Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees

Y’all, the smell of butter and sugar baking in the oven? It’s pure Christmas magic in my book. And when you can turn that magic into adorable little Christmas trees that taste like a slice of heaven? Well, that’s just a holiday win! I’ve made this Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees recipe three years running for our family Christmas Eve gathering, and they disappear faster than you can say “Merry Christmas.” These festive treats are the perfect blend of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate, all dressed up for the holidays. I promise, this recipe will give you a fun, delicious, and oh-so-impressive treat that’ll become a family favorite.

Why This Recipe Works

Let’s be honest, the holidays are BUSY. That’s why I wanted a recipe that was both festive AND relatively easy. This Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees recipe fits the bill perfectly. Here’s why it works for my family, and hopefully for yours too:

• Kid-Friendly Fun: The decorating part is where the kids can really get involved. Sprinkles, candies, melted chocolate drizzle – let them go wild!
• Make-Ahead Magic: The shortbread and caramel layers can be made a day or two in advance, leaving you just the chocolate and decorating on the day you need them.
• Impressive, But Simple: They look fancy, but really they’re just a simple shortbread recipe elevated with caramel and chocolate. Trust me, anyone can make these!

After a few test batches (quality control, y’all!), I’ve tweaked this recipe to be as foolproof as possible. You get that perfect snap of the shortbread, a chewy caramel that doesn’t run everywhere, and a smooth chocolate topping that’s just begging for sprinkles.

Ingredients

• For the Shortbread:
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the Caramel:
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Chocolate Topping:
  • 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or vegetable shortening)
  • Festive Sprinkles, for decorating

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Quality really matters here, especially with the butter. I always use a good quality unsalted butter because it adds richness to both the shortbread and the caramel. As for the chocolate, semi-sweet is my go-to, but you can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter treat. And don’t skimp on the sprinkles! They’re what make these Christmas trees extra special.

Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe. If you only have salted butter on hand, omit the 1/4 teaspoon of salt in the shortbread and reduce the salt in the caramel to 1/4 teaspoon.

Chocolate Chips: I find semi-sweet balances the sweetness of the caramel perfectly. Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate for a richer flavor.

Coconut Oil: The coconut oil helps the chocolate melt smoothly and gives it a nice shine. You can substitute vegetable shortening if you don’t have coconut oil.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking! Here’s how to make these adorable Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees:

1. Make the Shortbread: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour and salt, and mix until just combined. The dough will seem crumbly, but don’t overmix!
2. Press the Shortbread: Press the shortbread dough evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan. I find using the bottom of a measuring cup helps to get it nice and smooth. Prick the shortbread all over with a fork. This prevents it from puffing up too much while baking.
3. Bake the Shortbread: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let the shortbread cool completely in the pan before adding the caramel. This is crucial for the caramel to set properly!
4. Make the Caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, heavy cream, corn syrup, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved. Once the sugar is dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil.
5. Cook the Caramel to the Right Temperature: Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan and cook, without stirring, until the caramel reaches 245°F (118°C). This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Be patient and keep an eye on the temperature! Overcooked caramel will be hard and brittle.
6. Finish the Caramel: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread. Let the caramel cool completely and set before adding the chocolate. I usually pop it in the fridge for about an hour to speed things up.
7. Make the Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate!
8. Assemble the Christmas Trees: Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the set caramel. Immediately sprinkle with your favorite festive sprinkles. Before the chocolate sets completely, use a sharp knife to cut the shortbread into triangles (Christmas tree shapes). It’s easier to cut when the chocolate is still slightly soft. Let the chocolate set completely before serving.

Expert Tips from My Kitchen

Here are a few things I’ve learned from making these Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees over the years:

• Don’t Overmix the Shortbread Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which will make the shortbread tough. Mix until just combined.
• Use a Candy Thermometer for the Caramel: It’s the best way to ensure your caramel reaches the correct temperature and sets properly.
• Let the Caramel Cool Completely: This prevents the chocolate from melting and running when you pour it on top.
• Cut the Trees Before the Chocolate Sets Completely: It’s easier to get clean cuts when the chocolate is still slightly soft. If the chocolate hardens too much, you can warm the knife under hot water before cutting.
• Get Creative with Decorations: Use different colored sprinkles, candies, or even melted white chocolate to decorate your Christmas trees.
• Make it a Family Affair: Get the kids involved in decorating the trees! It’s a fun and festive activity that everyone will enjoy.
• If Your Caramel is Too Hard If you overcook the caramel and it becomes too hard, you can try adding a tablespoon or two of heavy cream and reheating it gently until it softens. However, it’s always best to start over!

Storage & Meal Prep

These Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees are perfect for making ahead! Here’s how to store them and some meal prep tips:

Storage: Store the Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Make-Ahead: The shortbread and caramel layers can be made a day or two in advance. Store the shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature, and the caramel in the refrigerator. Bring the caramel to room temperature before pouring it over the shortbread.

Freezing: You can freeze the Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Substitutions & Variations

Want to tweak this recipe to fit your dietary needs or preferences? Here are a few ideas:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the shortbread. I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best texture. I have not personally tested this.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free butter substitute and dairy-free heavy cream to make the shortbread and caramel. Make sure to use dairy-free chocolate chips for the topping.
• Dark Chocolate: Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet flavor.
• Peppermint Bark Trees: Add a layer of crushed peppermint candies on top of the melted chocolate for a festive peppermint bark flavor.
• Salted Caramel: Increase the amount of salt in the caramel to 1 teaspoon for a more intense salted caramel flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely! The shortbread and caramel layers can be made a day or two in advance. Just store them separately and assemble the trees when you’re ready to serve.

How do I know when the caramel is done?

The best way to tell if the caramel is done is to use a candy thermometer. It should reach 245°F (118°C). If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can drop a small amount of caramel into a bowl of cold water. If it forms a soft ball, it’s ready.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?

Yes, you can! Milk chocolate will make the trees sweeter, so keep that in mind.

My caramel is too hard. What did I do wrong?

You likely cooked the caramel for too long or at too high of a temperature. Be sure to use a candy thermometer and watch it carefully. Next time, cook it to the correct temperature and remove it from the heat immediately.

How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking when I cut the trees?

Cut the trees before the chocolate sets completely. If the chocolate hardens too much, warm the knife under hot water before cutting.

Are these kid-friendly?

Definitely! Kids love the decorating part. Just supervise them closely when using a knife to cut the trees.

Can I freeze these?

Yes, you can freeze the Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These Millionaire Shortbread Christmas Trees are perfect on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your presentation:

• Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Arrange on a festive platter with other Christmas treats.

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