Mini Egg Millionaires Shortbread

Every Easter, my kitchen transforms into a whirlwind of baking activity, fueled by the delightful chaos of chocolate eggs and the promise of sweet treats. This year, amidst the flurry of hot cross buns and simnel cakes, I stumbled upon a recipe that has quickly become a family favorite – Mini Egg Millionaires Shortbread. Imagine the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crumb of classic shortbread, layered with a gooey, rich caramel and topped with a generous blanket of smooth chocolate, all punctuated by the irresistible crunch of Mini Eggs. The first time I made these, they vanished within hours. My kids, usually dessert critics of the highest order, declared them “the best thing you’ve ever made!” Even my usually restrained husband couldn’t resist sneaking back for “just one more” piece. The combination of textures and flavors is simply divine, and the vibrant colors of the Mini Eggs make them not only delicious but also incredibly festive and visually appealing. If you’re looking for an Easter treat that’s guaranteed to impress and disappear in a flash, look no further than this Mini Egg Millionaires Shortbread recipe. It’s a delightful twist on a classic, perfect for sharing (or not!) this spring.

Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Easter Indulgence

To create these irresistible Mini Egg Millionaires Shortbread squares, you’ll need ingredients for three distinct layers: the shortbread base, the luscious caramel filling, and the decadent chocolate topping. Each layer plays a crucial role in the final symphony of flavors and textures. Let’s break down what you’ll need:

• For the Shortbread Base:
  • Unsalted Butter (250g / 1 cup + 2 tablespoons): The foundation of our shortbread, unsalted butter provides that rich, buttery flavor and crumbly texture that is characteristic of good shortbread. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
  • Granulated Sugar (100g / ½ cup): Adds a touch of sweetness and helps create the delicate crumb. Granulated sugar is preferred for its clean sweetness and texture in shortbread.
  • All-Purpose Flour (250g / 2 cups): The main dry ingredient, all-purpose flour provides structure to the shortbread base. It’s important to measure accurately for the right texture.
• For the Gooey Caramel Filling:
  • Unsalted Butter (125g / ½ cup): Just like in the shortbread, butter is key to a rich and flavorful caramel. It also contributes to the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Granulated Sugar (125g / ⅔ cup): The base of our caramel, granulated sugar caramelizes beautifully to create that deep, sweet flavor and golden hue.
  • Golden Syrup (125g / ½ cup): A crucial ingredient for a perfect Millionaires Shortbread caramel. Golden syrup adds a unique butterscotch-like flavor and prevents the caramel from becoming grainy. It also contributes to a lovely chewy texture.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk (397g / 1 can): This thick, sweet milk adds richness, creaminess, and helps to bind the caramel together, creating a wonderfully gooey and decadent layer.
• For the Chocolate Topping and Decoration:
  • Milk Chocolate (300g / 10.5 oz): The classic choice for Millionaires Shortbread, milk chocolate provides a smooth, sweet, and creamy finish that complements the shortbread and caramel perfectly. Choose a good quality milk chocolate for the best flavor.
  • Mini Eggs (approx. 200g / 7 oz): The star of our Easter twist! Mini Eggs add a delightful crunch and festive visual appeal. Their candy coating and milk chocolate interior provide a satisfying contrast to the other layers.

Instructions: Crafting Your Mini Egg Masterpiece

Making Mini Egg Millionaires Shortbread might seem like a multi-step process, but it’s actually quite straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Breaking it down into layers makes it manageable and even enjoyable. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own batch of Easter delights:

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F/ Gas Mark 4). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to easily lift the shortbread out later. This is crucial for easy removal and clean slices.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or a wooden spoon until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which contributes to the shortbread’s crumbly texture. Don’t over-cream, just until combined and lighter in color.
3. Add Flour and Combine: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix on low speed (if using an electric mixer) or gently fold it in with a spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tougher shortbread. The mixture should come together to form a soft dough.
4. Press into the Pan: Press the shortbread dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to create a smooth and even surface. Ensure the dough is pressed firmly into the corners to prevent uneven baking.
5. Bake the Shortbread: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the shortbread is pale golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. Keep an eye on it towards the end of baking time to prevent it from browning too much. Slightly underbaked shortbread is better than overbaked for Millionaires Shortbread, as it will firm up as it cools.
6. Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the shortbread from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This is very important! The shortbread needs to be completely cool before adding the caramel, otherwise the heat will melt the caramel and make it runny. Cooling time can be sped up in the refrigerator if needed, but ensure it’s completely cold before proceeding.

