If you have a sweet tooth and a love for all things magical, you’re going to adore this Churro Toffee (Disneyland Copycat) Recipe. Imagine the crunch of buttery toffee paired with the creamy sweetness of white chocolate, dusted generously with cinnamon and sugar—every bite transports you straight to Main Street at Disneyland. This recipe is not only absolutely delicious, but it’s also a fun way to recreate one of the park’s most iconic treats right in your own kitchen. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you ever paid for the line at the park!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, high-quality ingredients are all you need to create this delectable churro-inspired toffee. Each component plays an essential role, from the rich butter that creates toffee’s fantastic texture to the cinnamon sugar topping that brings that unmistakable churro flavor to life.
- 2 cups unsalted butter (4 sticks): The foundation for luscious, crunchy toffee with perfect richness.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the toffee and helps create that classic shiny finish and texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the buttery flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds subtle depth and warmth to the toffee base.
- Three 10-ounce bags Ghirardelli White Melting Wafers: Smooth, creamy coating that melts perfectly over the toffee.
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for topping): Mixed with cinnamon for that signature churro sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon: The spice that transforms this treat into something truly magical.
How to Make Churro Toffee (Disneyland Copycat) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients
Begin by lining a standard 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper—spray it thoroughly to make sure the toffee doesn’t stick. This step is crucial because parchment ensures your toffee will release easily without breaking when you cut it later. Have your candy thermometer handy, and make sure your pot is large enough to accommodate the bubbling mixture without spilling over.
Step 2: Cook the Toffee Mixture
In a large, high-sided pot, combine the butter, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla. Clip your candy thermometer to the side, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Stir only at the very beginning until the butter melts; then leave it alone. Patience is key here — stirring too much can prevent the toffee from setting properly. Let the mixture cook until it reaches exactly 285°F, which usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Step 3: Pour and Score the Toffee
Once your toffee hits that perfect 285°F, pour it immediately onto your prepared pan. Allow it to rest and cool for 5 to 10 minutes, just until it starts to set but remains pliable. Then score the surface with a knife or pizza cutter, creating grooves to help break it into neat pieces once fully cooled. Whether you prefer larger squares or bite-sized pieces is up to you!
Step 4: Break Apart and Prepare for Dipping
After the toffee hardens completely, gently break it into pieces along the grooves. Wipe away any excess butter that may have oozed out with a paper towel. Set these toffee pieces aside while you melt your white chocolate in a medium bowl. Using Ghirardelli White Melting Wafers ensures a smooth dip, much better than typical white chocolate chips.
Step 5: Coat the Toffee in White Chocolate and Cinnamon Sugar
Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a separate bowl or spread it on parchment for easy dipping. Dip each piece of toffee into the melted white chocolate, then immediately spoon or sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over every side. Place each coated piece on parchment to dry. You might need to melt more chocolate as you go if it begins to harden.
Step 6: Allow Your Churro Toffee to Set
Let your treats set at room temperature for 60 to 90 minutes. Avoid chilling in the fridge—cooling too quickly or cold temperatures can cause the cinnamon sugar topping to become wet or sticky. Patience here results in a crisp, perfectly set Churro Toffee that’s ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Churro Toffee (Disneyland Copycat) Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on your serving plate for a rustic look and additional flavor boost. If you’re feeling indulgent, add a pinch of flaky sea salt to contrast the sweetness and elevate every bite.
Side Dishes
This churro toffee pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate, making it a perfect treat for chilly afternoons. For gatherings, present it alongside fresh fruit or simple butter cookies to offer some texture variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the toffee pieces in a colorful glass jar or stack them on a vintage plate for a festive party display. Wrapping individual pieces in clear cellophane with a cinnamon stick tied on with a ribbon makes a thoughtful homemade gift that friends and family will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your churro toffee in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks, making it a great treat that you can enjoy bit by bit.
Freezing
You can freeze the toffee for longer storage—wrap the pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or container. It will keep beautifully for up to four months. Just be sure to thaw fully before serving to avoid any tooth-breaking surprises!
Reheating
Churro Toffee is best enjoyed at room temperature. If the toffee has lost some crispness after storage, simply let it sit out for a couple of hours to regain its perfect crunch. Avoid microwaving or reheating over direct heat, as it can melt the white chocolate and ruin the texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of white chocolate?
