Traditional English Toffee

By
Elizabeth LaBau
Sweet Book of Candy Making Elizabeth LaBau
Elizabeth LaBau
A professional pastry chef, cookbook author, and writer, Elizabeth LaBau has published more than 600 articles on baking and candy making.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 08/25/22
Tested by
Renae Wilson
Photo of Renae E. Wilson
Tested by Renae Wilson
Renae has certifications in both Pastry Arts and Culinary Arts from the Institute of Culinary Education and works as a private chef and caterer, recipe tester and developer, and food writer. Renae has written and developed recipes for Rachael Ray In Season, the Kitchn, Food52, and more.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Pieces of toffee covered with chocolate and topped with chopped almonds

The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

Prep: 30 mins
Cook: 45 mins
Cool and Set Time: 60 mins
Total: 2 hrs 15 mins
Servings: 32 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
261 Calories
17g Fat
28g Carbs
1g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 32
Amount per serving
Calories 261
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 17g 22%
Saturated Fat 10g 49%
Cholesterol 30mg 10%
Sodium 54mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 28g 10%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 27g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 17mg 1%
Iron 1mg 3%
Potassium 79mg 2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

English toffee is the epitome of classic toffee. It's rich and buttery, with a firm snap and a crisp texture that doesn't stick to your teeth. Of course, it's delicious on its own, but it really shines when it's paired with a thick coating of dark chocolate and a sprinkling of nuts.

English toffee can be a little temperamental to make, so don't be discouraged if it takes you a few tries to get it right.

Do not substitute margarine for the butter—it won't work in this recipe (as shown in the featured link below).

1:26

Click Play to See This Buttery English Toffee Come Together

"Nice, crisp toffee. I love the buttery crunch." —Renae Wilson

Traditional English Toffee Recipe Test
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup whole almonds

  • 1 pound (2 cups) unsalted butter

  • 2 2/3 cups (18 2/3 ounces) granulated sugar

  • 1/3 cup water

  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1 pound semisweet or bittersweet chocolate

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients. Preheat oven to 325 F.

    Ingredients for traditional English toffee recipe gathered

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

  2. Toast the nuts by spreading them on a cookie sheet and placing them in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes. Stir them every 3 to 4 minutes, and remove them once they darken and become fragrant. Let the nuts cool to room temperature.

    Browned toasted almonds on a baking sheet

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

  3. Chop the toasted nuts finely with a knife or food processor.

    Coarsely chopped toasted almonds in a food processor

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

  4. Prepare a 12x16 inch cookie sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.

    Baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and lightly sprayed with oil

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

  5. Combine the butter, sugar, water, corn syrup, and salt in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly to dissolve the sugar and melt the butter. Insert a candy thermometer and bring the candy to a boil, periodically brushing down the sides with a wet pastry brush to prevent crystallization.

    Melted butter, sugar, water and corn syrup being stirred in a saucepan with a thermometer inserted

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

  6. Continue to cook the candy, stirring frequently, until it reaches 300 F, and begins to caramelize—about 20 to 30 minutes. If the candy appears to separate (with a layer of melted butter on top) stir vigorously to make it come back together again. Watch the candy as it approaches 300 F since it cooks quickly and can scorch at high temperatures.

    Yellow toffee mixture being stirred in a saucepan with a candy thermometer inserted

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

  7. Once the candy reaches 300 F, remove from heat and pour it onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula or spoon to spread the candy to an even thickness. Allow the toffee to begin to set, then spray a knife with nonstick cooking spray and score the toffee into small squares or rectangles. Allow the toffee to cool completely.

    Solidified toffee on a a baking sheet, scored into small squares with a knife

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

  8. Once the toffee is cool, break it apart on the scored lines into small squares. The toffee can be left plain, or dipped in chocolate.

    Broken and cut pieces of toffee scattered on a baking sheet

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

  9. To dip the toffee in chocolate, begin by melting the chocolate. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it in one-minute increments, stirring after every minute to prevent overheating.

    Melted chocolate in a glass bowl being stirred with a spoon

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

  10. Dip each piece of toffee in the chocolate, either submerging it completely or dipping it halfway in, according to your preference. Place dipped toffee pieces on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the top generously with chopped nuts. Repeat with remaining toffee, chocolate, and nuts.

    Toffee pieces dipped in chocolate and covered with chopped almonds on a baking sheet

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

  11. Place the toffee in the refrigerator to set the chocolate, about 20 minutes. Once set, toffee can be served immediately.

    Toffee pieces covered with chocolate and topped with chopped almonds on a baking sheet a baking sheet

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

Tips

  • Toffee can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • When scoring the toffee, spray a knife with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Use butter for this recipe, do not use margarine as your toffee will not set.
  • Test with a candy thermometer to ensure your toffee reaches the proper 300 F temperature.