Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees

The holidays are all about tradition, twinkling lights, and, of course, indulging in decadent treats! But this year, let’s take a classic and give it a festive twist. Imagine layers of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate transformed into adorable Christmas trees. That’s exactly what these Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees are – a delightful upgrade to your holiday dessert spread. They’re not just delicious; they’re a conversation starter, a centerpiece, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

I’ve been baking for over 20 years, and shortbread has always been a staple in my kitchen, especially during the Christmas season. After years of perfecting my shortbread recipe, I thought, why not elevate it with a seasonal design? These Christmas tree shortbreads are the result – a marriage of classic flavors and festive presentation. With the holiday season in full swing and everyone looking for that unique edible gift or party dessert, these tree-shaped treats are perfectly on-trend.

So, grab your aprons, preheat those ovens, and let’s create some magic! These Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees are easier to make than you think, and the joy they bring is absolutely worth every minute. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these show-stopping, melt-in-your-mouth holiday delights. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients

This recipe comes together with a few simple ingredients, but the quality of each one makes a difference! Here’s what you’ll need to create these festive Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees:

• For the Shortbread Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (250g). The structure of our shortbread. Opt for unbleached flour for the best flavor.
  • Granulated Sugar: ½ cup (100g). Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (225g), cold and cubed. The key to a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread. Cold butter prevents gluten development.
  • Pinch of Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• For the Caramel Layer:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: 1 (14-ounce) can (397g). Provides the creamy, rich base for the caramel.
  • Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (113g). Adds richness and helps create a smooth caramel texture.
  • Brown Sugar: ½ cup (100g), packed. Lends a deep, molasses-like flavor to the caramel.
  • Golden Syrup (or Light Corn Syrup): 2 tablespoons. Prevents sugar crystallization and ensures a smooth, chewy caramel.
  • Pinch of Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the caramel flavor.
• For the Chocolate Topping:
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 12 ounces (340g). Offers a classic chocolate flavor that complements the shortbread and caramel. Dark chocolate is a good alternative.
  • Vegetable Shortening or Coconut Oil: 1 tablespoon. Adds shine to the chocolate and helps it melt smoothly.
  • Optional Decorations: Sprinkles, edible glitter, white chocolate drizzle, mini M&Ms. For a festive touch!

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Gluten-Free Shortbread: Substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend (one that contains xanthan gum).
• Vegan Option: Use vegan butter for both the shortbread and caramel. Substitute sweetened condensed milk with a vegan alternative (coconut condensed milk works well). Use dark chocolate to ensure it’s dairy-free.
• Sugar Alternatives: You can use coconut sugar in place of brown sugar for the caramel for a slightly different flavor profile.

Expert Tips

Having made countless batches of Millionaire Shortbread over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks to guarantee success every time.

• Chill Out: Make sure the butter for the shortbread is very cold. This is key to getting that crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture. I sometimes even chill my flour for 15 minutes before mixing!
• Don’t Overbake the Shortbread: Keep a close eye on the shortbread while it’s baking. It should be lightly golden, not browned. Overbaking will result in a dry, hard base.
• Low and Slow Caramel: Patience is key when making the caramel. Cook it over low heat, stirring constantly, to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, even texture.
• Perfect Chocolate Melt: To avoid seizing, melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. The vegetable shortening or coconut oil helps create a glossy finish.
• Christmas Tree Perfection: Use a sharp Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut out the shortbread shapes after you’ve assembled and chilled the millionaire shortbread. The chilling process is crucial for clean cuts!
• Level Up Your Decorations: Get creative with your decorations! Use different colors of sprinkles, edible glitter, or even create a white chocolate “snowfall” effect.
• Practice Makes Perfect: If you’re new to making caramel, don’t be discouraged if your first batch isn’t perfect. Keep practicing, and you’ll get the hang of it!

Storage & Substitutions

Proper storage is essential to keep your Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees tasting their best!

Storage: These treats can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If storing in the refrigerator, let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Substitutions:

• Chocolate Variety: Experiment with different types of chocolate for the topping. Milk chocolate will create a sweeter treat, while dark chocolate adds a more intense flavor.
• Nutty Additions: Add chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the caramel layer for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Flavor Extracts: Incorporate a teaspoon of vanilla extract, almond extract, or even peppermint extract into the caramel for a unique flavor twist.

FAQ

Can I make the shortbread base ahead of time?

Absolutely! The shortbread base can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This is a great way to break up the baking process.

How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

The key to preventing the caramel from burning is to cook it over low heat and stir it constantly. This ensures that the heat is distributed evenly and the sugar doesn’t caramelize too quickly.

Why is my chocolate seizing when I melt it?

Chocolate seizes when even a small amount of water gets into it during the melting process. Make sure your bowl and utensils are completely dry. Melt the chocolate slowly over low heat to prevent it from overheating.

Can I use a different cookie cutter shape?

Of course! While this recipe is designed for Christmas trees, you can use any cookie cutter shape you like. Stars, bells, or even simple squares would work well. Just adjust the baking time accordingly if you’re making significantly larger shapes.

How can I make the chocolate topping look glossy?

Adding a tablespoon of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to the chocolate chips before melting helps create a glossy, smooth finish. Stir it in well as the chocolate melts.

Is it necessary to chill the shortbread before cutting out the shapes?

Yes, chilling the assembled shortbread is essential for clean cuts. The caramel and chocolate need to firm up, otherwise, you’ll end up with a messy result. I recommend chilling it for at least 2 hours, or even overnight.

Can I freeze Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees?

Yes, these treats freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

And there you have it – adorable and delectable Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees! These festive treats are the perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. They’re not only delicious, with their layers of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate, but they’re also visually stunning, making them a memorable gift or dessert for any Christmas gathering.

So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to spread some holiday cheer with these irresistible Christmas tree shortbreads. Don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media – I can’t wait to see your festive masterpieces!

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other holiday baking favorites:

• Classic Gingerbread Cookies
• Chocolate Peppermint Pretzels
• Cranberry Meatballs

Happy Baking!

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