
Vanilla Millionaire's Shortbread
Prep
20 mins
Cook
25 mins
Servings
8
Difficulty
Easy
You're going to absolutely love this vanilla millionaire's shortbread. It's one of those impressive desserts that looks fancy enough for company but comes together in under an hour with simple ingredients you probably already have at home. The buttery shortbread base pairs beautifully with silky caramel and a touch of browned butter that adds real depth to every bite. Butter, especially when browned, contains butyric acid which supports digestive health, so you can feel a little better about indulging. Best of all, this recipe is straightforward enough for a beginner but fancy enough to make you feel like a pastry chef.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 250all-purpose flour
- 150confectioner's sugar
- 225unsalted butter
- 100granulated sugar
- 2large egg
- 1 tsppure vanilla extract
- 6sea salt
- 120 mlheavy cream
- 100caramel sauce
- 50browned butter
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Line an 18x28cm baking tray with parchment paper.
- 2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, confectioner's sugar, and sea salt.
- 3
Add the unsalted butter to the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Tip: Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to work the butter into the dry ingredients.
- 4
In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and large egg.
Tip: Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- 5
Pour the sugar mixture over the butter mixture and mix until the dough comes together.
Tip: Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- 6
Pour the dough into the prepared baking tray and smooth the top.
Tip: Use a spatula to spread the dough evenly.
- 7
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Tip: Don't overbake the shortbread, as it can become too hard.
- 8
Remove the shortbread from the oven and let it cool completely.
Tip: This is the hardest part – waiting for it to cool!
- 9
Melt the caramel sauce in a saucepan over low heat.
Tip: Add the browned butter to the caramel sauce and stir until combined.
- 10
Pour the caramel sauce over the cooled shortbread and smooth the top.
Tip: Let the caramel set before slicing the shortbread into squares.
- 11
Cut the shortbread into 8 equal squares.
Tip: Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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