Caramel Shortbread (Millionaire's Shortbread)

Nov 3, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Baking Cookies bars Medium

Caramel Shortbread (Millionaire's Shortbread)

A buttery shortbread base, a thick layer of soft condensed milk caramel and a snappy chocolate top. A very rich bar cut into small squares. Makes 16 bars in about 4 hr 20 min.

Prep 30 min

Cook 50 min

Cooling 3 hr

Total 4 hr 20 min

Yield 16 bars

Ingredients

Adjust yield

bars

1 ½ cups (190 g)all-purpose flour
⅓ cup (60 g)granulated sugar
⅔ cup (140 g)unsalted butter, softened, for the shortbread
1 pinch (1 g)fine salt
½ cup (115 g)unsalted butter, for the caramel
½ cup (110 g)light brown sugar
1 ⅓ cups (397 g)sweetened condensed milk, one can
2 tbsp (45 g)golden syrup or light corn syrup
7 oz (200 g)dark chocolate, chopped
1 tbsp (15 g)unsalted butter, for the chocolate

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Instructions

Heat the oven to 325 F (160 C). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square pan with parchment extending over two sides.
Mix the flour, sugar and salt, then work in the soft butter until a dough forms. Press evenly into the pan and prick with a fork.
Bake 25 to 30 minutes until pale golden. Cool completely.
For the caramel, melt the butter, brown sugar, condensed milk and syrup in a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Bring to a gentle boil and cook, stirring constantly, until the caramel is golden and reaches 230 F (110 C), about 8 minutes.
Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread and spread level. Cool until set, about 1 hour.
Melt the chocolate with the butter, spread over the caramel, and let it set at room temperature, then chill 1 hour.
Use the parchment to lift out the slab and cut with a hot knife into 16 squares.

Tips

Stir the caramel constantly so it does not scorch.
Use a thermometer for consistent caramel.
Warm the knife in hot water for clean cuts through the chocolate.
Cook the caramel to 230 F (110 C); hot sugar causes severe burns.

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make caramel shortbread (millionaire's shortbread)?

Plan on 30 minutes of prep and 50 minutes of cooking, plus 3 hours to chill. The recipe makes 16 bars.

How should I store caramel shortbread (millionaire's shortbread)?

Keep in an airtight container in a cool place up to 5 days; refrigerate in warm weather.

Can I make caramel shortbread (millionaire's shortbread) ahead?

Yes. It needs time to chill and set, so it is a good one to make the day before you serve it.

Serve it with hot tea.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 16 servings this recipe makes.

252 Calories / serving

8.4g Fat

40.8g Carbs

4.0g Protein

26.6g Sugar

Whole recipe (16 servings): ~4032 cal · 134g fat · 653g carbs · 64g protein · 426g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.