Easy Butter Toffee Recipe (No Candy Thermometer!)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1-2 cups nuts of your choice (almonds, pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts)
- 1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- Additional nuts, chopped finely, for topping
Instructions:
Prepare Your Baking Sheet:
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper, ensuring the edges are well-covered for easy cleanup.
- Spread your nuts in an even layer across the lined baking sheet. Set aside.
Make the Toffee Base:
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the butter is fully melted, and the mixture is well-combined.
Cooking the Toffee:
- Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly. Watch closely as the toffee changes color—it will start off pale and gradually deepen.
- Keep stirring and cooking until the mixture reaches a brown paper bag color (light to medium caramel). This step is crucial for the toffee flavor, so don’t rush it!
- Tip: If the mixture separates or looks greasy, keep stirring—it will come back together as it thickens.
- Once the desired color is achieved, turn up the heat slightly for just a moment to get that rich, buttery toffee color. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
Assemble the Toffee:
- Immediately pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the nuts on the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it out if needed, but work quickly as it will harden fast.
Add Chocolate and Nuts:
- While the toffee is still warm, sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top. Let them sit for 1-2 minutes to soften from the heat of the toffee.
- Using a spatula or back of a spoon, spread the melted chocolate evenly over the surface.
- Sprinkle with additional chopped nuts for added crunch and decoration.
Cool and Break:
- Let the toffee cool completely at room temperature or place it in the refrigerator for faster setting.
- Once fully set, break the toffee into bite-sized pieces and store in an airtight container.
Tips for Success:
- Nuts Variation: Toast your nuts beforehand for extra flavor. Simply bake them at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until fragrant.
- Chocolate Choices: Use dark, white, or flavored chocolate chips to customize your toffee.
- Storage: Store in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, keep in the fridge or freezer.
Enjoy this buttery, nutty, and chocolatey treat—it’s perfect for gifting or snacking! 🍬✨