While you can try other brands, Ghirardelli White Melting Wafers melt smoothly and provide the best coating results. Regular white chocolate bars might work but may not melt as evenly. White chocolate chips are not recommended because they are designed to hold their shape and won’t give you that silky coating.
Why do I need a candy thermometer for this recipe?
A candy thermometer ensures your toffee reaches the perfect hard crack stage at 285°F. Accuracy is crucial here—too low and the toffee will be sticky; too high and it can burn or become too brittle. Using a thermometer takes the guesswork out and guarantees success.
What is the best way to break apart the toffee?
After scoring the toffee when soft, wait until completely cooled, then use your hands to gently break it along the scored lines. You can also use the edge of a butter knife if you want more uniform pieces. Just be careful not to cut yourself on the sharp toffee edges.
Can I make the churro topping less sweet?
Absolutely! You can reduce the granulated sugar in the topping or add more cinnamon for a spicier kick. Some people even like to add a tiny pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for unique flavor twists.
Is it safe to make this recipe with children?
This recipe involves boiling hot sugar syrup, which can cause serious burns. Children should not be involved with the cooking steps but can certainly help with stirring other parts like mixing the cinnamon sugar or dipping the toffee once it’s cool and the melted chocolate is safe to handle.
Final Thoughts
This Churro Toffee (Disneyland Copycat) Recipe is a magical blend of crunchy, buttery toffee and cinnamon-sugar sweetness coated in luscious white chocolate. It’s a homemade delight that will impress friends, satisfy your cravings, and bring a little bit of Disneyland joy to your kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
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Churro Toffee (Disneyland Copycat) Recipe
This Disneyland copycat churro toffee recipe delivers buttery, crunchy toffee coated in smooth white chocolate and dusted with a cinnamony sugar topping for a delicious churro-inspired treat. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a nostalgic twist, this homemade candy captures the magic of a theme park favorite, letting you enjoy it anytime at home.
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
Ingredients
Toffee
- 2 cups unsalted butter (4 sticks)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Three 10-ounce bags Ghirardelli White Melting Wafers
Churro Topping
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare pan: Line a standard baking sheet or 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, making sure to spray it thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Proper lining is essential for easy removal of the toffee later.
- Cook the toffee: In a large, high-sided pot, combine butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Attach a clip-on candy thermometer to the pot. Heat mixture over medium, stirring just until butter melts, then leave it undisturbed. Allow it to boil and cook until reaching 285°F, this usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Use a candy thermometer for accuracy.
- Pour and set toffee: Once the mixture hits 285°F, immediately pour it onto the prepared pan. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until it is still soft but starting to set.
- Score toffee: Using a knife or pizza cutter, gently score grooves into the toffee to facilitate breaking it later. You can remove the parchment to a cutting board for easier cutting. Make about 12 to 15 large squares or 24 smaller bite-sized pieces, but don’t fully separate them yet.
- Cool completely and break apart: Let the toffee fully harden at room temperature, then break it apart along the scored lines. Pat off any excess butter that might have leaked out using paper towels.
- Melt white chocolate: Melt one bag of Ghirardelli White Melting Wafers in a medium bowl. This brand is recommended for its smooth, even melting qualities.
- Mix churro topping: In a separate bowl, combine cinnamon and sugar. You can keep it in the bowl or spread it out on parchment for easier dipping.
- Coat toffee: Dip each piece of toffee into the melted white chocolate, then spoon or sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping over all sides. Place coated pieces on parchment paper to set. Repeat until all toffee is coated, melting more chocolate as needed.
- Set chocolate coating: Allow the toffee to set at room temperature for 60 to 90 minutes. Avoid refrigeration to prevent the cinnamon sugar from liquifying and to maintain the best texture.
- Store: Keep churro toffee airtight at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 4 months. Thaw fully at room temperature before serving to avoid texture issues.
Notes
- Be very careful when making toffee as the molten sugar mixture is extremely hot and can cause severe burns; keep children away during cooking.
- Do not skip using parchment paper with cooking spray; foil or wax paper will not work properly and make removal difficult.
- Use a clip-on candy thermometer for accuracy and safety when monitoring toffee temperature.
- For a time-saving shortcut, you can refrigerate the toffee briefly to speed up setting before scoring, but this is optional.
- Using Ghirardelli White Melting Wafers is strongly recommended for smooth melting and coating; white chocolate chips are not suitable.
- Allowing the coated toffee to set at room temperature keeps the cinnamon sugar topping crisp and prevents it from becoming sticky or liquidy as can happen in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert/Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American