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!

Millionaire Shortbread Recipe (Caramel Shortbread) (8)

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.

Millionaire Shortbread Recipe (Caramel Shortbread) (13)

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.

Millionaire Shortbread Recipe (Caramel Shortbread) (14)

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.

Millionaire Shortbread Recipe (Caramel Shortbread) (15)

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.

Millionaire Shortbread Recipe (Caramel Shortbread) (16)

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.

Millionaire Shortbread Recipe (Caramel Shortbread) (17)

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 is the difference between caramel shortbread and millionaires 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.

How to thicken caramel for millionaires shortbread? ›

Yes technically you can, but it has a much looser consistency so when you try and cut your shortbread into pieces the caramel will ooze out all over the place. Still delicious to eat, but very messy. BUT there is a way around this – you can thicken Carnation caramel by boiling it with caster sugar and butter.

What is the trick to shortbread? ›

Tips To Make the Best Shortbread Cookies
  1. Choose High Quality Butter. No matter what brand of butter you buy, if it's real butter, you can rest assured that it's the best. ...
  2. Keep Ingredients Simple. ...
  3. Add Flavor. ...
  4. Don't Overwork. ...
  5. Shape Dough. ...
  6. Chill Before Baking. ...
  7. Bake Until Golden. ...
  8. Add Finishing Touches.

What is a substitute for golden syrup in Millionaire shortbread? ›

The best substitution for golden syrup is a light corn syrup, also called maize syrup. It's a refined sugar syrup made from corn starch and usually flavoured with vanilla too. This is usually a bit thinner than golden syrup but should add the same sweetness, with only a slightly different flavour and lighter colour.

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 it called billionaire shortbread? ›

The name "millionaire's shortbread" appears to have originated in Scotland. The "millionaire" prefix to millionaire's shortbread or millionaires slice implies a level of decadence and wealth to the sweet treat, that it is an upgrade from regular shortbread.

How best to cut millionaires shortbread without it cracking? ›

How do you cut Millionaire's Shortbread without it Cracking the Chocolate top? Here are a few tips: use a serrated knife when cutting, using slow and continuos motions. make sure you chocolate and caramel layers have fully set before cutting otherwise everything will ooze out the sides.

Is Carnation caramel the same as Dulce de Leche? ›

Carnation Caramel

Caramel is a ready-made authentic Dulce de Leche caramel that is easy to use in baking and as a topping. With no added colours, it makes an ideal no-fuss filling for Banoffee Pie.

Can I freeze Millionaire shortbread? ›

To Store: These shortbread bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 week. To Freeze: Millionaire's Shortbread Bars freeze really well. Wrap the individual bars in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely at room temperature.

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 happens if you don't poke holes in shortbread? ›

Piercing the shortbread with a fork is not only for decoration, but it's meant for more even baking. Poking holes in the shortbread allows the heat to penetrate the cookie, hence more even baking. Notice I'm using powdered sugar here. You'll see lots of shortbread recipes using granulated sugar.

Why do you put fork holes in shortbread? ›

Poking shortbread dough with a fork before after pressing it into the pan and before placing the pan in the oven allows air to escape the dough, and it allows heat to distribute evenly.

What is the American equivalent of British golden syrup? ›

In the U.S., golden syrup is usually sold under the name of light treacle, but it's not readily available in many grocery stores. In cooking recipes, molasses and light treacle are often used interchangeably because their textures and flavor profiles are similar.

What's the difference between millionaire 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 is the closest thing to golden syrup? ›

18 Best Golden Syrup Substitutes
  • Light Or Dark Corn Syrup. After playing around with various ingredients, I vote for light corn syrup as the best substitution for golden syrup. ...
  • Brown Rice Syrup. ...
  • Molasses. ...
  • Agave Nectar. ...
  • Barley Malt Syrup. ...
  • Honey. ...
  • Cane Syrup. ...
  • Maple Syrup.
May 10, 2024

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

Traditional Scottish shortbread is a simple recipe made with sugar, butter, flour, and salt. Other shortbread styles will include leavening agents like baking powder and baking soda, which makes them crisp instead of crumbly like traditional Scottish shortbread.

What's the difference between shortbread and all butter shortbread? ›

The difference between butter cookies and shortbread cookies is the amount butter in the recipe vs the amount of sugar. Butter cookies typically are made using more sugar and less butter than shortbread.

What is millionaire shortbread made of? ›

To make the shortbread, mix 250g plain flour and 75g caster sugar in a bowl. Rub in 175g softened butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Knead the mixture together until it forms a dough, then press into the base of the prepared tin.

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