Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees

Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees are the epitome of holiday sweets, combining buttery goodness, a rich caramel layer, and a smooth chocolate topping. Making these delightful treats is not only a way to satisfy your sweet tooth but also a fun-filled activity to share with family and friends during the festive season. Imagine unwrapping a box of these beautiful cookies adorned with colorful sprinkles, as everyone gathers around to enjoy a treat that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. With layers of flavor and a delightful crunch, these trees are bound to become a favorite holiday tradition. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s whip up a batch of these festive Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees that are perfect for sharing at holiday parties or gifting to loved ones.

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Why This Recipe Works

The unique flavors in this recipe come from three layers that work incredibly well together. You start with a buttery shortbread base that’s both crumbly and tender. When you add the gooey caramel, everything becomes even more indulgent. Finally, the mellow chocolate topping ties it all together, creating a decadent treat perfect for the holiday season.

Chilling the dough before baking is a little trick that makes a big difference. It helps the cookies keep their festive tree shape while baking, ensuring they look as good as they taste. Plus, making your caramel from scratch gives so much more flavor than store-bought options. This homemade caramel adds richness and a buttery note that really makes these Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees shine.

Why You’ll Love This Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees

You’re going to love these festive treats not just for their incredible taste but also for how they brighten up your holiday desserts. Picture them displayed on a platter, glistening and inviting everyone to dig in. These trees really do elevate the aesthetic of any dessert table!

But what makes this recipe even more special is how interactive it is. Baking together with family or friends can turn into a cherished memory. You can personalize each tree with decorations, letting your creativity shine. Whether it’s choosing colorful sprinkles or drizzling chocolate, the possibilities are endless. They make perfect gifts, too, as everyone loves a homemade sweet, especially when it’s made with love.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Caramel Layer:
– 1 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
– ¼ cup light corn syrup
– ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Topping:
– 1 pound chocolate almond bark
– Chocolate drizzle
– Christmas sprinkles

Make the Shortbread Dough

Preheat and Prepare

First, let’s set the scene by preheating your oven to 350°F. While that heats up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze!

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. You want this to be light and fluffy. The more air you can whip into the mixture, the better your shortbread will be!

Combine Dry Ingredients

Next, gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt. As you blend, you’ll notice the dough starts to come together in a soft, crumbly texture. That’s exactly what you’re looking for!

Roll and Cut

Flour Your Surface

To prevent the dough from sticking, lightly flour your work surface. This step is key and will make rolling out much easier.

Shape the Dough

Now, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick. With a Christmas tree cookie cutter, cut out your shapes. The festive spirit is building up!

Transfer to Baking Sheet

Gently move the cut trees to your prepared baking sheet. Keep some space between them as they might spread a little while baking.

Chill the Shapes

Refrigerate the Cookies

Time to chill! Pop the tray in the fridge for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. This helps the cookies firm up and ensures they hold their shape during baking.

Bake the Shortbread

Bake to Perfection

After chilling, it’s time to bake! Place the tray in your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to turn just golden.

Cool Completely

Once baked, let them cool completely on the baking pan. Don’t rush this step; cooling helps the cookies set perfectly before the next layer is added.

Make the Caramel

Melt the Ingredients

Grab a medium saucepan and place it over medium heat. Melt 1 cup of butter, and then stir in the brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, and salt.

Cook Until Thickened

Continue stirring for about 8 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for a golden color and a thickened consistency. It’s a process filled with sweet anticipation!

Top the Cookies

Prepare for Caramel

Line a new baking sheet with parchment paper. This will be the resting place for your delicious cookie trees topped with caramel.

Spoon on Caramel

Once the shortbread cookies are completely cool, place them on the new baking sheet. Carefully spoon a warm layer of caramel over each cookie, gently spreading it to the edges.

Set the Caramel

Let these sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the caramel to set perfectly on each tree.

Add the Chocolate

Melt the Chocolate

Now, for the fun part! In the microwave, melt the chocolate almond bark. Do this in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until perfectly smooth. Adding a tiny bit of oil can help with the consistency!

Top with Chocolate

Once melted, spoon or spread the chocolate generously over the caramel on each tree. Get a nice even layer for that gooey goodness!

Chill Again

Pop the baking sheet back into the fridge. Let the trees chill for 2 to 3 hours, or until the chocolate has completely firmed up.

Decorate

Final Touches

Once they’re set, it’s time to make them shine! Drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle with your festive Christmas decorations. This is where you can get creative and have some fun!

Serve or Gift

Let everything set for a moment before serving. Or, if you want to share the joy, wrap them up nicely as delightful homemade gifts for your friends and family.

Serving Suggestions

• These Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees pair wonderfully with hot cocoa or coffee. The richness of the treats complements the warmth of your favorite beverages.
• Display them on a beautiful festive platter for your holiday gatherings. They will not just taste amazing, but look fantastic too!

Tips for Success

• Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps everything mix more thoroughly and creates a good texture.
• Feel free to experiment! Try different kinds of sprinkles for a unique holiday look. It can really personalize your cookies.

Variations

• Switch it up a bit! Use dark or white chocolate instead of almond bark to give a different flavor profile.
• If you fancy a twist, consider adding a layer of peppermint extract in the chocolate. It adds a refreshing touch that many will love.

Storage Tips

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate or freeze them. They can freeze well if wrapped tightly and stored in an airtight container.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use gluten-free flour for the shortbread?
A1: Yes, substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend works well!

Q2: How do I prevent the caramel from burning?
A2: The key is to stir continuously while monitoring the heat. This will help prevent burning.

Q3: Can I freeze the Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees?
A3: Absolutely! They freeze great. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.

Q4: What can I use instead of almond bark?
A4: Chocolate chips or any melted chocolate also make a fantastic substitute.

Q5: How long do the cookies last?
A5: They can last about a week at room temperature and up to three weeks if frozen.

These Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees are more than just a treat; they embody the spirit of the holiday season. Each layer brings a blend of flavors and textures that’s truly memorable. So, whether you’re sharing them with friends or tucking them away as delightful gifts, these cookies are sure to spread warmth and enjoyment. Get ready to impress with these beautiful and delicious holiday treats!

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