Easy Homemade Toffee Recipe from Great Grandma’s Kitchen
Today’s recipe is extra special. It’s timeless and has been passed down from my great-grandma Susan: homemade English toffee. This buttery chocolate treat has been part of our family’s story for generations. Making it here in our farmhouse kitchen feels like a little nod to the past, especially during the holiday season when these traditions mean the most.
On our homestead, we focus on using simple ingredients from our pantry to create foods that celebrate the beauty of home cooking. This classic toffee recipe, with its golden brown color and crunchy texture, is one of those simple candies that has stood the test of time.
The Heart of Tradition
Growing up, Great Grandma Susan’s buttery toffee recipe was one of the highlights of the Christmas season. She always made it for special occasions, a tradition that my grandma continued, and then my mom. Whenever Mom started making toffee, we knew something special was happening.
I can still see her with a glass of cold water on the counter, carefully dripping bits of the toffee mixture into it. If it hardened before hitting the bottom, we knew it was ready to pour. My sister and I would watch eagerly, giving our opinions on if it was done or not. Once Mom decided it was ready, we’d pour out the water, grab the sweet little hardened pieces, and savor every last bit—never wasting a single crumb!
Those memories remind me that food is more than just something we make—it’s the heart of family traditions, connecting generations through simple moments like this.
Here on the homestead, I love introducing my kids to these traditions. We gather in the kitchen with a heavy saucepan and a few simple ingredients— butter, brown sugar, and a bit of chocolate. They love helping, even if it’s just testing the toffee mixture for the perfect hard crack stage by dropping it in cold water. It’s the little moments like this that make me feel like a piece of my great Grandma Susan is right there with us.
What Makes This Toffee Special?
The best toffee recipe doesn’t need fancy tools or endless steps. All you need is a few key tips to ensure perfect toffee every time:
- You can stick with using a glass of cold water to decide if the toffee is ready like my mom, or, you can use a candy thermometer to monitor the cooking process— Once you’ve done it with the thermometer and know how it’s suppose to look and feel, you’ll be able to do it much easier or with cold water the next time. It’s essential to reach the right temperature (285-300) without burning.
- Stir gently but consistently to prevent sugar crystals from forming on the sides of the pan.
- Watch for the color of peanut butter—that’s your signal the toffee is ready!
Tips for the Cooking Process
To make the best buttery toffee:
- Start with a heavy saucepan and melt the butter mixture over medium heat.
- Add the brown sugar, and stir as it bubbles and darkens to that signature golden brown color.
- Test the hot sugar by dropping a little into cold water. If it cracks, you’ve hit the hard crack stage.
- Or, stir until a candy thermometer reads 285-300F
- Pour the hot toffee onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or greased with butter.
- Top with dark chocolate, milk chocolate chips, or even Heath bars crumbles. Spread the melted chocolate into a thin layer with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon for best results.
- Let the toffee cool completely in a cool place before breaking it into pieces on a cutting board or other protected surface.
After making toffee, add this caramel sauce or chocolate syrup to your list to make next. They’re more easy staples that are great to have around for the holidays and drizzling over desserts, or to enjoy in the summer to top of ice cream.
Easy Homemade Toffee
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 Hershey bars or 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
- Large flake sea salt for garnish
- Optional: Crushed crunchy pecans
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the brown sugar and stir constantly as it bubbles and thickens.
Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan, watching for 300°F (hard crack stage).
Pour the toffee mixture onto a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Spread evenly.
Place the chocolate on top of the toffee while it’s still hot. Wait 2-3 minutes for it to melt, then spread into a thin layer with a spatula. Sprinkle with crunchy pecans or leave plain.
Allow to cool completely on a cookie sheet or jelly roll pan before breaking into pieces. Place in freezer to speed up the process. - Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
High humidity can affect the setting process and lead to sticky toffee. For best results, choose a dry day for candy-making. Testing the Hard Crack Stage
If you don’t have a candy thermometer, use the cold water test. Drop a bit of the mixture into a glass of cold water. If it hardens instantly and cracks, it’s ready. Let the Toffee Rest Before Adding Chocolate
Wait 2-3 minutes after pouring the toffee onto the baking sheet. This prevents the chocolate from sinking into the toffee while still allowing it to melt. Spreading Chocolate
Use a spatula to evenly spread the melted chocolate. If you prefer thicker chocolate, add extra chips or bars. Optional Toppings
Sprinkle crushed pecans, almonds, or a pinch of sea salt on the melted chocolate for added flavor and texture.
Storage Store toffee in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crunchy. It lasts up to 2 weeks (if you can resist eating it all!). Cleaning Tip
To clean the pot easily, fill it with water and bring it to a boil. The leftover sugar will dissolve, making cleanup simple. Substitute Chocolate Varieties
Try dark chocolate, bittersweet chocolate, or even white chocolate for different flavor profiles. Gifting Idea
Wrap pieces in wax paper or arrange them in a pretty tin. It makes a perfect holiday gift for family and friends.
Carrying on Family Traditions
Every time I make this easy English toffee recipe, it brings back memories of Grandma Susan’s warm smile and the love she poured into her cooking. On our homestead, recipes like this remind us that the past is worth preserving, especially when it tastes this good.
Trying your hand at homemade candy? This is an easy recipe you’ll want to make again and again. It’s perfect as a holiday treat or for gift giving to family and friends. If you give it a try, tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see your creations! Want to learn more about me and life on our homestead? Visit my About Me page.
I have tried to make multiple different candy recipes over the years but this is by far the easiest I’ve made and it’s SO good. I will definitely be making it every year. Thank you!
I’m glad you found the recipe easy and loved it! It means so much that it’s one you’ll make every year!