right color, I remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Then, I immediately pour the toffee mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly.
I sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips over the warm toffee and let them sit for a minute or two until they melt. Then, I spread the melted chocolate evenly over the toffee with a spatula.
While the chocolate is still soft, I sprinkle the chopped nuts on top and gently press them into the chocolate.
I let the toffee cool at room temperature for about 1–2 hours until the chocolate is set and the toffee is firm. Once it’s cooled completely, I break it into pieces.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20-30 pieces of toffee, depending on how big you break the pieces. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and cook time is 10-15 minutes. Once the toffee cools, it’s ready in about 2 hours total.

Variations

I like to:

Use milk chocolate or white chocolate chips for a sweeter variation.
Add a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate for a sweet-and-salty flavor.
Experiment with different nuts—pecans, hazelnuts, or pistachios are great options for a change in texture.
Drizzle with caramel or add a sprinkle of holiday-themed sprinkles for extra festive flair.

Storage/reheating

I store the toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1–2 weeks. If I want to keep it for longer, I store it in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. I recommend enjoying it fresh, but it holds up well for snacking and gifting.

Classic Christmas Toffee

FAQs

Can I make this toffee without a candy thermometer?

Yes, if you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test the toffee by dropping a small spoonful into a glass of cold water. If it hardens immediately and cracks, it’s ready. If it’s too soft, cook it a little longer.

Can I make this toffee dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative. The chocolate can also be replaced with dairy-free chocolate chips.

Can I freeze the toffee?

Yes, I can freeze the toffee for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container before freezing. Let it come to room temperature before serving.

Can I add flavorings to the toffee?

Absolutely! I sometimes stir in a bit of almond extract, orange zest, or even a splash of espresso for a fun twist on the classic flavor.

Conclusion

Classic Christmas Toffee is a perfect holiday treat that’s sweet, crunchy, and oh-so-delicious. It’s simple to make and requires only a few ingredients, but the results are always impressive. Whether I’m sharing it as a gift, serving it at a holiday party, or enjoying it as a snack, this toffee never disappoints!