Millionaire’s Shortbread is an ultra-decadent dessert recipe that you can easily make at home! This classic British recipe features thick layers of crisp, buttery shortbread, soft, creamy homemade caramel, and rich chocolate ganache topped with flaky sea salt to make these unbelievably delicious bars.

Anything that’s named “millionaire’s” must be good, and this recipe for Millionaire Shortbread Bars definitely is amazing!
These sweet and decadent shortbread bars feel expensive because of their excess of richness and deliciousness, but the ingredients needed to make them are mostly just basic pantry staples.
Millionaire or not, you’re going to love these shortbread cookie bars! These are a classic British recipe, available in any cafe here, and they originated in Scotland.
The layers of cookie, caramel, and chocolate in this recipe remind me of a fancy Twix Bar! You might also like to try my Twix Thumbprint Cookies or Homemade Twix Bars. Both are made with a shortcut caramel rather than from scratch, but they are totally yummy!
Please don’t try to use any shortcuts in the caramel layer for Millionaire’s Bars, though! – since the caramel layer is so thick, it’s important that we make it from scratch so that it sets up firm.
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The Best Millionaire’s Shortbread
There are many variations and versions of this British caramel squares recipe out there, but here’s why I think mine is the best!
- Easy Shortbread Recipe. I’ve simplified the method for making the shortbread dough so that it uses softened butter rather than cold butter. I’ve also added an egg – which means it’s not exactly technically shortbread, but the egg keeps the bottom layer from being too flaky or crumbly. This shortbread is made just like any other cookie dough, so anybody can make it.
- Homemade Caramel. There really is nothing better than homemade buttery caramel, and I think you’ll find it very satisfying to make it yourself on the stovetop.
- Soft Ganache Topping. Sometimes, these bars are made with a hard, snappy chocolate layer on top. I decided to make mine softer and easier to bite into. This also makes the bars much easier to cut. You’re welcome!
Key Ingredients

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
- Butter: Use unsalted butter as the base of your shortbread dough. Allow it to soften at room temperature before you get started.
- Egg: Gives structure to these shortbread bars.
- Sugar: A combination of both granulated and brown sugar gives the shortbread a warm caramel flavor.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: To make a rich and creamy homemade caramel, purchase condensed milk rather than evaporated milk. They can look similar on the store shelf!
- Golden Syrup: You’ll be able to find this in grocery stores in the UK, but if you can’t find golden syrup, light corn syrup is your best replacement.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Blended with heavy cream, these will make the perfect chocolate ganache topping for the bars.
How To Make 3 Layer Millionaire’s Shortbread
To Bake the Shortbread
First, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) or 160°C for a fan oven. Line a 9×13-inch (22×33 cm) pan with parchment paper and set aside.




To Make the Caramel


For the Chocolate Ganache


Assemble the Shortbread Bars
The shortbread should be fully baked and cooled before you start cooking and layering the other ingredients.



Top Tips
- Line the pan with parchment paper on all sides, leaving some extra as “handles” so that the bars are easy to remove from the pan later.
- Follow the recipe steps: The temperatures of each layer are important, and there are chilling steps between each layer. The shortbread must be baked and then cooled completely. Then, you can make the caramel and add it. Don’t start the chocolate ganache until the caramel layer is chilled.
- The bars need to be chilled. Be sure to plan ahead for a few hours of chilling time before you need to serve these. 2 hours in total is enough time in the fridge, but you can just as easily keep these in the fridge overnight.
- Sea Salt is optional, but it creates a lovely contrast with the rich chocolate ganache. I highly suggest that you try it!

Storing Tips
- There’s no need to keep these bars refrigerated, so once they are chilled and cut, you can store them in an airtight container on the counter for up to 4 days.
- These bars also freeze very well for up to 3 months. I suggest wrapping the bars individually with plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer container. Thaw before enjoying!
More Decadent Caramel Desserts to Bake
- Samoa Cookies (aka Caramel Delights)
- Carmelitas
- Caramel Bear Paw Cookies
- Caramel Cake Mix Brownies
- Rolo Stuffed Cookies
- Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
- Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Recipe FAQs
Why are these called Millionaire’s Shortbread Bars?
I believe that the name comes from the fact that these are so over-the-top decadent, like something you might expect millionaires to dine on after a fancy five-course meal. Luckily, you don’t need to be exceptionally wealthy to make and enjoy this easy recipe!
How Do I Know When Caramel is Done?
When the caramel is ready, it will be dark golden brown and thickened. If you have a candy thermometer, you should check to be sure that the mixture reaches a minimum of 224°F/107°C. It needs to reach at least this temperature to set into a solid when it cools.
How Do I Cut These Bars Neatly?
For neat cuts, be sure that your millionaire bars are fully chilled and set before you try to slice them. Then, remove the bars from the pan and cut using a large knife that you’ve run under hot water. Clean the knife between each cut.
These rich, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread bars are so incredibly delicious! Enjoy the recipe, and be sure to Pin it and share it for others to enjoy, too.
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