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This post is all about Christmas Cracker Toffee.
The Grown-Up Holiday Treat That Feels Like Coffee Shop Luxury
Imagine sipping a creamy hazelnut latte while the snow falls outside now picture that flavor captured in a crunchy, buttery, chocolate covered toffee. That’s exactly what this Espresso & Hazelnut Toffee delivers.
It’s elegant, aromatic, and deeply satisfying the kind of treat that earns you gasps at every cookie swap.
Think buttery toffee infused with espresso, topped with smooth dark chocolate, and finished with roasted hazelnuts and a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Whether you call it Espresso Christmas Cracker, Hazelnut Coffee Toffee or simply the best holiday candy you’ve ever made this recipe is here to turn your dessert tray into a five-star café moment.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Aromatic & sophisticated. Espresso flavor balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Coffee-lover approved. Like your favorite mocha in candy form.
- Crunchy & creamy. Buttery toffee + chocolate + hazelnuts = textural bliss.
- Easy holiday candy. Only 6 ingredients, 25 minutes total.
- Perfect for gifting. Looks luxe, travels well, and stays fresh for weeks.
☕ Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saltine crackers | 1 sleeve (about 35) | Substitute graham crackers for extra sweetness |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (2 sticks / 225 g) | Salted butter works; skip extra salt |
| Brown sugar | 1 cup (200 g) | Dark = richer caramel; light = milder |
| Instant espresso powder | 2 teaspoons | Adds bold, smooth coffee flavor |
| Chocolate chips | 2 cups (340 g) | Dark or semi-sweet preferred |
| Toasted hazelnuts | ¾ cup (90 g) | Roughly chopped; keep a few whole for décor |
| Flaky sea salt | ½ teaspoon | Optional but elevates every bite |
🍬 Equipment
- Rimmed baking sheet (10 × 15 inch)
- Foil or parchment paper
- Medium saucepan
- Offset spatula
- Whisk or heatproof spoon
🎄 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep Your Base
Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C).
Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment and lightly grease.
Arrange saltine crackers in a tight, single layer.
2. Make the Espresso Toffee
In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat.
Whisk occasionally until smooth and bubbling.
Once it reaches a steady boil, stir in espresso powder and cook for 3–4 minutes, just until thickened and glossy.
The aroma alone will make you want to grab a mug.
Pro Tip: Use high-quality instant espresso like Café Bustelo or Medaglia D’Oro — not regular instant coffee.
3. Pour and Bake
Pour the hot espresso toffee evenly over the crackers, spreading quickly to coat.
Bake for 5 minutes until the caramel is bubbling across the entire surface.
Remove and set the pan on a heat-safe counter.
4. Add Chocolate & Hazelnuts
Immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot toffee.
Let sit 2–3 minutes to melt, then spread into a glossy layer.
Before it sets, scatter chopped toasted hazelnuts evenly over the chocolate and press lightly.
Add a pinch of flaky sea salt to balance the richness.
5. Cool & Crack
Cool to room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate 1 hour (or freeze 15 minutes).
Lift the toffee from the pan using the foil and break into rustic shards.
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks — though coffee lovers rarely let it last that long.
☕ How to Toast Hazelnuts Perfectly
- Spread hazelnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake at 350 °F (175 °C) for 8–10 minutes until the skins blister.
- Transfer to a kitchen towel and rub gently to remove loose skins.
- Cool completely before chopping.
Toasting deepens their flavor and brings out that signature Nutella-like aroma.
🍫 Variations to Try
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Mocha Toffee Bark | Mix ½ cup white chocolate chips into the melted dark chocolate for a marbled mocha look. |
| Espresso Almond Cracker | Swap hazelnuts for sliced toasted almonds and add 1 tsp almond extract. |
| Hazelnut Latte Toffee | Use milk chocolate + 1 tsp vanilla for a sweeter latte-style treat. |
| Sea Salt Mocha Crunch | Add crushed espresso beans for texture and caffeine kick. |
💝 Gifting Ideas
This toffee screams “luxury holiday gift.”
- Gold tins: Line with parchment, fill with glossy shards, tie with espresso-brown ribbon.
- Clear jars: Layer with chocolate truffles or espresso beans for a “coffee lover’s jar.”
- Gift tags: “Made with love & a shot of espresso.”
Pair it with mini coffee bags or mugs for the perfect hostess or teacher gift.
🍥 Recipe Card
Espresso & Hazelnut Toffee (Coffee Christmas Cracker)
Yields 35–40 pieces | Prep 10 min | Cook 10 min | Chill 1 hr
Ingredients
- 1 sleeve saltine crackers
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp instant espresso powder
- 2 cups dark chocolate chips
- ¾ cup toasted hazelnuts
- ½ tsp flaky sea salt
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Line baking sheet and arrange crackers.
2️⃣ Melt butter + sugar over medium heat, boil 3–4 min. Add espresso.
3️⃣ Pour over crackers and bake 5 min until bubbly.
4️⃣ Sprinkle chocolate chips, let melt, spread smooth.
5️⃣ Top with hazelnuts and sea salt. Cool 1 hr, then crack into pieces.
6️⃣ Store airtight for 2 weeks or freeze up to 3 months.
🍽 Nutrition (Approx. per piece)
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Sugar | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180 | 11 g | 20 g | 16 g | 2 g |
💬 FAQ
Q: Can I use regular instant coffee instead of espresso?
Yes, but espresso powder gives richer flavor without bitterness.
Q: Can I make this with white chocolate?
Sure! White chocolate + hazelnut tastes like a Nutella latte vibe.
Q: Can I skip the nuts?
Absolutely — sprinkle crushed espresso beans or pretzels for texture instead.
Q: Can this be made ahead?
Yes — store refrigerated up to two weeks or frozen three months.
Q: How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free saltines or matzo crackers.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Espresso & Hazelnut Toffee is proof that holiday candy can be both effortless and elegant. It’s buttery, bold and just sophisticated enough to impress every coffee lover on your gift list.
With the aroma of roasted nuts, the snap of crisp toffee and that mocha-espresso richness it’s basically the grown-up version of Christmas Cracker and your new favorite pick-me-up treat.
Make a batch for gifting and maybe one just for yourself. ☕🎄
