Caramel Shortbread Squares Recipe
Overview
This delightful recipe for Caramel Shortbread Squares, crafted by Michelle Everett and awarded first place in a local competition, promises a decadent treat that combines the buttery richness of shortbread with the luscious sweetness of caramel and chocolate. Perfect for dessert, snacks, potlucks, or even Christmas gatherings, these Scottish-inspired bar cookies are sure to be a hit among both kids and adults alike.
Recipe Details
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 36 squares
Ingredients
-
Shortbread Base:
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- 2/3 cup butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
-
Caramel Layer:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
-
Chocolate Topping:
- Melted chocolate (for drizzling over caramel layer)
Instructions
-
Prepare Shortbread Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2/3 cup of butter, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1 1/4 cups of flour. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
-
Form and Bake Shortbread:
- Press the shortbread mixture evenly into a 9-inch square baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.
-
Prepare Caramel Layer:
- In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of butter, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of corn syrup, and the sweetened condensed milk.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and continue to boil for 5 minutes, stirring continuously.
-
Assemble the Bars:
- Pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the baked shortbread base.
- Allow the caramel layer to cool completely at room temperature.
-
Add Chocolate Topping:
- Once the caramel layer has cooled, melt the chocolate using a double boiler or microwave.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled caramel layer.
-
Final Preparation:
- Let the chocolate set completely before cutting the bars into small squares.
Nutritional Information (per square)
- Calories: 130.3
- Total Fat: 8.2g
- Saturated Fat: 5.1g
- Cholesterol: 17.3mg
- Sodium: 59.7mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 14.5g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 10.1g
- Protein: 1.1g
Review and Rating
- Aggregated Rating: 5/5 stars based on 18 reviews
Keywords
Dessert, Lunch/Snacks, Cookie & Brownie, Scottish, European, Kid Friendly, Potluck, Christmas, < 60 Minutes, Oven
Expert Tips and Variations
- Variation: For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans) over the chocolate layer before it sets.
- Storage: Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze them for longer storage.
These Caramel Shortbread Squares are a testament to the perfect harmony of flavors and textures—buttery, sweet, and irresistibly decadent. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the indulgence and share the delight with friends and family!