Description
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
Ingredient Highlights
- Butter: Unsalted butter is best to control the saltiness, giving the toffee its rich, buttery base.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar caramelizes beautifully, creating the classic toffee texture.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the toffee.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate provides a perfect balance to the sweet caramel base.
- Nuts: Chopped nuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to complement the buttery toffee.
Instructions
Prepare the Base:
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet or jelly roll pan with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Set aside.
- Melt Butter: In a medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add Sugar and Salt: Stir in the sugar and salt, ensuring they dissolve completely.
- Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula.
Cook the Toffee:
- Monitor the Temperature: Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan without letting it touch the bottom. Cook the toffee mixture, stirring frequently, until it reaches 300°F (150°C) on the thermometer (hard crack stage). This process typically takes 10-15 minutes.
- Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble up slightly.
Assemble the Toffee:
- Pour the Mixture: Quickly pour the hot toffee onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly using a spatula.
- Add Chocolate: Immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Let them sit for 2-3 minutes to melt, then spread the chocolate into an even layer using an offset spatula.
- Sprinkle Nuts: Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the melted chocolate, gently pressing them in so they adhere.
Cool and Break:
- Cool Completely: Allow the toffee to cool completely at room temperature, or place it in the refrigerator to speed up the process.
- Break into Pieces: Once the toffee is set, break it into pieces using your hands or a knife.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 120-140 kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 1g