Rich, buttery Christmas Toffee made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, chocolate, and pecans. A holiday classic you’ll love!
Isn’t it funny how certain recipes just feel like a hug from the past? For me, Christmas Toffee is exactly that. It brings me right back to my childhood. Every December, my mom would set aside a day to make her signature toffee. She’d put on a worn-out holiday playlist—yes, the same one every year—and hum along while the butter and sugar bubbled away on the stove.
As kids, my siblings and I knew the drill: no touching the toffee until it set. Of course, we ignored that completely. We’d sneak into the kitchen, hoping to snag a warm, gooey piece before the chocolate fully hardened. Mom always caught us, but I’m convinced she didn’t really mind.
Now that I have my own family, making this toffee feels like keeping a little piece of her alive during the holidays. My kids hover just like I did, and honestly, I think that’s the magic of this recipe—it’s not just about the candy. It’s about the moments, the laughs, and the little traditions that make the season special.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Toffee Recipe?
- Quick and Easy: You don’t need to be a baking pro to nail this recipe.
- Perfect for Gifting: Pack it up in festive tins or bags, and you’ve got a thoughtful, homemade gift.
- Classic Flavor: The combination of buttery toffee, rich chocolate, and crunchy pecans is timeless.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping in advance—hello, stress-free holiday hosting!
- Nostalgic Vibes: It’s not just candy; it’s a slice of holiday magic.
Ingredient Notes:
Here’s what makes this recipe shine—and a few tips to help you along the way:
- Salted Butter: Adds richness and balances out the sweetness of the toffee. If you only have unsalted butter, just toss in an extra pinch of salt.
- Sugar: White granulated sugar is a must—it caramelizes beautifully for that perfect crunch.
- Vanilla Extract: A tiny splash goes a long way in adding warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Milk Chocolate Chips: These melt perfectly on top, creating a smooth, luscious layer. If you prefer dark chocolate, go for it—it’s just as delicious.
- Pecans: They add the perfect crunch and a touch of nuttiness. Swap them out for almonds or walnuts if that’s more your style.
How To Make Christmas Toffee?
Let’s break it down—this recipe is way easier than it sounds, and the results are incredible.
- Prep the Pan
Start by lining a 7×12-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when it’s time to break the toffee into pieces. - Cook the Toffee
Grab a medium saucepan and combine the butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat it over medium, stirring occasionally until everything melts into a smooth, golden mixture. Then, crank up the heat and let it boil. Stir constantly—you want it to hit 290°F (the hard crack stage). Don’t have a candy thermometer? Look for a rich amber color—it’s your visual cue that the toffee is ready. - Pour and Spread
Carefully pour the hot toffee into your prepared pan. Work quickly here—it sets fast! After a minute or two, sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top. As they melt, use a spatula to spread them into an even layer. - Top with Pecans
While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly across the top. Lightly press them into the chocolate so they stick. - Let It Set
Here’s the hardest part—waiting. Leave the toffee at room temperature for about two hours to harden. If you’re impatient (like me), pop it in the fridge to speed things up. - Break and Enjoy
Once the toffee is completely set, break it into pieces. You can aim for neat squares or go for rustic, uneven chunks—either way, it’ll taste amazing.
Storage Options:
Here’s how to keep your Christmas Toffee fresh and fabulous:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Just keep it away from heat and humidity.
- Refrigerate: Not necessary, but it can help keep the chocolate firm if your kitchen runs warm.
- Freeze: Yes, toffee freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll last up to three months.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to mix things up? Here are some fun ideas:
Want To Save This Recipe?
- Dark Chocolate Twist: Swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate if you prefer a richer flavor.
- Nut-Free Option: Skip the nuts altogether or replace them with crushed pretzels for a salty crunch.
- Festive Sprinkles: Add holiday-themed sprinkles on top for a festive look.
- Sea Salt Finish: A pinch of flaky sea salt on the chocolate layer takes this toffee to the next level.
- Different Nuts: Try almonds, hazelnuts, or even pistachios for a unique flavor twist.
What to Serve with Christmas Toffee?
This toffee is perfect on its own, but if you want to get fancy, here are some pairing ideas:
- Hot Beverages: Serve alongside coffee, hot chocolate, or even mulled wine.
- Cheese Board: Add a sweet element to your holiday charcuterie spread.
- Ice Cream: Crumble the toffee over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Holiday Cookies: Pair it with classic sugar cookies or gingerbread men for a festive treat platter.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use unsalted butter?
Absolutely! Just add an extra pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
Why did my toffee separate?
This usually happens if the butter and sugar didn’t combine properly. Keep stirring, and make sure the heat stays consistent.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! Toffee is perfect for prepping in advance—it actually tastes even better after a day or two.
So, what do you think? Ready to give this Christmas Toffee a try? It’s sweet, crunchy, and loaded with holiday cheer. Whether you’re gifting it, sharing it, or sneaking a few pieces for yourself, it’s bound to become a holiday tradition. Let me know how yours turns out—I’d love to hear all about your toffee adventures!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Christmas Toffee
Ingredients
- 2 c salted butter
- 2 c sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 c milk chocolate chips
- ½ c chopped pecans
Instructions
- Start, by lining a 7×12 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan mix together 2 cups of butter, 2 cups of sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture stirring occasionally until it melts and becomes smooth.
- Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil and continue stirring and cooking until it reaches a temperature of 290°F (hard crack stage). The mixture should develop an amber caramel color.
- Once it reaches the hard crack stage immediately pour the toffee into the pan.
- Wait for 1–2 minutes then evenly sprinkle 2 cups of milk chocolate chips, over the toffee. Afterward soon as they start melting spread them smoothly over the toffee. Finally sprinkle ½ cup of chopped pecans on top.
- Let the toffee sit at room temperature for 2 hours so that it can harden properly.
- Once hardened cut your toffee into pieces and serve them with delight!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
One Response
Ab absolutely love this recipe. Thank you so very much for sharing it with us. It turned out beautiful. I can’t wait to make it again next year and for special occasions thank you for sharing!