If you love the mouthwatering crunch of toffee combined with the warm, spicy sweetness of churros, then this Churro Toffee Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. The blend of rich buttery toffee, silky white chocolate, and a dusting of cinnamon sugar creates an irresistible dessert that delights every sense. Whether you’re making it for a festive gathering, gift-giving, or simply treating yourself, this recipe promises a perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun, and in this recipe, each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect churro-inspired toffee. From the creamy butter that forms the base to the cinnamon that adds that signature spicy kick, this list is simple but essential.
- 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks or 340 g) salted butter: Provides that luscious, rich backbone and buttery flavor that toffee is known for.
- 1 1/2 cup (300 g) granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create that crispy, crunchy texture we all adore in toffee.
- 2 Tablespoons water: Helps dissolve the sugar and gives the toffee a smooth texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting aroma and depth to the caramel.
- 2 (10 ounce) bags of white chocolate melting wafers (I used Ghirardelli): Offers a creamy coating that pairs perfectly with the toffee’s crunch.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: For the cinnamon sugar coating, providing that classic churro sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings the unmistakable churro spice flavor that makes this toffee one of a kind.
How to Make Churro Toffee Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace
Start by lining a 13×18 inch baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is simple but essential; it prevents the toffee from sticking and makes cleanup so much easier. Having everything ready ensures a smooth cooking process.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Sugar
In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, water, and salt over medium-low heat. Stir frequently with a wooden spoon until the butter fully melts and the sugar dissolves. This stage is where the magic begins—be patient and get ready for that sweet buttery aroma to fill your kitchen.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Allow the mixture to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it turns a deep amber color. If you have a candy thermometer, aim for 285°F to ensure the perfect toffee consistency. This slow simmer creates the rich caramel flavor and crispy texture you want. Right after removing from heat, stir in the vanilla extract for that final touch of warmth.
Step 4: Pour and Slice
Pour the hot toffee onto your prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly. Let it cool for about 3 to 5 minutes, then carefully slice it into squares. I find that slicing it 4 across by 6 down creates nice, snackable squares. Dab the top with a paper towel if it looks too greasy to keep the finish clean and neat.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar
Mix together the remaining sugar with the ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This simple blend captures the very essence of churros and will be the perfect topping for your dipped toffee.
Step 6: Melt the White Chocolate and Dip
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate wafers on 50% power in 1 to 2-minute intervals until smooth and creamy. Use a fork to dip each square lightly into the melted chocolate, tapping off the excess. Immediately roll the toffee in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating both sides for that classic churro finish.
Step 7: Let It Cool and Set
Place the dipped toffee on parchment paper again and allow it to cool and harden at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This step ensures the chocolate sets perfectly, giving you a delightful snap when you bite in.
How to Serve Churro Toffee Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a dusting of extra cinnamon sugar or drizzle some melted dark chocolate over your churro toffee squares for added flair and flavor. For a festive touch, crushed nuts, like pecans or almonds, can add an exciting texture contrast while complementing the toffee’s natural richness.
Side Dishes
This churro toffee is a star on its own, but pairing it with a cup of rich hot chocolate or a creamy vanilla latte makes for a cozy treat. If serving at a party, fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries provide a refreshing balance to the toffee’s sweet decadence.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the toffee squares in a decorative jar lined with wax paper as an inviting gift. Alternatively, arrange them artistically on a rustic wooden board alongside churro-inspired desserts to create a mouthwatering dessert platter. The visual appeal will make it impossible for guests to resist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your churro toffee fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay crisp and delicious for up to two weeks, making it great for preparing in advance or enjoying over time.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for later, you can freeze the toffee. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature to maintain their perfect crunch.
Reheating
Generally, reheating toffee isn’t necessary or recommended as it might soften the texture you love. However, if the white chocolate coating feels too hard, a few seconds in the microwave at low power can soften it without melting the whole treat.
FAQs
Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate for the coating?
Absolutely! While white chocolate creates a lovely contrast in both flavor and color, dark or milk chocolate melts beautifully and adds a richer taste if that’s your preference.
What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
You can still make this recipe without one by watching for the caramel to turn a deep amber color and testing a small drop in cold water to make sure it hardens properly. Patience is key!
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, this Churro Toffee Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free white chocolate wafers and confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How long does it take for the toffee to fully set?
Typically, about 20 minutes at room temperature is enough for the white chocolate to harden and the cinnamon sugar coating to stick well, but cooler rooms may require slightly longer.
What’s the best way to cut the toffee without it cracking?
Use a sharp knife and try to slice the toffee while it’s still slightly warm but not hot. Cutting before it fully cools helps prevent cracking and gives you cleaner edges.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve discovered the joy of making this luscious Churro Toffee Recipe, I hope you feel inspired to whip up a batch for yourself and enjoy the perfect harmony of buttery crunch and cinnamon-sweet bliss. It’s a recipe that brings a little fiesta to your taste buds and makes every occasion tastier. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation!
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Churro Toffee Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
Description
This Churro Toffee Recipe combines rich, buttery toffee with a delightful cinnamon sugar coating and a smooth white chocolate dip, inspired by the classic flavors of churros. The toffee is simmered until perfectly caramelized, then cut into squares, dipped in melted white chocolate, and rolled in cinnamon sugar for a crunchy, sweet treat that’s perfect for sharing or gifting.
Ingredients
Toffee
- 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks or 340 g) salted butter
- 1 1/2 cup (300 g) granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Topping
- 2 (10 ounce) bags white chocolate melting wafers (I used Ghirardelli)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare: Line a 13×18 inch baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Melt butter and sugar: In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, water, and salt over medium-low heat. Stir frequently with a wooden spoon until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Leave the spoon in the pot and clip on a candy thermometer, making sure it does not touch the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer the caramel: Stir occasionally while simmering the mixture until it reaches a deep amber color and the candy thermometer hits 285°F. This takes about 20 minutes. Remove from heat immediately and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour into pan and cool: Pour the hot caramel evenly onto the prepared baking sheet and allow it to cool for 3-5 minutes. Then, slice into squares by making multiple cuts in both directions (I did 4 slices across by 6 slices down for 3×3 inch squares). Dab the surface with a paper towel if it appears too greasy.
- Prepare cinnamon sugar: In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for dipping the toffee later.
- Melt white chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate wafers at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring until smooth.
- Dip toffee squares: Using a fork, dip each cooled toffee square into the melted white chocolate, tapping off excess chocolate against the side of the bowl.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar: Immediately roll the chocolate-coated toffee in the cinnamon sugar mixture, flipping to coat all sides.
- Cool and set: Place the coated toffee pieces on parchment paper and allow them to set for about 20 minutes until the chocolate hardens.
Notes
- Using a candy thermometer ensures the caramel reaches the perfect temperature for a crisp toffee texture.
- Room temperature butter and careful temperature control help prevent burning the toffee.
- If the toffee feels greasy when cutting, dabbing the surface with a paper towel reduces excess oil for easier handling.
- White chocolate melting wafers provide a smooth coating, but regular white chocolate can be used with careful melting.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature to keep toffee crispy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
