Millionaire’s Shortbread
Rich layers of buttery shortbread, chewy caramel and chocolate ganache makes Millionaire’s Shortbread the ultimate, indulgent treat.

Ingredients and Substitutions
- Butter. I used salted butter but unsalted butter can be substituted.
- Caster sugar. I prefer using caster sugar for shortbread but granulated sugar can be used instead.
- Flour.
- Cornstarch.
- Sweetened Condensed milk.
- Golden syrup. Light corn syrup can be substituted.
- Dark chocolate. I prefer using dark chocolate to balance the sweetness of these cookie bars but you can use a mixture of dark/semi-sweet chocolate and milk chocolate if you prefer.
- Heavy cream.
- Sea salt flakes.
How to make Millionaire’s Shortbread
- Make the shortbread by combining room temperature butter, sugar, flour and cornstarch in a large bowl then mix together. I usually use my stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Press into a 8x8in/20x20cm baking pan lined with parchment paper (I like to leave a little overhang on each side to make removing the cookie bars from the pan as easy as possible). Make sure the shortbread dough is an even layer then place in a preheated oven and allow to bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
- To make the caramel combine the condensed milk, butter, syrup and a pinch of salt together in a small saucepan set over medium heat and bring to a boil. Simmer, stirring continuously, until the caramel is thick and golden brown in color. Pour the caramel over the shortbread crust and spread into an even layer. Place in the fridge and allow to set.
- For the chocolate ganache, melt together the chocolate and cream then pour over the caramel. I added an extra layer of melted chocolate but this is optional and not necessary. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes then refrigerate until completely set. Remove from the baking pan and set on a cutting board.
- Slice the millionaire’s shortbread into bars with a very sharp knife then serve.
Can I make this ahead?
The Millionaire’s shortbread can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days or at room temperature for up to 3 days.
FAQ
Why is it called a millionaire shortbread?
Originating in Scotland, Millionaire’s shortbread is so called because of the rich, decadence of the dessert and the fact that is a level up from regular Scottish shortbread.
Is Twix the same as Millionaire Shortbread?
The two are pretty much identical with all the same elements. Millionaire’s shortbread is an even better, homemade version of the popular candy bar.
Caramel Chocolate Desserts
Servings: 24
Calories: 307kcal
Ingredients
For the shortbread
- 1 cup (225g) butter room temperature
- ½ cup (100g) caster sugar
- 2 cups (225g) flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- pinch of salt
For the caramel layer
- 14 oz (400g) sweetened condensed milk
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp golden syrup/corn syrup
- pinch of salt
For the chocolate ganache
- 10 oz (300g) dark chocolate
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- sea salt flakes optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C and line a 8x8in/20x20cm baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the shortbread by combining room temperature butter, sugar, flour and cornstarch in a large bowl then mix together.
- Press into the prepare pan making sure the shortbread dough is an even layer then place in the preheated oven and allow to bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
- To make the caramel combine the condensed milk, butter, syrup and a pinch of salt together in a small saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Simmer, stirring continuously, until the caramel is thick and golden brown in color.
- The mixture should be between 210-225°F/98-107°C on a sugar thermometer/candy thermometer. At 210°F it will be slightly softer which some people prefer.
- Pour the caramel over the shortbread and spread into an even layer.
- Place in the fridge and allow to set.
- For the chocolate ganache, melt together the chocolate and cream then pour over the caramel.
- I added an extra layer of melted chocolate but this is optional and not necessary.
- Sprinkle with sea salt flakes then refrigerate until completely set.
- Chef's note: some people prefer a thinner layer of chocolate while some like a thicker layer. Depending on which camp you fall in, simply halve the chocolate ingredients if you want a thinner layer of chocolate.
- Slice the millionaire's shortbread into bars with a very sharp knife then serve.
Nutrition
Calories: 307kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.004g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 131mg | Potassium: 113mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 493IU | Vitamin C: 0.04mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 2mg
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