18 Decadent English Toffee Recipes Perfect for Holidays

Posted on March 19, 2025

The sweet and buttery aroma of freshly made English toffee is a classic holiday treat that’s sure to bring joy to friends and family. Whether you’re a fan of traditional flavors or like to mix things up with unique twists, we’ve got you covered with our collection of 18 decadent English toffee recipes perfect for the holidays.

From classic combinations featuring almonds and chocolate to more adventurous flavor profiles incorporating salted caramel, espresso, and even pumpkin spice, there’s something on this list for everyone. So why settle for just one recipe when you could have a whole collection of delicious English toffees to share with loved ones? Dive in and discover your new favorite holiday treat!

Classic English Toffee with Almonds

Classic English Toffee with Almonds
Classic English Toffee with Almonds Recipe

Experience the sweet and nutty delight of traditional English toffee, made with rich caramel, crunchy almonds, and a touch of sea salt.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120ml) light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup (120ml) water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
– 1 cup (100g) sliced almonds

Instructions:

1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 300°F (150°C).
3. Remove from heat and stir in butter and sea salt until melted.
4. Stir in almonds. Let cool slightly, then pour onto prepared baking sheet.
5. Allow to set at room temperature for about 30 minutes or until firm to the touch.
6. Break into pieces and serve.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Chocolate-Dipped English Toffee

Chocolate-Dipped English Toffee
Transform ordinary toffee into an extraordinary treat by dipping it in rich, velvety chocolate. This recipe yields a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups chopped almonds or English toffee
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine butter, sugar, and corn syrup in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture reaches 290°F (hard-ball stage).
3. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.
4. Stir in toffee and almonds. Pour onto prepared baking sheet. Let set at room temperature for about 30 minutes or until firm.
5. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl. Dip toffee pieces into melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.
6. Place dipped toffees on parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (for toffee base)

Salted Caramel English Toffee

Salted Caramel English Toffee
Salted Caramel English Toffee Recipe

Transform your taste buds with this classic Salted Caramel English Toffee recipe! Crunchy toffee, gooey caramel, and a touch of flaky sea salt come together in perfect harmony.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120ml) light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
– 1 tablespoon (15g) flaky sea salt, for finishing
– 1 cup (250g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions:

1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine sugar, corn syrup, and butter in a medium saucepan. Place over medium heat; cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 290°F (145°C).
3. Remove from heat; stir in sea salt. Pour onto prepared baking sheet; let cool to room temperature.
4. Once set, use a sharp knife or cookie cutter to break into desired shapes.
5. Melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and drizzle over the toffee. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt. If using nuts, sprinkle on top.
6. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes

Vanilla Bean English Toffee

Vanilla Bean English Toffee
Create a rich and buttery English toffee infused with the warmth of vanilla beans.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120ml) light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup (60ml) water
– 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
– 1/2 cup (60g) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh vanilla beans (or 1/4 teaspoon vanilla powder)

Instructions:
1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes or until the mixture reaches 290°F (143°C) on a candy thermometer.
4. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract, sea salt, and butter until smooth.
5. Stir in chopped vanilla beans (or add vanilla powder).
6. Pour onto prepared baking sheet and let cool to room temperature.
7. Break into pieces once set.

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Peanut Butter English Toffee

Peanut Butter English Toffee
A classic English toffee recipe gets a nutty twist with the addition of creamy peanut butter, creating a sweet and satisfying treat. Perfect for snacking or gift-giving, this toffee is easy to make and sure to please.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120ml) light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup (120ml) water
– 1 tablespoon (15g) unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup (60g) creamy peanut butter
– 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans or walnuts
– Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan. Place over medium heat and stir until sugar dissolves.
3. Bring mixture to 300°F (hard-ball stage). Remove from heat.
4. Add butter, vanilla extract, and peanut butter. Stir until smooth.
5. Pour mixture onto prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with nuts and salt.
6. Let cool and set before breaking into pieces.

Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes

Coconut English Toffee Bites

Coconut English Toffee Bites
These bite-sized treats combine the classic flavors of English toffee with the richness of coconut, creating a deliciously addictive snack. Perfect for parties or as a gift, these Coconut English Toffee Bites are easy to make and sure to please.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut
– 1 cup English toffee bits (such as Heath)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter and sugars over low heat, stirring until smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, nuts, and coconut.
4. Stir in English toffee bits until well combined.
5. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each bite.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Espresso-Infused English Toffee

Espresso-Infused English Toffee
Experience the perfect blend of rich espresso and classic English toffee with this unique recipe.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120g) light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup (60g) water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon espresso powder
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup (60g) chopped almonds or English toffee bits

Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Bring the mixture to 300°F (hard-ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
4. Remove from heat and stir in butter, espresso powder, and vanilla extract until melted and smooth.
5. Pour onto prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with almonds or English toffee bits.
6. Allow to cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes

White Chocolate English Toffee

White Chocolate English Toffee
Experience the rich flavors of England with this creamy white chocolate toffee recipe, perfect for gift-giving or enjoying at home.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120ml) light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup (120ml) water
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 cup (250g) white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
– 1 tablespoon (15g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Optional: chopped nuts or sea salt for garnish

Instructions:

1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan. Place over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 10 minutes or until mixture reaches 290°F (145°C) on a candy thermometer.
4. Remove from heat; stir in baking soda, white chocolate chips, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Pour onto prepared baking sheet. Let cool completely, about 1 hour.
6. Break into pieces. Optional: sprinkle with chopped nuts or sea salt.

Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes

Pecan Crunch English Toffee

Pecan Crunch English Toffee
English toffee gets a crunchy twist with the addition of pecans in this easy-to-make recipe. Perfect for holiday gifts or snacking on the go.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon sea salt
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine butter, sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer.
3. Remove from heat and stir in pecans and chocolate chips until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and let cool slightly.
5. Sprinkle sea salt on top and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
6. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Maple Glazed English Toffee

Maple Glazed English Toffee
Maple Glazed English Toffee Recipe

Get ready to delight your taste buds with this sweet and sticky treat!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (200g) English toffee bits
  • 1/2 cup (115g) pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Melt the butter and stir in the maple syrup until well combined.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the English toffee bits and melted maple glaze. Mix until the toffee is evenly coated.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt to taste.
  4. Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or silicone mat.
  5. Let it set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.

Cooking Time:

Note: You can store this treat in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding to your favorite holiday cookie platter!

Orange Zest English Toffee

Orange Zest English Toffee
Elevate your snack game with this sweet and tangy orange zest toffee, perfect for gifting or indulging on a whim. The combination of crunchy toffee, bright citrus flavor, and buttery undertones is sure to delight.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120g) light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup (60g) water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon orange zest
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (250g) chopped almonds or pecans (optional)

Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the mixture reaches 290°F (143°C) on a candy thermometer.
4. Remove from heat and stir in butter, orange zest, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
5. Pour onto prepared baking sheet and let cool to room temperature.
6. If desired, sprinkle with chopped nuts before breaking into pieces.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Yield: About 1 pound (450g) of toffee

Sea Salt Dark Chocolate English Toffee

Sea Salt Dark Chocolate English Toffee
Elevate your snack game with this rich and buttery Sea Salt Dark Chocolate English Toffee, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
– 1 cup light brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
– 1 cup chopped almonds
– 12 ounces dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– 1 tablespoon flaky sea salt

Instructions:

1. Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Melt butter and sugars in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in chopped almonds and sea salt. Let cool slightly.
4. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and smooth top with spatula.
5. Melt dark chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
6. Spread melted chocolate over toffee mixture. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before cutting into squares and serving.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Honey Roasted English Toffee

Honey Roasted English Toffee
Transform traditional English toffee into a sweet and indulgent treat with the addition of honey and roasting. This recipe yields a rich, caramel-like flavor and crunchy texture that’s perfect for snacking or gift-giving.

