Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds or pecans recommended)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare Your Equipment: Line a baking sheet or 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper or a silicone mat to ensure your toffee doesn’t stick and sets perfectly.
- Melt Butter and Sugar: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light corn syrup. Stir over medium heat until the ingredients melt and combine smoothly.
- Boil to Soft Crack Stage: Using a candy thermometer, bring the mixture to 285°F (140°C), known as the soft crack stage, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Remove the saucepan from heat, then carefully stir in the vanilla extract, allowing the flavor to blend seamlessly into the hot toffee mixture.
- Pour and Spread: Immediately pour the hot toffee onto your prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly into a thin layer.
- Add Toppings: While the toffee is still hot, sprinkle chopped nuts evenly over the surface. Alternatively, sprinkle chocolate chips and allow them to melt before spreading evenly. Finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt flakes if desired.
- Cool and Break: Let the toffee cool and harden completely at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Once set, break it into bite-sized pieces and enjoy.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the perfect texture without guesswork.
- Stir constantly during cooking to prevent sugar from burning and toffee from becoming grainy.
- Cook over medium heat for even caramelization without scorching.
- Pour the mixture immediately after cooking to avoid premature hardening.
- Chill the toffee in the refrigerator to speed up setting and enhance crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 15g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Christmas toffee, holiday dessert, classic toffee, festive treats, homemade gifts, buttery toffee, caramel candy