Introduction

This Melt In Your Mouth Toffee recipe delivers a rich, buttery treat with a perfect crunchy texture. Coated in smooth melted chocolate and topped with nuts or sprinkles, it’s an irresistible homemade candy that’s perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself.

The image shows a stack of square dessert bars on a white plate with a white marbled surface underneath. Each bar has two layers: a thick, golden caramel-like bottom layer with a smooth texture, and a thinner dark brown chocolate top layer. The chocolate layer is decorated with red, green, and white sprinkles, including small white snowflake shapes, adding a festive touch. The bars are neatly stacked, creating a visually appealing pile with a mix of straight edges and slight texture on the caramel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound unsalted butter (4 sticks)
1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)

1 to 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate preferred)

1/2 to 1+ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional and to taste)
Sea salt flakes (optional for sprinkling)
Holiday sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2: Attach a clip-on candy thermometer to a heavy, high-sided saucepan if available.
Step 3: Add butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt to the saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture boils. Once boiling, stop stirring.

Step 4: Continue boiling without stirring until the mixture reaches the hard crack stage (290-300°F), approximately 20-25 minutes. Remove from heat once this temperature is reached.
Step 5: Carefully stir in the vanilla extract; the mixture will bubble up.
Step 6: Pour the hot toffee mixture into the prepared pan. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the surface. If a chip sinks in, wait a few more minutes before adding the rest.

Step 7: Cover the pan with foil for 5 minutes. Remove the foil and spread the softened chocolate chips evenly with a spatula or offset knife. If the chips haven’t melted enough, warm the pan in a 300°F oven for a few minutes until smooth.
Step 8: Sprinkle nuts, sea salt flakes, and/or holiday sprinkles over the chocolate to taste.
Step 9: Let the toffee cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until set. Break into pieces or cut with a sharp knife before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature to avoid grainy toffee.
Swap pecans for almonds or hazelnuts for different nutty flavors.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.

Milk chocolate chips melt softer and sweeter if you prefer a milder chocolate coating.

Storage

Store toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer freshness, keep it in the refrigerator. To soften before serving after refrigeration, let toffee sit at room temperature for a few minutes.

How to Serve

The image shows several thick square pieces of toffee stacked unevenly on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Each toffee piece has two distinct layers: a smooth, rich brown chocolate top layer sprinkled generously with colorful Christmas-themed sprinkles in red, green, and white, including small white snowflake shapes, and a thick golden-brown toffee base layer with a slightly grainy texture. The edges of the toffee squares are clean-cut, and the close-up view highlights the contrast between the creamy chocolate and the dense toffee. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make toffee without a candy thermometer?

While a candy thermometer ensures accuracy, you can test by dropping a small amount of the hot mixture into cold water. If it hardens into brittle threads that crack easily, it has reached the hard crack stage.

Why did my toffee turn out grainy?

Grainy toffee usually happens if the sugar crystallizes, often from stirring after boiling starts or not using clean utensils. Avoid stirring once boiling begins and ensure your pan and tools are clean and dry.