Individual Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe
These Individual Millionaire’s Shortbreads are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, featuring buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and a smooth chocolate topping—all in a bite-sized form. Perfect for special occasions, parties, or as a luxurious treat for yourself, these mini desserts deliver indulgence in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tin
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to make it easy to remove the shortbreads after chilling.
2. Make the Shortbread Base
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough is crumbly but holds together when pressed.
- Press a small amount of dough into the bottom of each muffin cup to form a base.
3. Bake the Shortbread
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the shortbread is lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before adding the caramel layer.
4. Make the Caramel Layer
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, and butter. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the caramel to cool slightly.
5. Assemble the Shortbreads
- Once the shortbread has cooled, spoon a layer of caramel over each base, spreading it evenly to cover the shortbread.
6. Add the Chocolate Topping
- Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave (in 30-second intervals, stirring between each) or using a double boiler until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and spread evenly with a spatula.
7. Chill and Set
- Refrigerate the shortbreads for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is firm.
8. Serve and Enjoy
- Once chilled, carefully remove the shortbreads from the muffin tin or liners. Serve immediately and enjoy these decadent treats!
Pro Tips for Perfect Individual Millionaire’s Shortbreads
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients:
Softened butter ensures the shortbread dough comes together easily and creates a crumbly texture. - Don’t Overcook the Caramel:
Keep stirring the caramel to avoid burning it. Cook just until it thickens and turns a golden color. - Prevent Chocolate Bloom:
Allow the caramel to cool slightly before adding the chocolate to prevent the chocolate from becoming dull or streaky. - Add a Hint of Sea Salt:
Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the chocolate layer for a salty-sweet twist that balances the flavors. - Make Ahead:
These shortbreads can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, making them a great option for prepping in advance.
Common Questions About Millionaire’s Shortbread
Q1: Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
Yes, dark chocolate works well and provides a slightly less sweet, more sophisticated flavor.
Q2: What if I don’t have cupcake liners?
You can grease the muffin tin thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray, but liners make it much easier to remove the shortbreads.
Q3: Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
Q4: Why is my caramel too runny?
This happens if the caramel hasn’t cooked long enough to thicken. Return it to the heat and cook for a few more minutes, stirring constantly.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake 1: Overbaking the Shortbread
- Shortbread should be lightly golden, not browned. Keep an eye on it to prevent overbaking.
Mistake 2: Sticky Caramel
- Let the caramel cool slightly before spreading it over the shortbread to ensure it sets properly.
Mistake 3: Uneven Chocolate Topping
- Pour the chocolate while it’s still warm and use an offset spatula to spread it evenly for a smooth finish.
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