Step 2: Make the Gooey Caramel Filling

1. Combine Caramel Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, golden syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Use a saucepan with a heavy bottom to prevent scorching the caramel.
2. Melt and Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. It’s crucial to stir constantly to prevent the sugar from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning.
3. Boil and Thicken: Once melted and combined, bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently, stirring constantly, for 8-10 minutes. The caramel will thicken and deepen in color as it cooks. Keep stirring constantly to prevent sticking and burning. You’ll know it’s ready when it has thickened to a rich, golden brown caramel and coats the back of a spoon.
4. Pour Over Shortbread: Remove the caramel from the heat and immediately pour it evenly over the cooled shortbread base. Use a spatula to spread the caramel to the edges of the pan, ensuring it covers the shortbread completely. Work quickly as the caramel will start to set as it cools.
5. Chill in the Refrigerator: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the caramel is firm and set. Chilling is essential to allow the caramel to firm up properly before adding the chocolate topping. This step also makes it easier to cut clean slices later.

Step 3: Add the Chocolate Topping and Mini Egg Decoration

1. Melt the Chocolate: Break the milk chocolate into pieces and place it in a heatproof bowl. Melt the chocolate using your preferred method:
   • Microwave Method: Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and melted. Be careful not to overheat and burn the chocolate.
   • Double Boiler Method: Place the bowl of chocolate over a saucepan of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir gently until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
2. Pour Over Caramel: Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, pour it evenly over the chilled caramel layer. Use a spatula or palette knife to spread the chocolate to the edges, creating a smooth and even topping.
3. Decorate with Mini Eggs: Immediately arrange the Mini Eggs over the melted chocolate topping. You can arrange them randomly for a rustic look or create a more patterned design. Gently press the Mini Eggs into the melted chocolate so they adhere firmly.
4. Chill to Set: Return the Millionaires Shortbread to the refrigerator and chill for at least another 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the chocolate to fully set and firm up. This ensures clean cuts and prevents the chocolate from cracking when slicing.

Step 4: Cut and Serve

1. Remove from Pan: Once fully chilled and set, lift the Millionaires Shortbread out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
2. Cut into Squares: Place the shortbread on a cutting board and use a sharp, warm knife to cut it into squares or rectangles. To get clean cuts, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between each cut. This helps to prevent the chocolate from cracking.
3. Serve and Enjoy: Your Mini Egg Millionaires Shortbread is now ready to serve! Enjoy these delicious squares of Easter indulgence. Store any leftover shortbread in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts: A Sweet Treat in Moderation

While Mini Egg Millionaires Shortbread is undeniably delicious, it’s also a rich and indulgent treat. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming 16 servings per 8-inch square):

• Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 5cm x 5cm)
• Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g

Please note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Preparation Time: Planning Your Easter Baking

Mini Egg Millionaires Shortbread requires some time for chilling, but the active preparation time is surprisingly manageable. Here’s a breakdown:

• Prep Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes (for shortbread and caramel making)
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (for shortbread baking)
• Chilling Time: Minimum 4 hours (ideally overnight)
• Total Time (excluding chilling): Approximately 50-65 minutes

While the total time including chilling is longer, most of it is hands-off chilling time. You can easily make the shortbread and caramel in one evening and then assemble and decorate the next day. This makes it a great make-ahead dessert for Easter celebrations or gatherings.

How to Serve: Presenting Your Easter Masterpiece

Mini Egg Millionaires Shortbread is versatile and can be served in various ways, making it perfect for different occasions:

• As a Dessert: Serve squares of Millionaires Shortbread as a delightful dessert after Easter lunch or dinner. They are rich enough to satisfy any sweet craving.
• With Coffee or Tea: Pair a square with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat or a sweet ending to a meal. The richness of the shortbread complements the bitterness of coffee or tea beautifully.
• At Easter Gatherings and Parties: Millionaires Shortbread is ideal for Easter parties, family gatherings, or potlucks. Their festive appearance and delicious taste make them a crowd-pleaser.
• As a Homemade Gift: Package squares of Millionaires Shortbread in pretty boxes or cellophane bags to give as homemade Easter gifts to friends, family, or neighbors. They are a thoughtful and delicious present.
• In Lunchboxes or Picnics: Millionaires Shortbread squares are portable and travel well, making them a great addition to lunchboxes or picnic baskets for a special treat.
• Alongside Other Easter Treats: Create a beautiful Easter dessert platter by serving Millionaires Shortbread alongside other Easter favorites like hot cross buns, mini chocolate eggs, or Easter cupcakes.

