Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe

If you’re after a treat that’s rich, indulgent, and downright irresistible, look no further than this Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe. It’s a beautiful marriage of a buttery, tender shortbread base, a luxuriously creamy caramel middle, and a smooth, glossy layer of semi-sweet chocolate on top. Every bite offers the perfect harmony of textures and flavors, making it a showstopper that’s easier to make than you’d expect. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because you deserve a little sweetness, this Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a decadent dessert. Each component is carefully chosen to bring out the best in taste and texture, from silky caramel to crumbly shortbread.

• 16 Tbsp unsalted butter (cut into 1 Tbsp pieces): Browning the butter adds a deep nutty flavor that’s essential for the shortbread.
• 2 cups (283g) all-purpose flour (scoop and level to measure): Provides the structure for the shortbread base.
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps tenderize the shortbread.
• 2 Tbsp milk: Binds ingredients gently, keeping the shortbread moist.
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt or table salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully in both the shortbread and caramel.
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk: The heart of the caramel, providing richness and smoothness.
• 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar: Gives the caramel a deep molasses flavor.
• 1/3 cup heavy cream: Adds silkiness and depth to the caramel layer.
• 1/3 cup corn syrup or golden syrup: Helps prevent crystallization in caramel for that perfectly smooth texture.
• 6 Tbsp salted butter: Adds richness and balances sweetness in the caramel.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Lifts the caramel with a warm, fragrant note.
• 10 oz semi-sweet chocolate (finely chopped): Tops the bars with rich, glossy chocolate that beautifully complements the caramel and shortbread.

How to Make Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter for Shortbread

Start by melting 16 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly with a heatproof spatula and watch as the milk solids turn a gorgeous amber color and the aroma becomes nutty and inviting. This step adds incredible depth to your shortbread. Be careful not to burn the butter — you want a deep golden hue, not dark brown.

Step 2: Cool the Browned Butter

Once perfectly browned, pour the hot butter into a heatproof dish and scrape every bit out of the pan with your spatula. Let it cool until it’s just warm, around 95°F, about 45 minutes. This ensures you don’t cook the dough when mixing.

Step 3: Prepare the Pan and Preheat Oven

Butter and line a 9 by 9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges for easy removal later. Lightly buttering between parchment layers helps them stick together so they stay put while you bake. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Step 4: Make the Shortbread Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour and granulated sugar. Stir the warm browned butter together with milk and 1/2 teaspoon salt, then pour into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; the dough won’t fully come together but that’s perfectly fine.

Step 5: Bake the Shortbread Base

Spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan. Pierce the surface with a fork about an inch apart — this helps it bake evenly and avoid bubbling. Bake for 25 to 27 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the shortbread is just set. Let it cool on a wire rack while you prepare the caramel filling.

Step 6: Make the Caramel Filling

In a heavy-bottom saucepan, stir together the sweetened condensed milk, light brown sugar, salt, heavy cream, corn syrup or golden syrup, and salted butter. Heat over medium, stirring constantly especially near the edges, until the mixture reaches 236 to 239°F on an instant-read thermometer — about 15 minutes. This precise temperature gives you that perfect caramel consistency.

Step 7: Add Vanilla and Pour Caramel

Remove the caramel from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract. Pour the luscious caramel evenly over your baked shortbread base. Let it cool completely, about an hour and a half, so the caramel sets beautifully.

Step 8: Melt and Spread Chocolate Topping

Place the chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl and melt it gently in 20-second bursts in the microwave, stirring well between intervals. Once smooth, spread the chocolate evenly over the caramel layer, creating a shiny finish. Pop the pan in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes to let the chocolate set.

Step 9: Cut and Serve

Use the parchment overhang to lift the Millionaire’s Shortbread out of the pan. Slice into squares or rectangles and prepare to indulge. The layers should hold together perfectly, offering a wonderful balance of crisp shortbread, creamy caramel, and silky chocolate.

How to Serve Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe

Garnishes

While this recipe shines on its own, you can sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate to cut sweetness and add a lovely crunch. Toasted nuts like chopped pecans or hazelnuts also work magically as a garnish, lending extra texture and a nutty note to each bite.

Side Dishes

This decadent treat pairs wonderfully with a rich, freshly brewed cup of coffee or a smooth black tea. For something lighter, a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream will balance the richness and elevate your dessert experience to new heights.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gifting, consider stacking your millionaire’s shortbread squares with parchment layers between to keep them pristine. You can also drizzle white chocolate over the top for a stunning contrast or cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve alongside fresh berries for a sophisticated twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Millionaire’s Shortbread keeps beautifully covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The chocolate may dull slightly over time, but the flavors remain rich and inviting.

Freezing

If you want to make these bars ahead of a big event, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If your shortbread has softened in the fridge, leave it out for 15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can cause the chocolate to seize or the caramel to become too sticky.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter for the entire recipe?

It’s best to use unsalted butter for the shortbread base so you can control the salt levels carefully. However, salted butter is used in the caramel to add richness and balance, which works beautifully in this recipe.

What if I don’t have corn syrup or golden syrup?

Corn syrup or golden syrup prevents crystallization in the caramel and keeps it smooth. If you don’t have either, a mild honey or light maple syrup can sometimes work, but your caramel’s texture may vary slightly.

How thick should the caramel layer be?

Pouring the caramel evenly over the shortbread creates a layer about 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick. This balance ensures the caramel is prominent without making the bars too gooey or overly sweet.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Keep in mind texture may vary slightly, but it should still produce a delicious, tender shortbread foundation.

How do I get clean cuts through the chocolate topping?

Use a sharp knife warmed slightly under hot water, then wiped dry before slicing. This helps prevent cracking and leaves neat edges on your shortbread squares.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making a dessert that feels luxurious but starts with such simple ingredients and methods. This Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe delivers layers of buttery, caramel, and chocolate goodness that will delight anyone lucky enough to get a bite. So grab your ingredients, warm the kitchen with that wonderful caramel aroma, and treat yourself to a little slice of pure happiness.

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