Millionaire Shortbread Recipe (Caramel Shortbread) (2024)

By Laura

Posted Dec 02, 2020, Updated Mar 16, 2024

5 from 32 votes

15 Comments

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The best Millionaire Shortbread Recipe! Buttery shortbread, smooth caramel and a layer of chocolate come together to make the most delicious caramel shortbread recipe ever. A great bar to feed a crowd or to include on your Christmas cookie tray!

Millionaire Shortbread Recipe (Caramel Shortbread) (2)

These Millionaire Shortbread Bars are one of the most delicious desserts in my repertoire. Buttery shortbread, smooth caramel and a layer of chocolate come together to make a sweet treat that will blow you away.
This caramel shortbread is a great bar to feed a crowd (e.g. take to a potluck or barbecue) or to include on your Christmas cookie tray.

I consider this millionaire shortbread recipe a medium to advanced baking recipe – simply because caramel can be finicky and requires undivided attention as it’s made – but I promise you they are worth every second of your expertise and time.

Millionaire Shortbread Recipe (Caramel Shortbread) (3)

Millionaire Shortbread Recipe: Ingredients and Substitutions

Millionaire Shortbread Recipe (Caramel Shortbread) (4)
  • Salted Butter.Unsalted butter is a good substitute.
  • White Sugar.organic cane sugar is a good substitute.
  • All-purpose flour.I don’t recommend making substitutions for the flour.
  • Light corn syrup.recommended substitutes for corn syrup (to be used in the caramel) are brown rice syrup and golden syrup (for my UK friends).
  • Heavy Cream.In the chocolate topping, heavy cream can be substituted with half and half.
  • Semi-sweet Chocolate.Use any form of chocolate – chips, chopped bars, discs, etc. I prefer semi-sweet or dark, but you can use any variety to suit your tastes.
Millionaire Shortbread Recipe (Caramel Shortbread) (5)

How to Make Millionaire Shortbread Bars

This millionaire shortbread recipe is really like three recipes in one. As always, we’ll walk through the process step-by-step, and don’t forget to watch the video!

Make the Shortbread

The first step in making these millionaire bars is to make the shortbread. It needs ot cool slightly before pouring the caramel layer on top, and the caramel takes a lot of attention to make, so be sure to start by baking the shortbread.

Prepare the Pan

Line a 9×13” baking pan with parchment paper and grease. This is important to ensure you can remove the bars once they are finished to cut easily.

Make the Shortbread

In the bowl of a standing mixer, or in a large bowl with a hand-held mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 60 seconds).

Millionaire Shortbread Recipe (Caramel Shortbread) (6)

Add egg yolk and vanilla and beat until combined.

Millionaire Shortbread Recipe (Caramel Shortbread) (7)

Add flour and sea salt and beat until the mixture comes together into large crumbs. Don’t over-mix!

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Press the mixture into the prepared pan in an even layer and gently poke the top all over with a fork. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the sides are lightly golden brown.

Remove the baked shortbread from the oven and set on a wire rack to cool while you make the caramel.

Millionaire Shortbread Recipe (Caramel Shortbread) (9)

Make the Caramel

Next, make the caramel. This step requires your full attention, so don’t try to multi-task!

Put butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, condensed milk and sea salt in a 4-quart saucepan and cook over medium-low heat until the caramel reaches 225-235 degrees F on a thermometer, stirring frequently. This takes about 45 minutes. Do not rush it.

Millionaire Shortbread Recipe (Caramel Shortbread) (10)

How to Avoid Butter Separation While Making Caramel

Sometimes, as you’re cooking caramel, the butter begins to separate from the mixture. I have never had this happen with this recipe, but it can happen, so here are some ways to avoid separation.

  • Use salted butter. Be sure to use salted butter because the salt helps stabilize the caramel.
  • Avoid extreme temperature changes.Don’t turn the heat up high in order to cook the caramel faster.
  • Stir constantly.Please don’t walk away – this caramel needs to be stirred often.
  • Melt butter & sugar together.Make sure the butter and sugar melt at the same time in the beginning of cooking. You can chop the butter into smaller pieces to ensure that happens.
  • Use a thick stockpotto avoid uneven heating.