Additional Tips for Millionaire Shortbread Perfection

To ensure your Mini Egg Millionaires Shortbread is a resounding success, consider these helpful tips:

1. Use Good Quality Chocolate: The quality of your chocolate significantly impacts the final taste. Opt for a good quality milk chocolate that you enjoy eating on its own. Using chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage can also add depth of flavor if you prefer a less sweet topping.
2. Don’t Overcook the Caramel: Overcooked caramel can become hard and brittle. Cook the caramel until it’s thickened and a rich golden brown, but remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches the right consistency. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
3. Chill Layers Properly: Chilling each layer thoroughly is crucial. Allowing the shortbread and caramel to cool and set completely before adding the next layer ensures that the layers don’t mix and that the final shortbread is easy to cut.
4. Warm Knife for Clean Cuts: To achieve clean, professional-looking cuts, warm your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between each slice. This prevents the chocolate from cracking and creates smooth edges.
5. Customize Your Chocolate Topping: While milk chocolate is classic, feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate provides a richer, less sweet topping, while white chocolate can add a different flavor profile and visual contrast. You could even do a swirl of milk and white chocolate for a marbled effect.
6. Add a Sprinkle of Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the chocolate topping before it sets enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate. The salt creates a wonderful salty-sweet contrast that elevates the overall taste.
7. Make it Ahead of Time: Millionaires Shortbread is an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This makes it perfect for busy Easter celebrations or when you want to get ahead with your baking.
8. Store Properly: Store leftover Mini Egg Millionaires Shortbread in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and prevent the chocolate from melting. It will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

FAQ: Your Millionaire Shortbread Questions Answered

Got questions about making Mini Egg Millionaires Shortbread? Here are answers to some common queries:

Q1: Can I use pre-made shortbread to save time?
A: While homemade shortbread is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use good quality store-bought shortbread biscuits in a pinch. Crush them finely and press them into the pan as a base. However, be aware that the texture and flavor will differ slightly from a homemade shortbread base.

Q2: Can I make this recipe gluten-free or vegan?
A: For a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, you’ll need to find vegan alternatives for butter, sweetened condensed milk, and milk chocolate. Vegan butter and sweetened condensed milk substitutes are available in most supermarkets. For vegan chocolate, choose a good quality dark chocolate as many dark chocolates are naturally vegan. Ensure your Mini Eggs are also vegan-friendly, as some candy coatings may contain animal products.

Q3: How long does Millionaires Shortbread last?
A: Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Mini Egg Millionaires Shortbread will last for up to 5 days. The cold temperature helps to keep the layers firm and prevents the chocolate from melting.

Q4: Can I freeze Millionaires Shortbread?
A: Yes, you can freeze Millionaires Shortbread. Cut it into squares, wrap each square individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Q5: What if my caramel is too runny or too thick?
A: If your caramel is too runny, it likely hasn’t been cooked for long enough. Return it to the saucepan and simmer for a few more minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens. If your caramel is too thick, you may have overcooked it. Unfortunately, there’s no easy fix for overcooked caramel. Be sure to watch it carefully and cook it for the recommended time.

Q6: Can I use different toppings instead of Mini Eggs?
A: Absolutely! While Mini Eggs are perfect for Easter, you can customize the topping to suit any occasion or preference. Consider using chopped nuts, sprinkles, toffee pieces, dried fruit, or a drizzle of white chocolate.

Q7: How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking when cutting?
A: The key to preventing chocolate cracking is to use a warm knife and chill the shortbread thoroughly. Dip your knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and then make your cut. Repeat this process between each cut. The warmth of the knife helps to melt the chocolate slightly as you cut, resulting in clean slices.

Q8: What is golden syrup and can I substitute it?
A: Golden syrup is a light treacle, a type of invert sugar syrup. It adds a unique butterscotch flavor and a chewy texture to the caramel. While it’s a key ingredient for authentic Millionaires Shortbread caramel, if you can’t find it, you can try substituting it with light corn syrup or honey, although the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

Mini Egg Millionaires Shortbread is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. The layers of crumbly shortbread, gooey caramel, and smooth chocolate, crowned with the festive crunch of Mini Eggs, create a symphony of textures and flavors that are simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for Easter, a special occasion, or just because, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a batch of these delightful Easter treats that will bring smiles to faces and sweeten any celebration. Happy Baking!

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