Easy Homemade Toffee
Learn how to make homemade English toffee with this easy recipe! Made with simple ingredients like butter, brown sugar, and chocolate, this buttery toffee is perfect for the holiday season. Achieve the hard crack stage for a crunchy texture and top with melted chocolate for a classic treat!
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
Avoid Making Toffee on Humid Days
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.
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.