Description
These Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees are a festive holiday treat featuring a buttery shortbread base topped with rich caramel and a smooth chocolate layer, decorated with chocolate drizzle and colorful Christmas sprinkles. Perfect for holiday gifting or seasonal celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Shortbread Layer
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Caramel Layer
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Chocolate Topping
- 1 pound chocolate almond bark
- Additional chocolate for drizzle
- Christmas sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Make the shortbread dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the flour and salt until a soft, crumbly dough forms.
- Roll and cut: Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thick. Use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut out the trees, then carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
- Chill: Place the tray in the fridge for about 1 hour and 30 minutes so the dough firms up, which helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Bake: Bake the shortbread for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges start turning golden. Let them cool completely on the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
- Make the caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, and salt. Continue stirring for 8–10 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns golden.
- Top the cookies: Line a new baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the cooled shortbread trees on it, then spoon a layer of warm caramel over each cookie, spreading gently to the edges. Let them set at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Add the chocolate: Melt the chocolate almond bark in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy. Spoon or spread the melted chocolate over the caramel layer on each tree. Chill for 2–3 hours until the chocolate has fully set.
- Decorate: Drizzle with extra melted chocolate and finish by adding Christmas sprinkles for a festive touch. Allow to set before serving or wrapping as holiday gifts.
Notes
- Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly before baking to help the cookies retain their shape.
- Stir the caramel constantly to avoid burning and ensure a smooth texture.
- You can substitute chocolate almond bark with good-quality melting chocolate or chocolate chips.
- Store the finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for longer freshness.
- These cookies make wonderful homemade gifts when wrapped creatively.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: Millionaire Shortbread, Christmas Trees, Holiday Cookies, Caramel Shortbread, Festive Dessert, Chocolate Dipped Shortbread
