Do Share Recipe

Chewy Christmas Toffee Recipe | Sweet Holiday Treat

I recently made this Chewy Christmas Toffee Recipe, and let me tell you—it instantly became my favorite holiday treat! I love how buttery and sweet it turns out, and the chocolate and nuts on top make it extra festive. Making it felt so rewarding, especially knowing I could share it with friends and family during the holidays.

Every bite is a delightful mix of crunch and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness. If you’ve been looking for a go-to Christmas candy recipe, this one will not disappoint! You can also enjoy a fun and colorful Fruity Pebbles Sushi Recipe for another creative dessert idea this season.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this chewy Christmas toffee. I’ve included a few tips based on my experience for the best results.

1 cup chopped pecans or almonds – I prefer fresh pecans for that buttery crunch.
1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams) – Regular sugar works best for proper caramelization.
1 cup butter (226 grams) – Unsalted butter gives better control over sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness perfectly.
1/4 cup water (60 ml) – Helps dissolve the sugar evenly.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
Chocolate chips – Use semi-sweet for a perfect balance.
Additional chopped pecans for garnish – Adds texture and looks festive.
Flaked sea salt (optional) – Enhances the flavor with a touch of sophistication.

Note: Serves approximately 12–15 pieces depending on size.

Variations

You can tweak this recipe to match dietary needs or flavor preferences:

Dairy-free: Replace butter with coconut oil for a subtle coconut flavor.
Sugar-free: Use coconut sugar or maple sugar, but watch the cooking closely.
Nut-free: Swap pecans with sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Flavor add-ins: Sprinkle cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of espresso powder for extra depth.

Cooking Time

Here’s a breakdown of the time you’ll need:

Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30–40 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 4–5 hours (including cooling)

Equipment You Need

Saucepan – To melt the butter and cook the caramel.
Candy thermometer – Ensures you reach the perfect hard crack stage.
9×9 inch baking dish – Hold the toffee as it sets.
Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes removal easy.
Spatula – Helps spread the caramel evenly.

How to Make a Chewy Christmas Toffee Recipe?

Making this toffee is easier than it looks. Follow these steps for perfect results.

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Nuts

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Line your baking dish with parchment paper. Spread the chopped pecans evenly at the bottom to form a crunchy base.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Mixture

In a saucepan, combine butter, sugar, water, and salt. Heat over medium while stirring until it melts and begins to bubble. Attach a candy thermometer and aim for 300°F (hard crack stage).

Step 3: Cook the Caramel

Keep stirring occasionally as the mixture heats. Once it reaches 300°F, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract for a smooth, aromatic flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Toffee

Pour the hot caramel over the nut layer in your baking dish. Spread evenly with a spatula for uniform thickness.

Step 5: Add Chocolate and Garnish

Sprinkle chocolate chips over the warm caramel and cover briefly to melt them. Swirl the chocolate gently, then top with extra chopped nuts and a pinch of flaked sea salt if desired.

Step 6: Chill and Cut

Allow the toffee to cool completely for about 4 hours. You can refrigerate to speed up the process. Once set, remove from the pan and cut into pieces or break by hand.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

From my experience, a few tweaks make a huge difference:

I always use fresh, high-quality nuts for the best crunch.
Stir slowly and consistently to avoid burning the caramel.
Use a candy thermometer to hit the perfect hard crack stage.
Don’t rush the cooling—letting it set completely ensures a chewy texture.
I like sprinkling sea salt at the end for a gourmet touch.

How to Serve Chewy Christmas Toffee Recipe?

Serving this toffee can be as fun as making it:

Arrange pieces on a festive plate or holiday-themed tray.
Sprinkle extra nuts or edible glitter for visual appeal.
Wrap small portions in parchment paper for gifts or party favors.
Pair with hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy holiday treat.

For more creative and colorful desserts, you might also love trying the Jello Cookies Recipe — it’s bright, chewy, and perfect for festive occasions.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimate of the nutritional content per batch:

Calories: 2200–2400 – A rich treat, so enjoy in moderation!
Protein: 20–25 g – Comes mainly from the nuts.
Carbohydrates: 200–220 g – Mostly from sugar.
Fat: 200–220 g – Butter and nuts provide delicious richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storage

Store toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. This keeps it chewy and fresh.

Freezing

Wrap pieces individually in parchment or wax paper and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

No need to reheat toffee, but if it softens, let it sit at room temperature to regain chewiness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are a few reasons this toffee stands out:

Easy to prepare – Even beginners can make this holiday treat.
Versatile – Perfect for gifting, parties, or enjoying at home.
Flavor customizable – Nuts, chocolate, and spices can be swapped easily.
Rich and chewy – The texture is soft yet crunchy for the ultimate bite.
Festive and fun – Makes your kitchen smell amazing and looks beautiful on any dessert table.

Making this chewy Christmas toffee is one of the most rewarding holiday activities I’ve tried. It’s festive, indulgent, and guaranteed to impress. Trust me, once you taste it, it’ll be hard to stop at just one piece!

Ben Carraoli