Millionaire’s Shortbread (Caramel Shortbread Bars)

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This chewy Millionaire’s Shortbread is the best dessert to satisfy your sweet and salty cravings! A buttery shortbread base is topped with a layer of Rice Krispie caramel followed by a rich chocolate topping and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Easy Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe

I’ve been wanting to make these for quite some time now. I love caramel, and these bars are like wrapping caramel up in a beautiful, semi-baked sweet and salty package. I could not be happier with the results!

The shortbread is very easy to put together. Just a few ingredients are combined in a food processor and pressed into a pan. It only needs to bake for 15 minutes, then the rest of the recipe is completely oven-free!

The caramel layer is made using my favorite store-bought caramels. Homemade caramel isn’t hard to make, but in the interest of keeping this recipe as simple as can be, I like to defer to my favorite brand. Plus, caramel sauce won’t firm up the same way.

I put my own twist on millionaire’s shortbread by adding Rice Krispies to the caramel layer to give it a little crunch. I dig variation in texture and that totally achieved it! The added crunch brought these already-heavenly treats to a whole new level.

The silky chocolate topping compliments the shortbread and the crunchy caramel perfectly. With a sprinkle of sea salt to top it all off, an irresistible sweet and salty treat is born!

Why is it Called Millionaire’s Shortbread?

Well, no one really knows for sure. I think it’s because these bars are so yummy, each bite makes you feel like a million bucks! But it could also have something to do with how rich and indulgent they are.

Recipe Ingredients

Despite how luxurious these bars are, the ingredients you need for them are simple! Here’s the roster for each component:

For the Shortbread Layer

• Flour: You’ll Need 1 cup.
• Sugar: For both sweetness and chewiness.
• Butter: Diced.
• Vanilla Extract: Use a high-quality extract for the best results.

For the Caramel Layer

• Milk: Whatever kind you have on hand will do.
• Butter: You’ll need 1/4 cup.
• Kraft Caramels: Wrappers removed.
• Rice Krispies Cereal: To add that satisfying crunch.

For the Chocolate Topping

• Chocolate Chips: I use semi-sweet.
• Heavy Cream: Just a few tablespoons!
• Sea Salt: For sprinkling on top.

How to Make Millionaire’s Shortbread

These cookie bars come together with ease. Just follow the detailed instructions below and watch these tasty treats come to life!

Make the Shortbread Base

1. Prep for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some sticking above the sides of the pan to lift the bars out later.
2. Make Dough: Add the flour, sugar, butter and vanilla to a food processor and pulse until it comes together and forms a ball.
3. Add to Pan: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan.
4. Bake: Bake the shortbread for 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
5. Let Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and set it aside so the shortbread can cool.

Make the Caramel Layer

1. Heat Milk, Butter & Caramels: Put the milk, butter and caramels into a large pot over medium heat. Allow everything to melt, stirring often so that the mixture doesn’t boil.
2. Add Rice Krispies: Add the Rice Krispies and mix until incorporated.
3. Pour Over Shortbread: Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the cooled shortbread. Set the pan aside.

Make the Chocolate Topping

1. Melt Cream & Chocolate: Heat the heavy cream and chocolate chips in the microwave for 30 second increments, stirring between each one, until the mixture is melted.
2. Pour Over Caramel: Pour the chocolate evenly over the caramel layer.
3. Let Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely.
4. Remove From Pan & Cut: Lift the bars out of the pan using the excess parchment paper and cut them into squares.
5. Enjoy! Serve millionaire’s shortbread cold or at room temperature.

Tips for Success

Want to make sure your caramel bars are fit for a millionaire? These tips and tricks will help you get them just right.

• Leave Enough Overhanging Parchment Paper: Nobody wants their fresh batch of cookie bars to get stuck inside the pan! Be sure to leave plenty of extra parchment paper on both sides so you can lift the bars out with ease.
• Don’t Boil the Caramel Mixture: Stir your caramel mixture frequently so that it doesn’t come to a boil. If it does boil, it may burn and take on a bitter flavor.
• Let the Bars Cool in the Fridge: You can cool these bars in the fridge rather than letting them cool on the counter to save time, if desired.
• Cool Completely for Easy Cutting: If your bars are cooled to room temperature or chilled, you’ll be able to cut them so much easier. They taste great cold too, so don’t be afraid to enjoy one straight from the fridge!

How to Store Leftovers

You can refrigerate these bars or store them at room temperature – up to you – as long as they’re kept in an airtight container. I personally prefer them cold because they’re firmer, but both ways are delicious! Be sure to enjoy your bars within 1 week unless you decide to store them in the freezer.

Can I Freeze These?

Yes! Frozen millionaire’s shortbread will last for up to 3 months. Place your cooled bars into a freezer-safe container and freeze. Thaw them out in the fridge before digging in.

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More Caramel Desserts to Try

If you’re a caramel addict like me, you will adore the decadent treats below. Don’t forget to check them out next!

• Soft and Chewy Caramel Clusters
• Caramel Rolo Rice Krispie Treats
• Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Bars