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Gingerbread Millionaire Shortbread Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 80 reviews

These Gingerbread Millionaire Shortbread Bars combine a spicy gingerbread shortbread base with a rich ginger-spiced caramel layer and a smooth dark chocolate topping, finished with a crunch of gingersnaps and optional flaky sea salt. Perfect for holiday treats, these bars balance bold flavors and textures for an indulgent dessert experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Shortbread Base

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (107 g) packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 3/4 cups (330 g) all-purpose flour

Caramel Layer

  • 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2/3 cup (142 g) dark brown sugar
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt

Chocolate Topping & Garnish

  • 10 oz chocolate (preferably 60% cacao), chopped
  • 1 oz gingersnaps, crushed
  • Flaky sea salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Shortbread Base: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13” x 9” metal baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite long sides for easy removal later.
  2. Mix Shortbread Dough: In a large bowl, use a handheld mixer on high speed to beat the softened butter, dark brown sugar, molasses, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and kosher salt together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce mixer speed to low and add the all-purpose flour, mixing just until the dough comes together.
  3. Bake Shortbread: Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned. Remove from oven and allow the shortbread to cool in the pan at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before adding the caramel.
  4. Make Caramel: In a small saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, dark brown sugar, unsalted butter, ground ginger, and kosher salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Simmer Caramel: Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking, stirring constantly to prevent scorching, until the caramel thickens slightly and darkens in color. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for 235°F (soft-ball stage), which should take about 5 to 6 minutes. The caramel will froth and bubble, but will smooth out with stirring.
  6. Pour Caramel Over Shortbread: Remove the caramel from heat and carefully pour it over the cooled shortbread base, spreading it evenly with a nonstick spatula. Be cautious, as the caramel will be very hot. Let the caramel set at room temperature until firm, which can take from 30 minutes up to overnight.
  7. Melt Chocolate: Place the chopped chocolate in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth, about 1 minute and 30 seconds total.
  8. Top with Chocolate and Garnish: Pour the melted chocolate over the set caramel layer and spread evenly using the back of a spoon or an offset spatula. Sprinkle crushed gingersnaps over the chocolate, and add flaky sea salt if desired. Refrigerate the bars for about 2 hours until the chocolate is fully set.
  9. Cut Bars: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire block out of the pan onto a cutting board. With a sharp knife, cut into squares to serve.

Notes

  • Allow the shortbread and caramel layers to fully cool and set before adding the next layer to avoid mixing.
  • Use a good-quality dark chocolate (around 60% cacao) for a balanced bittersweet flavor.
  • Crushed gingersnaps add a nice crunch and deepen the ginger flavor, but can be omitted if desired.
  • Storing the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator will help maintain their texture and freshness.
  • Be cautious when working with hot caramel to avoid burns.

Keywords: Gingerbread, Millionaire Shortbread, Caramel Bars, Holiday Dessert, Ginger Spice, Chocolate, Shortbread, Gingersnap

Find it online: https://topreci.com/gingerbread-millionaire-shortbread-bars-recipe/