Grandma’s Christmas Candy

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)

• ½–1 cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan

Line a small baking sheet or 9×13 pan with parchment paper or lightly butter it.

2. Make the Candy Base

1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter, sugar, and salt over medium heat.

2. Stir constantly until mixture begins to bubble.

3. Once bubbling, reduce heat slightly and cook 8–12 minutes, stirring often,
   until mixture turns a deep caramel/amber color.

4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

3. Spread & Top

1. Pour the hot candy onto the prepared pan. Spread evenly.

2. Immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the top.

3. Let sit 2–3 minutes until the chocolate melts, then spread it smoothly with a spatula.

4. Sprinkle chopped nuts on top.

4. Cool & Break

• Let cool completely at room temperature, or refrigerate until firm.

• Break into pieces (that imperfect “Grandma” look is part of the charm!).

⭐ Tips for the Best Old-Fashioned Candy

• Don’t walk away — the sugar mixture changes fast.

• Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm Christmas twist.

• Use toasted nuts for more flavor.

• Wrap pieces in wax paper for that true nostalgic holiday feel.

🎄 Variations Grandma Might Have Made

• Peanut Brittle Style – add roasted peanuts to the hot candy.

• Pecan Meltaways – skip chocolate and add only pecans.

• White Chocolate Drizzle – for a festive finish.

• Candy Cane Crunch – sprinkle crushed peppermint over the melted chocolate.