How to Fix Separated Caramel

Here are some ways to fix separated caramel, as long as you have not removed it from the saucepan you should be able to save it in one of these two ways:

  • Beat it. If the butter separates from the caramel, remove it from the heat and beat it vigorously un it’s re-incorporated! Then, if it’s not finished cooking gradually heat the mixture over low heat until it’s finished.
  • Add hot water.You can try to add 1 to 2 TBS of extremely hot (boiling) water to the mixture and beat it vigorously to re-combine the ingredients.
Millionaire Shortbread Recipe (Caramel Shortbread) (11)

Determine Doneness

The best way to know the caramel is done is by using a thermometer. Once it reaches 225-235 degrees F you know it is finished.

You will know you’re getting close when the caramel becomes slightly darker brown in color (but it’s still light brown), thickens and pulls away from the sides of the saucepan as you stir. It will also remain solid when removed from the pot and left to cool or put in cold water.When the caramel is finished cooking, remove from heat, add vanilla and stir vigorously.

Millionaire Shortbread Recipe (Caramel Shortbread) (12)

Assemble Millionaire Shortbread Bars

As soon as the caramel is finished, immediately pour over cooled shortbread.

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Then, place the millionaire bars in the refrigerator or outside on a cold day to cool and for the caramel to set. Chill for about 30-60 minutes.

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Make the Chocolate Topping

Once the caramel is firm, make the chocolate topping. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to bubbles around the edges, but does not boil.

Reduce heat to low, add chocolate chips and whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Remove from heat, add vanilla and whisk to combine.

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Pour the chocolate topping over the firm caramel and let sit at room temperature or in the refrigerator until the chocolate is set and bars are firm – this takes about 3-6 hours.

If desired, once the chocolate is mostly firm but not completely, sprinkle some flaky sea salt over the top of the bars.

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Cut & Serve

Once the chocolate is sufficiently firm, cut the millionaire shortbread into squares. They are best when served at room temperature, so I suggest cutting them and waiting a bit to serve them until they have softened slightly.

How to Cut Millionaire Bars

The best way to cut these millionaire bars is to run a very sharp knife under hot water, wipe dry and then cut. Repeat between each cut, cleaning and warming the knife each time to avoid any crumbs.

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Store

Store these millionaire bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 5-7 days. You can also store them in the refrigerator and they will last a little longer, but you would want to let them sit at room temperature to warm up a bit before serving.

Freeze

If you’d like to freeze these millionaire bars, here’s how:

  1. Place cut bars on a large baking sheet – not touching.
  2. Freeze for 1 hour, or until hardened.
  3. Wrap individually with plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container.
  4. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
  5. To thaw: remove frozen millionaire bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature until softened enough to eat.
Millionaire Shortbread Recipe (Caramel Shortbread) (18)

Millionaire’s Bars Recipe FAQs

How do you fix caramel if the butter separates?

Beat it. If the butter separates from the caramel, remove it from the heat and beat it vigorously un it’s re-incorporated! Then, if it’s not finished cooking gradually heat the mixture over low heat until it’s finished.
Add hot water.You can try to add 1 to 2 TBS of extremely hot (boiling) water to the mixture and beat it vigorously to re-combine the ingredients.

How do you cut millionaire shortbread?

The best way to cut these millionaire bars is to run a very sharp knife under hot water, wipe dry and then cut. Repeat between each cut, cleaning and warming the knife each time to avoid any crumbs.

How do you know when the caramel is done

The best way to know the caramel is done is by using a thermometer. Once it reaches 225-235 degrees F you know it is finished.
You will know you’re getting close when the caramel becomes slightly darker brown in color (but it’s still light brown), thickens and pulls away from the sides of the saucepan as you stir. It will also remain solid when removed from the pot and left to cool or put in cold water.

Millionaire Shortbread Recipe (Caramel Shortbread) (19)

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Millionaire Shortbread Recipe (Caramel Shortbread) (20)

Millionaire Shortbread Recipe (Caramel Shortbread) (21)

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Millionaire Shortbread Recipe (Caramel Shortbread)

Laura

The best Millionaire Shortbread Recipe! Buttery shortbread, smooth caramel and a layer of chocolate come together to make the most delicious caramel shortbread recipe ever. A great bar to feed a crowd or include on your Christmas cookie tray!

5 from 32 votes

Course cookies, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 28 Bars

Calories 335

Prep Time15 minutes minutes

Cook Time1 hour hour

Chilling3 hours hours

Total Time4 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Ingredients

Shortbread:

Caramel:

Chocolate Topping

Instructions

Make the Shortbread

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

  • Line a 9×13” baking pan with parchment paper and grease.