Ingredients:
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) light brown soft sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) honey
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 12-15 almonds, chopped
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine granulated sugar, brown soft sugar, and honey in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugars dissolve.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes or until the toffee reaches 290°F (145°C) on a candy thermometer.
4. Remove from heat and stir in sea salt and butter until melted. Pour onto prepared baking sheet.
5. Sprinkle chopped almonds over the toffee and let cool completely. Break into pieces.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Almond Joy English Toffee

Almond Joy English Toffee
Experience the sweet and salty combination of Almond Joy’s signature flavors in this indulgent English toffee recipe.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
– 1 cup light brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
– 1/2 cup chopped almonds
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and sea salt. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the caramel turns golden brown.
4. Remove from heat and stir in almonds and vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.
5. Pour into prepared baking dish and smooth with a spatula.
6. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth. Spread over toffee.
7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before cutting into squares.

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Spiced Cinnamon English Toffee

Spiced Cinnamon English Toffee
Experience the warm, spicy flavor of cinnamon infused with the richness of caramelized butter and sugar, all wrapped up in a crunchy toffee treat. This Spiced Cinnamon English Toffee is perfect for snacking or gifting.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (115g) light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup (115g) water
– 1 tablespoon (15g) unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans or hazelnuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan. Place over medium heat and cook until sugar dissolves.
3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until melted and smooth.
5. Pour onto prepared baking sheet and let cool slightly.
6. If desired, sprinkle with chopped nuts.
7. Let toffee set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before breaking into pieces.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Raspberry Swirl English Toffee

Raspberry Swirl English Toffee
Combine the classic sweetness of English toffee with the tartness of raspberries for a unique and delicious treat.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
– 1 cup light brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 cup raspberry jam
– Fresh raspberries, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped nuts and confectioners’ sugar.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
6. Dollop the raspberry jam on top of the toffee, creating a swirl pattern.
7. Refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes.
8. Cut into squares and garnish with fresh raspberries.

Cooking Time: 5 minutes

Toffee Apple English Toffee

Toffee Apple English Toffee
Step into a traditional British treat with this simple recipe for Toffee Apple English Toffee, featuring sweet and crunchy toffee, juicy apples, and a hint of vanilla. Perfect as a snack or dessert.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120ml) light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup (120ml) water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1-2 apples, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces (Granny Smith or your favorite variety)
– Confectioner’s sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 10 minutes or until the mixture reaches 290°F (145°C) on a candy thermometer.
4. Remove from heat; whisk in butter and vanilla extract until melted.
5. Pour the toffee mixture onto prepared baking sheet. Let cool and set, about 30-40 minutes.
6. Toss apple pieces with confectioner’s sugar and place on top of the cooled toffee.
7. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Pumpkin Spice English Toffee

Pumpkin Spice English Toffee
This autumn-inspired take on traditional English toffee combines the warm spices of pumpkin pie with the rich flavor of buttery caramel. Perfect for fall gatherings or as a unique gift, this recipe is sure to delight.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120g) light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup (120g) water
– 1 teaspoon pure pumpkin puree
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/8 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (60g) chopped pecans or walnuts
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 275°F (135°C).
3. Remove from heat and stir in pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and let cool slightly.
5. Sprinkle with chopped nuts and dot with butter.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until firm.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Summary

Get ready to indulge in the sweet and rich world of English toffee! This holiday season, treat yourself or gift-loved ones with one (or all) of these 18 decadent recipes. From classic combinations like almonds and chocolate to unique twists like salted caramel, vanilla bean, and espresso-infused flavors, there’s something for every taste bud. Discover how to make mouthwatering treats like coconut English toffee bites, pecan crunch toffee, and maple glazed toffee bars. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a sweet holiday treat, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.

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