There are few things in life more satisfying than biting into a square of Millionaire’s Shortbread. The buttery crunch of the shortbread, the luscious, golden caramel, and the glossy snap of chocolate on top—it’s like a three-layer symphony of indulgence.
This dessert, which originated in Scotland, has become a beloved staple in British baking. I first tasted it during a winter visit to Edinburgh. The weather outside was cold and gray, but this rich, sweet treat lit up the afternoon like a little square of sunshine. Since then, Millionaire’s Shortbread has become a regular in my kitchen, especially when I need something cozy and impressive for guests.
In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make a classic version of this luxurious traybake, with tips and twists to make it your own.
Why You’ll Love This Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe
- Decadent Layers: Each bite combines buttery shortbread, silky caramel, and smooth chocolate.
- Perfect for Winter: Rich and comforting—exactly what you want with a cup of tea on a chilly afternoon.
- Great for Gifting: Slice into squares, wrap in parchment, and gift for holidays or special occasions.
- No Special Equipment: All you need is a baking tin and a saucepan!
Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is accessible, rewarding, and just plain irresistible.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Shortbread Base:
- 225g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
- 300g (2 1/2 cups) plain (all-purpose) flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 can (397g) sweetened condensed milk
- 100g (1/2 cup) light brown sugar
- 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp golden syrup (or corn syrup)
- 1/4 tsp sea salt (optional, for a salted caramel twist)
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 200g (7 oz) dark or milk chocolate, chopped
- 1 tbsp butter (for a glossy finish)
⏲️ Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Cooling Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: Approx. 3 hours (with cooling)
🧑🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Shortbread Base
- Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F). Line a 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) square baking tin with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Sift in the flour and salt. Stir until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared tin using the back of a spoon or your fingertips.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are just golden. Let cool in the tin.
Step 2: Prepare the Caramel
- Add condensed milk, brown sugar, butter, and golden syrup to a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
- Cook on medium-low, stirring constantly, for 10–15 minutes. The mixture should thicken and turn a deeper golden color.
- For salted caramel, stir in 1/4 tsp sea salt at the end.
- Pour over the cooled shortbread base and smooth out evenly. Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate until firm (about 1 hour).
Step 3: Add the Chocolate Topping
- Melt the chopped chocolate with butter using a double boiler or microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring frequently.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the set caramel. Spread evenly with a spatula.
- Allow the chocolate to set slightly at room temperature. Before it fully hardens, score the surface with a warm knife to make slicing easier later.
🧁 Tips, Twists & Variations
- Swirl It Up: Before the chocolate sets, use a toothpick to swirl in melted white chocolate for a decorative effect.
- Nutty Surprise: Add a handful of chopped toasted hazelnuts or almonds between the caramel and chocolate layers for crunch.
- Espresso Touch: Add 1 tsp of espresso powder to the caramel for a grown-up, coffee-kissed treat.
- Festive Flair: Top with crushed peppermint candies or edible glitter for a holiday version.
🍽️ Serving & Storing Suggestions
Millionaire’s Shortbread is rich, so small squares go a long way! Serve with tea, coffee, or even as part of a dessert board. These also make a stunning addition to any holiday cookie tray or winter dessert spread.
Storage:
- Room Temp: Up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Refrigerated: Keeps for 7–10 days.
- Freezer: Store for up to 3 months—layer with parchment to prevent sticking.
🧡 More Cozy Traybakes and Desserts to Try
- White Chocolate and Candy Traybake – A festive favorite with fun textures.
- Salted Caramel Crumble Bars – Similar flavors with a streusel twist.
- Cherry Black Forest Cake – Fruity, chocolatey, and rich.
- Moist Chocolate Cake – The perfect pairing with this treat if you’re hosting guests.
Craving more traditional bakes? Don’t miss the Simple Traditional Brown Bread or the Rustic Raisin and Walnut Bread for savory balance.
📚 Fun Fact
Did you know the name “Millionaire’s Shortbread” was coined in the 1970s as a playful nod to its luxurious, indulgent nature? With its rich caramel and chocolate topping, it felt like an “upgraded” version of the classic shortbread—fit for royalty (or at least someone who just struck it rich!).