  • In the bowl of a standing mixer, or in a large bowl with a hand-held mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 60 seconds).

  • Add egg yolk and vanilla and beat until combined.

  • Add flour and sea salt and beat until the mixture comes together into large crumbs.

  • Press the mixture into the prepared pan in an even layer and gently poke the top all over with a fork.

  • Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the sides are lightly golden brown.

  • Remove from the oven and set on a wire rack to cool while you make the caramel.

Make the Caramel

  • Put butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, condensed milk and sea salt in a 4-quart saucepan.

  • Cook over medium-low heat until the caramel reaches 225-235 degrees F on a thermometer, stirring frequently This takes about 30-40 minutes. Do not rush it.

  • You will know you’re getting close when the caramel becomes slightly darker brown in color (but it’s still light brown), thickens and pulls away from the sides of the saucepan as you stir. It will also remain solid when removed from the pot and left to cool or put in cold water.

  • When the caramel is finished cooking, remove from heat, add vanilla and stir vigorously.

  • Immediately pour over cooled shortbread.

  • Place bars in the refrigerator or outside on a cold day to cool and for the caramel to set. Chill for about 30-60 minutes.

Make the Chocolate Topping

  • Once the caramel is firm, make the chocolate topping.

  • In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to bubbles around the edges, but does not boil.

  • Reduce heat to low, add chocolate chips and whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy.

  • Remove from heat, add vanilla and whisk to combine.

  • Pour over firm caramel and let sit at room temperature or in the refrigerator until the chocolate is set (1-2 hours).

  • Cut into squares and serve at room temperature.

Video

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions:

I don’t recommend making any substitutions. However, here are a few possible ingredient swaps.

  • Salted Butter.Unsalted butter is a good substitute.
  • White Sugar.organic cane sugar is a good substitute.
  • All-purpose flour.I don’t recommend making substitutions for the flour.
  • Light corn syrup.recommended substitutes for corn syrup (to be used in the caramel) are brown rice syrup and golden syrup (for my UK friends).
  • Heavy Cream.In the chocolate topping, heavy cream can be substituted with half and half.
  • Semi-sweet Chocolate.Use any form of chocolate – chips, chopped bars, discs, etc. I prefer semi-sweet or dark, but you can use any variety to suit your tastes.

How to Cut Millionaire’s Shortbread

The best way to cut these millionaire bars is to run a very sharp knife under hot water, wipe dry and then cut. Repeat between each cut, cleaning and warming the knife each time to avoid any crumbs.

Store

Store these millionaire bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 5-7 days. You can also store them in the refrigerator and they will last a little longer, but you would want to let them sit at room temperature to warm up a bit before serving.

Freeze

  1. Place cut bars on a large baking sheet with 1/2″ between them.
  2. Freeze for 1 hour, or until hardened.
  3. Wrap individually with plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container.
  4. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
  5. To thaw: remove frozen millionaire bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature until softened enough to eat.

How to Avoid Butter Separation While Making Caramel

Sometimes, as you’re cooking caramel, the butter begins to separate from the mixture. Here are some ways to avoid separation.

  • Use salted butter. Be sure to use salted butter because the salt helps stabilize the caramel!
  • Avoid extreme temperature changes.Don’t turn the heat up high in order to cook the caramel faster.
  • Stir constantly.Please don’t walk away – this caramel needs to be stirred often.
  • Melt butter & sugar together.Make sure the butter and sugar melt at the same time in the beginning of cooking. You can chop the butter into smaller pieces to ensure that happens.
  • Use a thick stockpotto avoid uneven heating.

How to Fix Separated Caramel

Here are some ways to fix separated caramel, as long as you have not removed it from the saucepan you should be able to save it in one of these two ways:

  • Beat it! If the butter separates from the caramel, remove it from the heat and beat it vigorously un it’s re-incorporated! Then, if it’s not finished cooking gradually heat the mixture over low heat until it’s finished.
  • Add hot water.You can add 1 to 2 Tablespoons of extremely hot (boiling) water to the mixture and beat it vigorously to re-combine the ingredients.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bar | Calories: 335kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 203mg | Potassium: 83mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 587IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!

Try these recipes

Homemade Caramel Recipe

Caramel Cookies

Caramel Brownies

Almond Toffee Recipe

Shortbread Cookies

Caramel Sauce Recipe

Millionaire Shortbread Recipe (Caramel Shortbread) (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between caramel shortbread and millionaire shortbread? ›

Caramel Slice is kinda similar but with a twist. It also has a shortbread base, caramel, and chocolate. But the caramel is usually softer and gooey, unlike the firmer caramel in Millionaire Shortbread.

