Here’s a simple homemade toffee recipe that results in a delicious, buttery treat!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons water
- Optional: 1 cup of chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
- Optional: 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
Instructions:
- Prepare your baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. If you plan to add nuts, spread them evenly on the sheet now.
- Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the sugar, salt, and water, and stir until the mixture is well combined.
- Cook the toffee: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium and continue stirring frequently. You want the mixture to reach 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer (this is the hard crack stage). This can take 10-15 minutes, depending on your stove.
- Add vanilla extract: Once the toffee reaches 300°F, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Be careful, as the toffee can bubble up at this point.
- Pour onto the baking sheet: Immediately pour the toffee mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Optional chocolate topping: If you want to add chocolate, let the toffee cool slightly for 3-5 minutes (just enough so the chocolate doesn’t melt immediately). Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the warm toffee, and let them soften. Once softened, use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the surface. If you like, sprinkle chopped nuts on top for added texture and flavor.
- Cool and break into pieces: Allow the toffee to cool completely at room temperature (it may take about 30-60 minutes). Once cooled, break the toffee into pieces by gently tapping it with a mallet or using your hands.
Tips:
- Be sure to monitor the temperature carefully using a candy thermometer. If the toffee gets too dark or burns, it can become bitter.
- You can store the toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer storage.
Enjoy your homemade toffee!
