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This crunchy cinnamon-sugar delight turns the classic Mexican street snack into a buttery, crisp treat that vanishes quickly at any party. The mix of buttery toffee base topped with smooth white chocolate and that iconic cinnamon sugar coating makes an addictive sweet that tastes just like the real deal.
I whipped up this cinnamon toffee after a trip to Disneyland where they offer something similar. My take on it has now become what my family begs for during movie nights and holiday get-togethers.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Forms the luxurious foundation of the toffee, go for premium quality for the best taste
- Granulated sugar: Delivers perfect golden caramelization and just the right sweetness
- Kosher salt: Lifts all the flavors and cuts through the sweetness
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and complexity
- Ghirardelli White Chocolate Wafers: They melt smoothly, always check for real cocoa butter on the ingredient list
- Cinnamon sugar blend: Gives that classic churro taste, mix 2 parts sugar to 1 part cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace:
- Cover a 15×10-inch baking sheet with parchment paper, making sure it hangs over the sides for easy lifting later. Get all ingredients measured and ready since toffee making goes fast once you start.
- Create The Toffee Base:
- Mix butter, sugar, and salt together in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring with a wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula. Watch as the butter completely melts and the mixture starts to bubble. Don't stop stirring or it might burn.
- Monitor The Color Change:
- Keep stirring as the mix bubbles and turns color. This is the key moment. You want that raw almond shade that shows the sugar has properly caramelized. This usually takes between 5-8 minutes depending on your stovetop. Take it off the heat right when you hit this color.
- Add Vanilla And Pour:
- Stir in the vanilla which will sizzle and smell amazing. Right away pour the hot mix onto your waiting baking sheet. Work quickly as it starts to harden fast.
- Spread And Level:
- Use an offset spatula to push the toffee to how thick you want it. Spread it thin for crispier pieces or keep it thicker for chunkier bites. Both ways turn out great.
- Add White Chocolate Layer:
- Put Ghirardelli white chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for a minute. Stir until fully melted and smooth. Pour over your still-warm toffee and use your spatula to coat the entire surface evenly.
- Apply Cinnamon Sugar:
- While the white chocolate hasn't set yet, sprinkle plenty of your cinnamon sugar mix all over. The warm chocolate will help it stick perfectly, creating that authentic flavor.
- Allow To Set:
- Let your toffee cool completely at room temp until the chocolate hardens. This usually takes 1-2 hours based on how warm your kitchen is. Being patient leads to the best results.
- Break And Enjoy:
- Once fully hardened, snap the toffee into random chunks using just your hands or a knife. The uneven pieces are part of what makes it special.
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Never stop stirring when making toffee. I picked up this tip from my grandma who made it every Christmas. She'd tell me tales of how her mom taught her the method while I stood by the stove learning to spot that perfect golden-brown color.
Storage Tips
Your cinnamon toffee will keep well in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 weeks. If you're storing multiple layers, put parchment paper between them so they don't stick together. You don't need to refrigerate it, but doing so can help it last longer in hot weather. The flavor actually gets better after sitting for a day or two.
Troubleshooting Guide
Got grainy toffee? It probably crystallized during cooking. This happens when sugar crystals form. Next time, don't scrape the sides of the pan and keep the heat steady throughout. If your white chocolate clumps up, try adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil and warming it gently. You'll know the toffee is ready by its raw almond color rather than checking a specific temp, making this super doable even for beginners.
Creative Variations
Try adding a dark chocolate layer between the toffee and white chocolate for more depth. Want a nutty twist? Scatter some toasted chopped almonds or pecans onto the toffee before adding the white chocolate. In autumn, drop a bit of pumpkin pie spice into your cinnamon sugar mix for a seasonal flavor. You can really play with this recipe to match what you love.
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This cinnamon toffee makes a fancy treat that's easy enough for beginners but tasty enough to impress everyone who tries it. Savor each crunchy, cinnamon-coated bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I keep toffee from burning?
Keep it moving with constant stirring, and take it off the stove as soon as the color turns light caramel-like or almond tan.
- → Is dark chocolate a good alternative?
Definitely! Dark chocolate gives a deeper, less sweet twist that balances perfectly with the toffee.
- → What’s the trick for smooth melted chocolate?
Short microwave bursts are your friend! Stir it between heats so it stays creamy and smooth.
- → How should I store the toffee?
Keep it crispy by sealing it in an airtight container. It'll last two weeks at room temperature.
- → Can I tweak the cinnamon sugar mix?
Go right ahead! Make it just sweet or spicy enough for your taste buds by adjusting the blend.