The Best Buttery Millionaire Shortbread Recipe Ever Made

Chocolate-drizzled millionaire shortbread whispers sweet promises of indulgence with every bite.

Layers of buttery, golden crust await your eager taste buds.

Each crumbly section tells a delectable story of rich caramel and smooth chocolate.

Bakers have long celebrated this classic treat for its luxurious combination of textures.

Simple ingredients blend into a dessert that feels like pure decadence.

Crisp shortbread provides the perfect foundation for silky caramel and glossy chocolate.

Crafting this confection brings joy and excitement to any kitchen adventure.

Let’s create a showstopping dessert that’ll make everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Why Millionaire Shortbread Is So Loved

• Effortless Indulgence: This millionaire shortbread recipe offers a simple yet luxurious dessert that requires minimal baking skills, making it perfect for novice and experienced bakers alike.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: With just 25 minutes of baking time and straightforward preparation, this treat can be whipped up quickly for unexpected guests, family gatherings, or spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Nostalgic Comfort: The classic combination of buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and chocolate creates a timeless dessert that brings back memories of childhood treats and cozy afternoons.
• Versatile Celebration Treat: Perfect for potlucks, birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or as a delightful homemade gift that will impress friends and family with its decadent layers and irresistible taste.

What You’ll Use In Millionaire Shortbread

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the crumbly base, providing structure and texture to the shortbread.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crust, best used at room temperature.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the base and helps create a golden, crisp texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the shortbread.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a smooth, rich caramel layer with a creamy consistency.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth caramel texture.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep, molasses-like sweetness to the caramel.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the caramel flavor.

• Semisweet Chocolate Chips, Milk Chocolate Chips: Provide a smooth, glossy chocolate layer with a rich flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps create a silky, spreadable chocolate topping.

Easy Directions For Millionaire Shortbread

Step 1: Prepare Shortbread Base

• Butter
• Sugar
• Flour
• Salt

Mix ingredients until they create a crumbly, sandy texture. Gently press the mixture into a lined 9×13-inch baking pan, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Use a fork to create small punctures across the surface, which helps prevent uneven rising. Pop the pan into a preheated oven at 350°F and bake until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown, typically around 20-25 minutes. Once done, let the shortbread cool completely – patience is key here!

Step 2: Create Silky Caramel Layer

• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Sweetened condensed milk

Stir the mixture constantly to prevent burning. Watch for a rich, golden color and a thick, luxurious consistency. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes of careful cooking. Once perfect, carefully pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread base, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 3: Chocolate Topping Finale

• Milk chocolate
• Dark chocolate

Stir until smooth and glossy. Gently pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, tilting the pan to ensure complete coverage. Use an offset spatula to create a smooth, even surface.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. The cooling process allows layers to set perfectly. Once fully chilled, lift the shortbread out using parchment paper edges and slice into square or rectangular pieces.

Tips That Help With Millionaire Shortbread

• Customize Crust Texture: Adjust the shortbread base by adding a pinch of cornstarch for extra crumbliness or using cold butter for a more compact texture.
• Caramel Consistency Control: Slow-cook the caramel layer on low heat to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, rich texture that spreads easily.
• Chocolate Tempering Trick: Use high-quality chocolate and melt it gently using a double boiler to create a glossy, snap-worthy top layer that looks professional.
• Storage Savvy Solution: Keep millionaire shortbread refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Dietary Adaptation Option: Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and use dairy-free butter alternatives to make this dessert suitable for different dietary needs.

How To Store Millionaire Shortbread The Right Way

• Seal your millionaire shortbread in an airtight container to maintain its delightful texture and flavor.
• Refrigerate the treats for up to 5 days, ensuring they stay fresh and delicious.
• Layer the bars between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve their pristine appearance.
• For longer storage, freeze the shortbread for up to 3 months – simply wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container to enjoy later.

