Christmas candy making and cookie baking is in full swing! I love all of the smells this time of year. Whether it’s peppermint, gingerbread, or that amazing smell of sugar and butter cooking on the stove top, my kitchen makes the house smell so good! Every year I make a list of all of the goodies that I want to try. And, every year my list is way longer than the time I have to actually make recipes.
I usually end up rolling the list over from year to year! Last year I wanted to try making more candies like toffee and caramel, but ended up making more fudge and cookies. So, this year I made sure that toffee was at the top of the list. First up was this easy malted chocolate chip toffee. It still requires a candy thermometer to reach the right temperature, but the mixture is easy to throw together and easy to spread in the pan.
And, if you don’t cook it quite long enough, you’ll just end up with a softer toffee. Not bad at all! The malt powder in this toffee gives it a flavor slightly reminiscent of a caramel milkshake and the semi-sweet chocolate helps offset the super-sweet flavor of most toffees. Definitely a great recipe if you’re looking to try making toffee for the first time!
- 1 C chocolate chips (I used a combination of dark chocolate and semi-sweet), divided
- 2 tbsp malted milk powder (If you are unsure of how much you like the malted milk flavor, start with just one tablespoon powder)
- 1 C butter
- 1 C sugar
- 3 tbsp water
- Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with foil, making sure that the foil extends at least halfway up the edges of the pan. Sprinkle half of the chocolate chips on the bottom of the pan.
- In a heavy saucepan (about 2 quarts), add malted milk powder, butter, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Stir constantly to avoid scorching. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan and continue stirring and cooking mixture until the temperature reaches 290 degrees F. (Mixture will thicken and turn a darker color)
- Remove from heat and remove the candy thermometer. Immediately pour mixture over the top of the chocolate chips. Top with remaining chocolate chips.
- Cool for at least 1 hour before breaking into pieces. If you want to speed up the process, cool for 30 minutes and then place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Just make sure the chocolate has hardened before breaking into pieces.
This recipe is adapted from Better Homes and Gardens.
Erin Benites
Monday 29th of December 2014
I have made this 2 years in a row, adding cashews, and a little malt powder on the pan with the chocolate chips. I give it away with gifts, and get back rave reviews. It truly is delicious.
Jessica@A Kitchen Addiction
Monday 29th of December 2014
Thanks for letting me know Erin! Love the idea of adding cashews!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust
Friday 6th of December 2013
I'm so in love with this! The malted makes it perfect.
Ramona
Friday 6th of December 2013
What a fun treat to have around for the holidays. :)
Jess @ On Sugar Mountain
Friday 6th of December 2013
I need this toffee in my life ASAP! It's so pretty and absolutely the best gift for all my friends this winter (or just for me heehee). :)
Mercedes
Thursday 5th of December 2013
Toffee is one of my absolute favorite Christmas candies and I can only imagine how delicious it tastes with the addition of malt powder!