Individual Millionaire’s Shortbread Recipe

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

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients:
   Softened butter ensures the shortbread dough comes together easily and creates a crumbly texture.
2. Don’t Overcook the Caramel:
   Keep stirring the caramel to avoid burning it. Cook just until it thickens and turns a golden color.
3. Prevent Chocolate Bloom:
   Allow the caramel to cool slightly before adding the chocolate to prevent the chocolate from becoming dull or streaky.
4. 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.
5. 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.