By: Becky Hardin
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Millionaire Bars are three layers of pure bliss! A shortbread cookie layer is topped with sweet homemade caramel, and a thick layer of smooth chocolate is spread right across the very top. It’s hard to say which element of these sweet treats is the best since they’re all pretty perfect!
Table of Contents
Millionaire Shortbread
What’s the best way to dress up some homemade shortbread? With layers of caramel and chocolate, of course! This easy homemade Millionaire Bars recipe is perfect for gifting around the holidays or bringing with you to cookie exchanges. They’re always a crowd favorite!
The shortbread layer is so classic and buttery. It’s sweet, but just subtly so. The real sweetness comes from the thick layer of homemade caramel that’s sandwiched in the middle of the cookie and chocolate layers.
Why You’ll Love this Millionaire Bars Recipe:
- Layered: The three distinct layers create amazing contrasting flavors. They also provide a picture perfect appearance when sliced just right!
- So Easy: Each delicious layer of these Millionaire Bars is so easy to whip up.
- Christmas Favorite: These bars are tasty all year round! With that being said, they are definitely one of my favorite holiday recipes to gift to friends and neighbors.
After you take your first bite of a Millionaire Bar, it’s fun to try and decide what your favorite layer is…I usually love the shortbread the most, but I’m also fond of the caramel. And the chocolate…it’s impossible to choose favorites!
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How to Make Millionaire Bars
You can jump to the recipe card for full ingredients & instructions!
- Start by making the shortbread cookie layer, and press it into the bottom of the baking pan.
- Bake briefly and let it cool.
- Next, make the caramel layer and pour it over the cookie layer. Then refrigerate it to let it set.
- Finally, melt the chocolate, pour it on top of the caramel, and let it set before serving.
What are millionaire bars?
Millionaire bars (aka: millionaire shortbread) are thick, decadent bars made from layers of shortbread cookie, buttery caramel, and silky chocolate.
Why are they called millionaire bars?
The name millionaire bars (or millionaire shortbread) comes from the fact that these bars are incredibly rich and decadent, just like a millionaire!
Are millionaire bars the same thing as Twix?
Twix candy bars are based on millionaire bars, but homemade is so much better!
Do I have to chill millionaire bars before adding the chocolate layer?
Yes! The caramel will be runny when you first pour it on, so it needs time to set up before you add the chocolate. Otherwise, the chocolate will melt into the caramel, creating a muddy layer.
Can I freeze millionaire bars?
Absolutely! These bars will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months!
Bring these sweet dessert bars to any potluck or party and watch them disappear!
Make Ahead Instructions
Millionaire bars can be made up to 3 days in advance of when you plan to serve them. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Storage Instructions
Store millionaire bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Enjoy cold or at room temperature.
Freezing Instructions
Freeze millionaire bars in a single layer on a lined baking sheet until solid, about 1-2 hours. Transfer to an airtight container or Ziplock bag to store for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Variations
- Try switching up the chocolate. You can use milk, semisweet, dark, or white chocolate!
- Stir chocolate chips or crushed pretzels into the shortbread dough.
- Sprinkle Reese’s Pieces, chopped peanut butter cups or Rolos, toffee chips, or mini M&M’s over top before the chocolate sets.
Tips for the Best Millionaire Bars
- Line your baking dish for easy removal.
- Measure your flour using the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense, dry cookies.
- Take care not to boil the caramel filling; otherwise, it may set too hard.
- Stir the caramel constantly to prevent it from scorching.
More Holiday Cookie Recipes We Love
- Gingerbread Kiss Cookies
- Splatter Paint Christmas Cookies
- Pecan Sandies
- Coconut Macaroons
- Italian Anise Cookies
Shortbread is buttery, soft, and baked to perfection before being topped with sweet homemade caramel and smooth chocolate. They’re highly addictive and hard to eat just one of! Sinking your teeth into your first bite of a homemade Millionaire Bar is an experience you’ll never forget.
More Chocolatey Dessert Recipes to Try:
- Cosmic Brownies
- S’mores Bars
- Chocolate Pound Cake
- Coconut Fudge
- Ferrero Rocher Brownies
- Easy Mint Chip Ice Cream Pie
- Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies
- Symphony Bar Chocolate Shell
If you make this recipe be sure to upload a photo in the comment section below or leave a rating. Enjoy! You can also jump to recipe.
Recipe
Millionaire Bars Recipe
4.73 from 22 votes
Author: Becky Hardin
Prep: 20 minutes minutes
Cook: 25 minutes minutes
Total: 1 hour hour 45 minutes minutes
Serves24 bars
Print Rate
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Shortbread cookies are topped with layers of caramel and chocolate. Millionaire Bars are packed with flavor but are also very simple to make.
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Ingredients
For the Shortbread Layer
- 1 cup unsalted butter 226 grams, room temperature (2 sticks)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar 50 grams
- ½ cup brown sugar 107 grams
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 grams
- 2 cups all-purpose flour 240 grams
For the Caramel Layer
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk 396 grams (1 can)
- ¾ cup unsalted butter 170 grams (1½ sticks)
- ¾ cup brown sugar 160 grams
- ¼ cup corn syrup 78 grams
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract 2 grams
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
For the Chocolate Layer
- 3 cups chocolate chips 510 grams
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil 42 grams
Recommended Equipment
Kitchen Scale (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, cream the butter and sugars together.
1 cup unsalted butter, ¼ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup brown sugar
Add in the salt and vanilla extract and beat until incorporated.
½ teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add in the flour, little by little, beating after each addition. Mix until the dough comes together, being careful not to overmix.
2 cups all-purpose flour
Press the dough into the bottom of the pan.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Let cool.
While the crust is cooling, add the sweetened condensed milk, unsalted butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt to a saucepan. Stir over medium-high heat. Once the mixture begins to bubble, reduce the heat to a simmer. Continue stirring for 5-10 minutes until the mixture has thickened.
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk, ¾ cup unsalted butter, ¾ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup corn syrup, ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread layer.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the caramel set.
Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil in microwave safe bowl. Microwave the chocolate in 30 second increments. Stir until melted and smooth. Allow chocolate to cool for a few minutes.
3 cups chocolate chips, 3 tablespoons coconut oil
Pour the chocolate over the caramel layer and spread it out in an even layer. Return the bars to the refrigerator or freezer until the chocolate hardens.
Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!
Becky’s tips
- Try switching up the chocolate. You can use milk, semisweet, dark, or white chocolate!
- Stir chocolate chips or crushed pretzels into the shortbread dough.
- Sprinkle Reese’s Pieces, chopped peanut butter cups or Rolos, toffee chips, or mini M&M’s over top before the chocolate sets.
- Line your baking dish for easy removal.
- Measure your flour using the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense, dry cookies.
- Take care not to boil the caramel filling; otherwise, it may set too hard.
- Stir the caramel constantly to prevent it from scorching.
Storage:Store millionaire bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1bar Calories: 399kcal (20%) Carbohydrates: 48g (16%) Protein: 3g (6%) Fat: 23g (35%) Saturated Fat: 15g (94%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 4g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 41mg (14%) Sodium: 125mg (5%) Potassium: 156mg (4%) Fiber: 0.3g (1%) Sugar: 38g (42%) Vitamin A: 458IU (9%) Vitamin C: 0.4mg Calcium: 79mg (8%) Iron: 1mg (6%)
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