What Goes Well With Millionaire Shortbread

• Brew the Perfect Coffee Companion: Pair this rich millionaire shortbread with a robust espresso or dark roast coffee to cut through the sweetness and complement the caramel's deep flavor profile.
• Select a Sweet Wine Match: Indulge in a glass of late harvest Riesling or Sauternes, which will echo the dessert's caramel notes while providing a delightful balance of acidity and sweetness.
• Craft a Creamy Beverage Fusion: Enjoy a cold glass of whole milk or a creamy chai latte to soften the shortbread's buttery layers and enhance its decadent texture.
• Create a Chocolate Lover's Combo: Serve alongside a small glass of dark chocolate liqueur or port wine, which will intensify the dessert's chocolate and caramel dimensions while offering a luxurious drinking experience.

Ways To Change Up Millionaire Shortbread

• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans over the caramel layer before chocolate sets, adding extra texture and rich nutty flavor.
• Dark Chocolate Dream: Replace milk chocolate with high-quality dark chocolate for a more intense, slightly bitter chocolate topping that complements the sweet caramel.
• Sea Salt Sensation: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the chocolate layer to create a sophisticated sweet-salty contrast that elevates the traditional millionaire shortbread.
• Espresso Chocolate Layer: Mix a teaspoon of instant espresso powder into the melted chocolate to introduce a subtle coffee undertone that deepens the overall flavor profile.

Millionaire Shortbread Questions Answered

FAQs for Millionaire Shortbread:

The name comes from its rich, luxurious layers of buttery shortbread, creamy caramel, and smooth chocolate – making it feel like a million-dollar treat that’s decadently indulgent.

• Is this recipe difficult for beginners?

Not at all! While it has multiple layers, each step is straightforward. With basic baking skills and patience, even novice bakers can create this delicious dessert successfully.

• Can I use different types of chocolate for the topping?

Absolutely! You can use milk, dark, or white chocolate depending on your preference. Each type will give a slightly different flavor profile to the classic millionaire shortbread.

• How do I get clean, perfect cuts when serving?

Chill the bars completely before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut to ensure neat, professional-looking squares that showcase the beautiful layers.

Millionaire Shortbread Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Millionaire shortbread brings layers of buttery bliss to sweet seekers worldwide. Crisp shortbread, silky caramel, and rich chocolate create an indulgent dessert you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Butter:

• 2 cups (4 sticks or 454 grams) unsalted butter, softened

Flour and Sweeteners:

• 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (220 grams) light brown sugar, packed

Milk and Syrup:

• 1 can (14 ounces or 397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
• 4 tablespoons golden syrup (or light corn syrup)

Chocolate and Flavoring:

• 1 ½ cups (255 grams) semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or unsalted butter (optional, for smoother texture)

Seasoning:

• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Create a buttery foundation by gently pressing the shortbread mixture into a lined rectangular pan, ensuring an even, smooth surface. Carefully pierce the dough with a fork to prevent uneven rising during baking.
2. Transfer the prepared base into a preheated oven, allowing the delicate shortbread to transform into a golden, crisp layer. Watch carefully as the edges turn a light amber color, indicating perfect doneness.
3. Remove the shortbread base and permit it to cool completely, which helps develop a sturdy structure for the upcoming caramel layer. The cooling process is crucial for maintaining structural integrity.
4. Craft a rich, silky caramel by slowly melting butter and sugar together, stirring continuously to prevent scorching. The mixture should gradually transform into a deep amber liquid with a glossy, smooth consistency.
5. Carefully pour the warm caramel over the cooled shortbread base, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the entire surface. Ensure complete coverage for a uniform flavor experience.
6. Melt chocolate using a gentle double-boiler technique, maintaining a smooth, glossy texture without introducing moisture. Stir consistently to prevent any potential burning or separation.
7. Gracefully drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, creating an elegant, marbled pattern. Use a spatula or knife to create decorative swirls if desired.
8. Refrigerate the assembled dessert, allowing layers to set and solidify. This chilling process helps create clean, precise cuts when serving the millionaire shortbread.
9. Once completely set, lift the dessert from the pan using parchment paper edges. Slice into precise, uniform squares using a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges.

Notes

• Customize the crust by swapping traditional flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour for those with dietary restrictions.
• Use a food processor to quickly blend the shortbread base, ensuring a consistently smooth and crumbly texture without overmixing.
• Prevent caramel from burning by stirring constantly and using a heavy-bottomed pan which distributes heat more evenly during cooking.
• Chill the dessert for at least 2 hours before cutting to achieve clean, sharp edges and allow layers to set perfectly.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg