Billionaire Shortbread Cookie Bars (2024)

For the shortbread:

• ▢ 2 cups butter softened
• ▢ 1 cup granulated sugar
• ▢ ​1⁄2 cup light brown sugar packed
• ▢ 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
• ▢ 4⅔ cups all-purpose flour
• ▢ 1 teaspoon salt

For the caramel:

• ▢ ​½ cup granulated sugar
• ▢ 2 tablespoons golden syrup or light corn syrup
• ▢ ​½ cup butter
• ▢ 2 tablespoons milk
• ▢ 1 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the topping:

• ▢ 12 ounces Dark Chocolate chopped

US Customary – Metric

For the shortbread

• Preheat the oven to 350F/160C.

  Grease a 9×13 inch pan.

• Using a food processor or mixer fitted with the paddle attachment beat the butter, sugar, vanilla and brown sugar vigorously until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. It’s an important step to beat the butter and sugar well together when making shortbread as this ensures the shortbread is light, crisp and will hold together.

  In a separate bowl, sift the flour and salt. Add it to the butter mixture and mix until blended (forming large clumps).

• Turn onto a floured surface and using floured hands, press evenly into the prepared pan (including the sides).

• Bake for 40 – 45 minutes, until lightly browned.

• Leave to cool completely in the pan.

For the caramel

• Combine the sugar and syrup in a medium saucepan. Cook on medium heat, stirring constantly until it becomes a light caramel color.
  

  Add the butter, salt & milk stir until smooth. Remove from heat and mix in the vanilla.

• Set aside to cool slightly, then pour over the cooled shortbread.

  Allow cooling completely.

For the topping

• Melt the chocolate melt chocolate in a microwaveable bowl for 30 seconds at a time (stirring in between) until the chocolate is smooth and fluid.

  Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel and set aside until the chocolate has cooled completely.

• Cut into squares and serve.
  

• Make sure the caramel has set otherwise you might end up with the chocolate and caramel mixing. It’s worth waiting to have the best end product.
• For a show stopping billionaire shortbread cookie bar, why not add crushed hard pretzels, toasted nuts or candied ginger to the chocolate topping.

Author:Erren Hart

Course:Dessert

Cuisine:Baking

Keyword:billionaire shortbread, caramel shortbread, shortbread recipe