What does Millionaire shortbread contain? ›

The shortbread (a faux shortbread, more on that below) is slightly sweetened but serves as the crispy vehicle to transport chewy caramel and a blanket of chocolate ganache. To make things even more decadent, it's all topped off with a sprinkle of sea salt. It's not called Millionaire's shortbread for nothing!

How long does caramel take to set? ›

Refrigerate until cooled and hardened. (Best if you refrigerate them overnight, or for several hours. They will be easier to cut and wrap). The caramel will seem hard in the fridge after they're set, but they should be soft at room temperature.

How do you know when shortbread is done? ›

A good way to check to see if the shortbread is baked is to see if they are set - they will be slightly firm around the outside, and may be just beginning to turn golden around the edges. You want to keep them nice and pale so make sure your oven is running at the temperature it says that it is.

Can evaporated milk turn into caramel? ›

Very related (Cajita is dulce de leche made with goat's milk), so the answer is yes, it can be done: cooking.stackexchange.com/questions/46129/… The amount of sugar you add is up to you, it will take some experimentation to find the amount that is perfect for you. Too little, and you may see not enough caramelization.

What is the world's famous shortbread? ›

Walker's Shortbread is honoured to carry a Royal Warrant, granted by Her Majesty the Queen, for the supply of Shortbread and Oatcakes. Walker's Shortbread is a gift fit for a king, and a treat befitting any special occasion.

Why is the caramel not setting on my millionaire shortbread? ›

If your caramel is too soft, you didn't do it for long enough, so should definitely be kept in the fridge. You want to use a good quality pan if you can, as some pans have a very thin base.

What is another name for millionaire shortbread? ›

Caramel shortbread, also known as caramel squares, caramel slice, millionaire's shortbread, millionaire's slice, chocolate caramel shortbread, and Wellington squares is a biscuit confectionery item composed of a rectangular, triangular or circular shortbread biscuit base topped with caramel and milk chocolate.

Why is shortbread expensive? ›

As shortbread was made with butter, sugar and flour, it would be both expensive and difficult to get hold of the ingredients, and so became synonymous with wealth, luxury and celebrations.

How do you know when homemade caramel is done? ›

The caramelization process happens quick, and you want to be there when it's time to remove it from the heat. From golden, the mixture will continue to darken. Pull you pan off of the heat when you see the mixture turn to the color of a shiny copper penny. That's how you know it's done!

Why has my caramel not set? ›

If caramels are too soft, that means the temperature didn't get high enough. Again place the caramel back into a sauce pan with a couple of tablespoons of water and heat to 244°F. If you don't have a candy thermometer, you can test with a cold water test. Details on how to use this method can be found here.

What are common mistakes when making shortbread? ›

The most common mistakes when making shortbread are over-working the dough, and incorporating too much flour. The less you work the dough, the more crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth your shortbread cookies will be.

What not to do when making shortbread? ›

The key with shortbread is not to overhandle it. Make the dough exactly as instructed, but don't mess around making shapes or over rolling the dough - you will end up with delicious but tough biscuits. Stretching and pulling the dough activates the gluten in the flour, making chewy cookies and not crisp ones.

What happens if you put too much butter in shortbread? ›

Greasy mess: Extra butter means more fat, making the dough greasy and difficult to handle. Spreading like crazy: Cookies lose their shape, spreading thin and flat instead of staying nice and round. Uneven baking: The excess fat can burn easily on the edges while leaving the center undercooked.

What's the difference between millionaire shortbread and billionaire shortbread? ›

What's the difference between millionaire shortbread and billionaire shortbread? Millionaire shortbread has a caramel centre, billionaire shortbread has a decadent salted caramel centre. Can shortbread biscuits be frozen? Yes shortbread cookies and biscuits (even with caramel and chocolate) freeze perfectly.

What are the 3 traditional shapes of shortbread? ›

There are 3 shapes: fingers, petticoat tails, and rounds

Meet the 3 shortbread shapes: petticoat tails, rounds, and fingers (the most popular type).

Where is caramel shortbread from? ›

The origins of the millionaire's shortbread, also known as caramel shortbread, date back to the early 1950s in Scotland. Zeelandia UK explore modern twists on the classic bakery product.

References

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