Irresistible Crispy Peppermint Graham Cracker Toffee Recipe

Decadent layers of sweet and crunchy goodness come together in this irresistible peppermint graham cracker toffee that will melt hearts at any holiday gathering.

Buttery toffee creates a rich base, generously topped with melted chocolate and crushed candy canes.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and festive flavors.

Crisp graham crackers provide a sturdy foundation for this delightful treat.

The combination of chocolate, toffee, and peppermint creates a symphony of deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to become the star of your next dessert table with this simple yet impressive confection.

How to Make Peppermint Graham Toffee Crisp

• Prep the Baking Surface

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and create a single layer of graham crackers, breaking them to fit if necessary.

• Craft the Caramel Blend

In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture boils and reaches the hard crack stage, which gives the toffee its signature crunch.

• Transform the Graham Base

Pour the molten caramel over the crackers, quickly spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure complete coverage.

• Enhance with Heat

Slide the tray into a 350F oven and bake for 5-7 minutes until the edges bubble and dance with golden promise.

• Decorate with Indulgence

Sprinkle chocolate chips across the hot surface. Allow them to melt naturally, then smooth into a luscious layer. Scatter crushed peppermint pieces, gently pressing them into the chocolate.

• Complete the Confection

Let the toffee cool completely at room temperature or accelerate the process in the refrigerator. Once set, fracture into delightful, irregular pieces and store in an airtight container.

Tips for Peppermint and Chocolate Layers

• Use a candy thermometer for perfect toffee consistency, ensuring it reaches exactly 300F for that crisp, breakable texture without burning.
• Let chocolate chips sit directly on hot toffee for 1-2 minutes, creating a smooth spreading surface without additional heating.
• Crush peppermint candies inside a sealed plastic bag using a rolling pin for even, controlled pieces that won't scatter everywhere.
• Swap regular graham crackers with gluten-free graham-style crackers to make this treat accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Keep toffee pieces in a cool, dry place in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain crispness.

Serve Toffee as Holiday Bites or Gifts

• Holiday Gift Packaging: Package the peppermint toffee in clear cellophane bags tied with festive red ribbons. Perfect for sharing with friends and family during winter celebrations.
• Dessert Accompaniment: Serve small broken pieces alongside hot cocoa or coffee for a delightful after-dinner treat. The peppermint adds a refreshing twist to traditional dessert pairings.
• Festive Platter Display: Arrange the toffee pieces on a decorative holiday platter with whole candy canes and sprigs of fresh mint. Creates a stunning visual presentation for seasonal gatherings.
• Ice Cream Topping: Crumble the toffee over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra crunch and peppermint flavor. Transforms a simple dessert into a gourmet experience.

Store Toffee to Keep That Crunch

• Refrigerate in a sealed container to maintain crispness for up to 7 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and humidity to prevent softening.
• Place parchment paper between toffee layers when storing to prevent pieces from sticking together. This trick keeps each bite perfectly intact and easy to grab.
• Store at cool room temperature (around 65-70°F) if consuming within 3 days. Avoid warm environments that might cause chocolate to melt or candies to become sticky.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen toffee pieces can last up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for best texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Why use a candy thermometer for this recipe?

A candy thermometer ensures the toffee reaches exactly 300F (hard crack stage), which is crucial for creating the perfect texture and preventing burning or undercooking.

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

No, stick with unsalted butter to control the salt content. Salted butter can make the toffee too salty and affect the overall flavor balance of the dessert.

• How do I crush peppermint candies without making a mess?

Place unwrapped peppermint candies in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them using a rolling pin or the back of a heavy spoon. This method contains the candies and creates even-sized pieces.

• What if my toffee mixture starts to separate while cooking?

Keep stirring constantly and maintain medium heat. If separation occurs, continue stirring and it should re-incorporate. Consistent stirring prevents burning and helps create a smooth toffee mixture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 198 kcal

Servings: 12

Peppermint Toffee Ingredient Essentials

• Graham Crackers: Crispy foundation that adds delightful texture and subtle sweetness to the dessert, choose fresh crackers with no staleness or moisture.
• Parchment Paper: Essential for easy removal and preventing sticking, select a high-quality non-stick variety for best results.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, smooth base for toffee, select high-quality butter with good fat content for optimal caramelization.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel flavor and helps create smooth toffee texture, choose fresh, soft brown sugar without hard crystals.

• Chocolate Chips: Adds luxurious chocolate layer, select semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for balanced sweetness.
• Peppermint Candies: Brings refreshing minty crunch and festive appearance, crush candies into small, consistent pieces for even distribution.

Tools That Make Cracker Toffee Easier

• Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for even cooking and spreading toffee.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Saucepan: Medium-sized pot for creating toffee mixture.
• Candy Thermometer: Crucial for precise temperature monitoring.
• Spatula: Helps spread toffee and chocolate smoothly.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Oven Mitts: Protect hands from hot surfaces.
• Airtight Container: For storing finished toffee pieces.

Crispy Peppermint Graham Cracker Toffee Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Graham cracker toffee with peppermint brings festive holiday cheer to classic dessert lovers. Crunchy layers of buttery toffee, chocolate, and crushed candy canes create an irresistible seasonal treat you’ll adore.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 graham cracker sheets (enough to cover baking sheet)
• 1 cup (226 g / 8 oz) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, packed
• 2 cups (340 g) semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
• ½ cup (75 g) crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Meticulously line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a seamless base of graham crackers by filling any spaces with precisely broken pieces to ensure complete coverage.
2. Caramel Transformation: In a saucepan, vigorously combine butter and brown sugar, continuously stirring over medium heat until the mixture erupts into a rolling boil, reaching the precise hard crack stage at 300F (150C).
3. Toffee Coating: Execute a swift, controlled pour of the molten caramel over the graham cracker foundation, ensuring rapid and uniform distribution before crystallization begins.
4. Oven Refinement: Slide the pan into a preheated 350F (175C) oven, allowing the toffee to bubble and intensify for 5-7 minutes, maintaining vigilant observation to prevent excessive browning.
5. Chocolate Fusion: Immediately extract the tray and strategically scatter chocolate chips across the scorching surface, permitting natural melting for 1-2 minutes before smoothing into a flawless chocolate glaze.
6. Peppermint Embellishment: Liberally shower crushed peppermint candies over the molten chocolate, gently pressing to guarantee secure adherence and complete flavor integration.
7. Cooling and Setting: Allow the confection to stabilize at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or accelerate the process by chilling in the refrigerator until achieving a perfect, crisp consistency.
8. Final Presentation: Dramatically fracture the toffee into rustic, artisanal pieces and store in an airtight container to preserve its delicate texture and vibrant flavors.

Notes

Control Butter Burning: Watch the caramel mixture closely during boiling to prevent burning – brown sugar and butter can quickly turn from golden to scorched, ruining the entire batch.

Optimize Chocolate Melting: Let chocolate chips sit undisturbed on hot toffee for exactly 1-2 minutes to ensure smooth, even melting without breaking or creating lumpy texture.

Prevent Soggy Base: Ensure graham crackers are tightly arranged without gaps to create a solid, crisp foundation that absorbs caramel evenly and maintains structural integrity.

Temperature Precision: Use a reliable candy thermometer to hit the exact 300F hard crack stage – even a few degrees off can dramatically change the toffee’s texture and consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 106 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg