The Magic Millionaires Shortbread Recipe: Buttery Bliss Awaits

Sweet millionaires shortbread whispers decadent promises of indulgence straight from scotland’s culinary treasures.

Layers of buttery caramel and chocolate create a symphony of rich textures that dance across your palate.

Crisp shortbread forms the perfect foundation for this delightful treat.

Delicate yet intense, each bite tells a story of classic comfort and sophisticated flavor.

Homemade versions surpass store-bought confections with their genuine warmth and personal touch.

Crafting these bars becomes an delightful adventure in baking that connects you to generations of traditional Scottish baking.

Prepare to experience a dessert that transforms simple ingredients into pure magic.

Pairings That Go With James Martin Millionaires Shortbread

• Brew Rich Espresso: Bold coffee cuts through the sweetness, creating a balanced flavor profile that enhances the caramel and chocolate layers.
• Complement with Tawny Port: The nutty, rich wine matches the decadent shortbread, providing a sophisticated counterpoint to the dessert's intense sweetness.
• Elevate with Salted Caramel Ice Cream: Creamy, cold dessert amplifies the caramel notes, offering a refreshing contrast to the dense, rich shortbread.
• Pair with Vanilla Chai Tea: Warm, spiced tea balances the chocolate and caramel, adding depth and complexity to each delightful bite.

How To Store James Martin Millionaires Shortbread Properly

• Store sliced millionaire's shortbread in a sealed container lined with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 months for maximum flavor and texture preservation.
• Remove frozen pieces and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain crisp shortbread base.
• Gently warm in preheated oven at 100°C for 5-7 minutes to restore chocolate's glossy finish and slightly soften caramel layer.

Your Questions On James Martin Millionaires Shortbread

• How difficult is this recipe for beginners?

This recipe requires some intermediate baking skills. You’ll need patience for multiple layers and precise temperature control, but it’s manageable with careful attention to details.

• What ingredients can replace dulce de leche if I can't find it?

You can substitute with homemade caramel sauce or condensed milk cooked down into a thick caramel. The key is achieving a similar rich, smooth consistency.

• Why do I need to use a hot knife when cutting?

A hot knife prevents the chocolate from cracking and helps create clean, smooth slices through the different layers without breaking the delicate chocolate top.

Why James Martin Millionaires Shortbread Is A Crowd-Pleaser

• Craft a Luxurious Treat: Millionaires Shortbread delivers restaurant-quality dessert right in your kitchen without professional baking skills.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Uses simple pantry staples to create a decadent three-layer delicacy that looks and tastes incredibly impressive.
• Perfect for Sharing and Celebrations: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or gifting – cuts into neat squares that everyone will adore and request the recipe.
• Beginner Baker Friendly: Straightforward steps with no complicated techniques make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring success with basic kitchen equipment.

All Ingredients For James Martin Millionaires Shortbread

• Flour: A key ingredient that provides the foundation for the shortbread crust.
• Butter: Adds richness and creates a crumbly texture for the base.
• Sugar: Brings sweetness and helps bind the shortbread layer.

• Butter: Creates a smooth and creamy caramel texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps form the caramel structure.
• Dulce de Leche: Adds a rich, deep caramel flavor and creamy consistency.

• Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate: Provides a luxurious and indulgent finishing layer.
• Butter: Helps create a smooth and glossy chocolate topping.

• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the shortbread and balances the sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the shortbread base.

Steps To Make James Martin Millionaires Shortbread

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Prepare your oven by setting it to 170°C (or 150°C for fan ovens). This temperature ensures a perfect golden base for your delightful treat.

Step 2: Create The Buttery Foundation

Combine shortbread ingredients and gently mix with your hands until the mixture resembles delicate crumbs. Press the mixture firmly into a baking tin, creating an even layer that will serve as the delicious base.

Step 3: Bake To Golden Perfection

Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Once done, remove and allow the base to cool completely. This waiting period is crucial for creating the perfect texture.

Step 4: Craft The Luscious Caramel Layer

• Butter
• Sugar
• Dulce de leche

Stir the ingredients continuously over gentle heat until the mixture transforms into a thick, glossy caramel. The consistency should be smooth and rich.

Step 5: Spread Caramel Goodness

Pour the warm caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread base. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight to allow the caramel to set perfectly.

Step 6: Create The Chocolate Topping

Melt chocolate and butter together until silky and smooth. Carefully pour the chocolate over the set caramel layer, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 7: Slice And Serve

Allow the chocolate to set completely. Use a knife warmed in hot water to create clean, precise cuts. Slice your millionaires shortbread into elegant squares ready to be devoured.

Tips To Perfect James Martin Millionaires Shortbread

• Prevent Crumbly Base: Ensure butter is at room temperature and press mixture firmly into the tin for a compact, sturdy shortbread foundation.
• Master Caramel Consistency: Stir continuously while heating to avoid burning and achieve a smooth, golden caramel layer that spreads evenly.
• Slice Like a Pro: Dip a sharp knife in hot water before cutting to create clean, precise edges without cracking the chocolate top.
• Store Smartly: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain texture.
• Temperature Matters: Allow chocolate to cool slightly before pouring to prevent melting into the caramel layer and maintain distinct, beautiful stripes.

Fun Ways To Tweak James Martin Millionaires Shortbread

• Gluten-Free Classic: Replace standard flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.
• Vegan Caramel Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free chocolate, and create caramel using coconut milk and maple syrup for plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute regular sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, use dark chocolate with higher cocoa content to reduce overall sugar intake.
• Nutty Crunch Version: Add chopped almonds or pecans into shortbread base for extra texture and rich, nutty flavor profile.

Millionaires Shortbread Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Millionaires shortbread delivers a luxurious Scottish dessert combining buttery shortbread, silky caramel, and rich chocolate. Chocolate lovers will savor each indulgent layer of this classic sweet treat that promises pure delight with every irresistible bite.

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Ingredients

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Shortbread Base:

• 300 grams (10.6 ounces) salted butter, softened
• 200 grams (7.1 ounces) dark soft brown sugar
• 350 grams (12.3 ounces) plain flour
• 125 grams (4.4 ounces) cornflour

Caramel Layer:

• 1 jar (397 grams or 14 ounces) dulce de leche
• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) salted butter
• 150 grams (5.3 ounces) caster sugar

Chocolate Topping:

• 400 grams (14.1 ounces) dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), broken
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) salted butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the base.
2. Gently combine shortbread ingredients, using fingertips to create a sandy, cohesive texture that holds together when pressed.
3. Firmly compact the mixture into an even layer within the prepared tin, using the back of a spoon to create a smooth surface.
4. Bake at 170°C (150°C fan) for approximately 20 minutes until edges turn delicate golden brown, then remove and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
5. Create caramel layer by melting butter, sugar, and dulce de leche in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat, continuously stirring until mixture transforms into a rich, smooth consistency.
6. Pour warm caramel evenly across the cooled shortbread base, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
7. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until caramel layer becomes firm and set.
8. Melt chocolate and butter together using a double boiler or microwave, stirring until glossy and completely smooth.
9. Carefully pour melted chocolate over the chilled caramel layer, tilting the pan to distribute evenly.
10. Return to refrigerator and allow chocolate to set for 1-2 hours until completely hardened.
11. Using a knife heated under hot water, slice into precise rectangular pieces for clean, professional-looking servings.

Notes

• Opt for high-quality butter to enhance the shortbread’s rich, crumbly texture and elevate the overall flavor profile.
• Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean, precise cuts that prevent chocolate and caramel from cracking.
• Consider adding sea salt flakes on top for a gourmet twist that balances the sweetness and adds sophisticated depth.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with almond or coconut flour, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy this decadent treat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 515
• Sugar: 42g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 33g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 70mg