Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees

Is there anything that screams holiday cheer quite like a perfectly executed Millionaire Shortbread? Now, imagine taking that classic treat and transforming it into adorable Christmas trees! This Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees recipe is the festive twist you need this season. The buttery shortbread base, the luscious caramel middle, and the rich chocolate topping create a symphony of flavors and textures that everyone will adore. It’s a showstopper dessert, perfect for gifting, holiday parties, or simply enjoying by the fire. I’ve been baking for over 15 years, and I’ve spent the last few perfecting this particular recipe, ensuring each layer sings with the spirit of Christmas. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these delightful, easy to-make Christmas tree treats! Plus, shortbread is trending this year, so you are right on time to make these!

Ingredients

Let’s break down the ingredients, exploring their roles and offering some handy substitution tips to cater to different needs and preferences. The key is finding the balance between quality and accessibility, ensuring the final product tastes as exceptional as it looks.

• For the Shortbread Base:

* All-purpose flour: 225g (1 ¾ cups). Flour provides the structure of the shortbread. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose blend, making sure it contains xanthan gum to bind the ingredients.
* Granulated sugar: 50g (¼ cup). Sugar adds sweetness and tenderizes the shortbread. You can substitute with caster sugar for a finer texture.
* Salted butter: 175g (¾ cup), cold and cubed. Butter is essential for the rich, crumbly texture. Unsalted butter can be used, just add ¼ teaspoon of salt to the flour.
* Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (optional). Vanilla enhances the flavor profile.

• For the Caramel Layer:

* Sweetened condensed milk: 397g (1 can). This forms the base of the caramel, adding sweetness and thickness. There’s no easy substitute for this, but you can make a homemade caramel sauce if needed (though it will alter the bake time and texture).
* Golden syrup: 2 tablespoons. Golden syrup adds a distinctive flavor and helps prevent crystallization. Light corn syrup can be used as a substitute.
* Salted butter: 50g (¼ cup), cubed. Butter enriches the caramel and gives it a smooth texture. Again, unsalted is fine – add a pinch of salt.
* Light brown sugar: 50g (¼ cup). Brown sugar adds a caramel-like flavor to the caramel layer. You can use granulated sugar, but the flavor will be slightly different.

• For the Chocolate Topping:

* Dark chocolate: 200g (7 oz), chopped. Dark chocolate provides a rich, decadent topping. Milk chocolate can be used for a sweeter option, or white chocolate for a festive contrast.
* Vegetable oil: 1 teaspoon. This helps to thin the chocolate for a smoother finish and prevent cracking when slicing. Coconut oil can also be used.
* Christmas sprinkles: For decoration. Use your favorite colors and shapes to add a festive touch!

Expert Tips

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really elevate this Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees recipe. Here are my top tips:

• Chill the shortbread: After pressing the dough into the pan, chill it for at least 30 minutes before baking. This prevents the shortbread from spreading too much in the oven.
• Poking holes: Before baking the shortbread, poke holes all over with a fork. This prevents the shortbread from puffing up and ensures a flat base for the caramel.
• Low and slow: Baking the shortbread at a low temperature ensures it cooks evenly and doesn’t burn.
• Patience is key: Let the caramel cool completely before adding the chocolate topping. This prevents the chocolate from melting and creating a messy finish.
• Warm knife for slicing: Use a warm, sharp knife to cut the Millionaire Shortbread into triangles. This will give you clean, professional-looking slices.
• High-quality chocolate: Using good quality chocolate really makes a difference in the final taste and appearance. Don’t skimp on this ingredient!
• Festive Fun: Get creative with your Christmas sprinkles! Use different colors and shapes to create a unique and festive look.

Storage & Substitutions

• Storage: Store the Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, but the shortbread may become slightly harder.
• Substitutions:

* Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the shortbread base.
* Vegan: Substitute the butter in the shortbread and caramel with vegan butter. Use a vegan condensed milk alternative (this might be tricky to find, so homemade caramel could be easier). Ensure your chocolate is vegan-friendly.
* Nut-Free: This recipe is naturally nut-free, but always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are processed in a nut-free facility if you have allergies.

• Make Ahead: The shortbread base can be baked a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. The caramel can also be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before pouring it over the shortbread.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees:

Why is my shortbread crumbly?

The shortbread might be crumbly because there’s not enough liquid (butter) or it’s overbaked. Make sure to use cold butter and don’t overmix the dough. Also, check the oven temperature to ensure it’s accurate.

Why is my caramel too hard?

The caramel might be too hard if it’s overcooked or if there’s too much sugar relative to the butter. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature and cook until it reaches the soft ball stage (235-240°F).

Why is my chocolate cracked?

The chocolate might crack if it’s too thick or if the caramel is too cold when you pour the chocolate over it. Adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil or coconut oil to the melted chocolate can help prevent cracking.

Can I freeze Millionaire Shortbread?

Yes, you can freeze Millionaire Shortbread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even a combination of different chocolates. Experiment and find your favorite flavor combination.

How do I prevent the caramel from sticking to the pan?

Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift the Millionaire Shortbread out of the pan after it has set.

What can I use instead of golden syrup?

Light corn syrup or honey can be used as a substitute for golden syrup, although the flavor will be slightly different.

And there you have it: Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees! This recipe combines the classic comfort of Millionaire Shortbread with the festive fun of the holiday season. With its buttery shortbread base, gooey caramel center, and rich chocolate topping, it’s a dessert that is guaranteed to impress. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your decorations and make these trees your own.

Now, go forth and bake! And be sure to share your creations with me on social media using #ChristmasBakingJoy. I can’t wait to see your festive masterpieces! Don’t forget to rate and comment on the recipe below if you tried it. For more holiday baking inspiration, check out my recipes for Gingerbread Cookies, Peppermint Bark Brownies, and Cranberry Orange Scones!

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