Decadent Butter Toffee Delight
Every Christmas season, I whip up these irresistible Decadent Butter Toffee Delights for my cookie platters, and they never fail to impress! Initially inspired by classic toffee treats, I’ve experimented with various crackers including plain graham, chocolate graham, Ritz, and Town House. However, for that perfect balance of flavor, I recommend using Town House or Ritz crackers, as they lend a slightly less sugary taste, making the toffee topping truly shine. Crunchy, buttery, and delightfully sweet, they’re a festive treat that everyone will love, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful gift.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Town House crackers or Ritz crackers
1 (16 ounce) box (Leave whole)
Butter
1/2 cup (Melted)
Margarine
1/2 cup (Melted)
Sugar or Splenda granular
1/2 cup (Granulated)
Pecans or walnuts
1 cup (Chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large lipped cookie sheet with aluminum foil, ensuring the foil extends over the edges to make cleanup easy.
2
Arrange the crackers in a single layer on the cookie sheet, placing them end to end without gaps.
3
In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, margarine, and sugar (or Splenda). Heat over medium-high, stirring continuously until the mixture begins to boil.
4
Once boiling, allow it to cook without stirring for 2 minutes. This is crucial for achieving the rich toffee flavor.
5
Carefully pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the arranged crackers, using a spatula to spread it if needed.
6
Generously sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts over the top of the toffee layer.
7
Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes or until the toffee turns a beautiful golden brown.
8
After baking, remove from the oven and let cool completely on the sheet before breaking the toffee into pieces.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Butter Toffee Delight?
It is a crunchy, buttery, and sweet festive treat made by coating crackers with a homemade toffee mixture and chopped nuts, then baking until golden.
Which crackers are best for this recipe?
Town House or Ritz crackers are recommended because their saltier, less sugary profile allows the toffee flavor to stand out.
Can I use graham crackers instead of Ritz?
Yes, you can use plain or chocolate graham crackers, though the result will be sweeter than when using Town House or Ritz crackers.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How should I prepare the cookie sheet?
Line a large lipped cookie sheet with aluminum foil, ensuring the foil extends over the edges for easy cleanup.
How should the crackers be arranged on the pan?
Place the crackers in a single layer, positioned end to end without any gaps between them.
What ingredients are needed for the toffee coating?
You will need 1/2 cup of butter, 1/2 cup of margarine, and 1/2 cup of sugar or Splenda granular.
Can I use only butter instead of the butter and margarine mix?
The recipe specifies a combination of both butter and margarine, but you can likely substitute for all butter if preferred for a richer taste.
Is it okay to use Splenda for this recipe?
Yes, Splenda granular can be used as a 1:1 substitute for granulated sugar in this toffee recipe.
How do I cook the toffee mixture?
Combine the butter, margarine, and sugar in a saucepan over medium-high heat and stir continuously until it begins to boil.
How long should the toffee mixture boil?
Once it reaches a boil, let it cook without stirring for exactly 2 minutes.
Why shouldn't I stir the mixture while it boils?
Leaving it undisturbed for 2 minutes is crucial for the mixture to develop the correct rich toffee flavor and consistency.
How do I apply the hot toffee to the crackers?
Carefully pour the hot mixture evenly over the crackers and use a spatula to spread it if necessary to cover them completely.
Which nuts should I use for the topping?
You can use 1 cup of either chopped pecans or chopped walnuts.
When do I add the nuts to the recipe?
Generously sprinkle the chopped nuts over the toffee layer immediately after pouring the toffee on the crackers and before baking.
How long does the toffee bake in the oven?
Bake the prepared tray for 12 to 14 minutes.
How can I tell when the toffee is done baking?
It is finished when the toffee topping turns a beautiful golden brown color.
How should I cool the toffee?
Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on the cookie sheet before touching it.
How do I serve the Decadent Butter Toffee Delight?
Once completely cooled and hardened, break the toffee-covered crackers into pieces.
Is this recipe good for holiday gift-giving?
Yes, it is a perfect treat for holiday cookie platters or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Do I need to chop the nuts finely?
The nuts should be chopped, but the coarseness is up to your preference; generally, a medium chop works well for coverage.
Why is a lipped cookie sheet necessary?
A lipped sheet prevents the hot, liquid toffee mixture from running off the edges of the pan while pouring and baking.
What is the preparation for the crackers?
The crackers should be left whole when arranging them on the cookie sheet.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this toffee keeps well when stored in an airtight container, making it a great make-ahead holiday snack.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: crackers, butter, margarine, sugar, and nuts.
Is the toffee suppose to be crunchy?
Yes, the combination of the cracker base and the baked sugar-butter mixture creates a very crunchy texture.
What size box of crackers is required?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce box of Town House or Ritz crackers.
Why use aluminum foil?
Toffee can be very sticky; using foil makes it much easier to remove the pieces and simplifies the cleaning of the baking sheet.
Can I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe doesn't specify, but salted butter usually complements the sweet toffee flavor very well.
What should I do if the toffee isn't spreading evenly?
Use a heat-resistant spatula to quickly spread the mixture over the crackers while it is still hot from the saucepan.