Mini Egg Millionaires Shortbread: A Decadent Easter Treat That’s Irresistibly Rich 🍫🥚✨
1. Introduction
Mini Egg Millionaires Shortbread is the ultimate Easter dessert that combines buttery shortbread, velvety caramel, and smooth chocolate topped with crunchy mini eggs. This indulgent treat is perfect for celebrations, gifting, or simply satisfying your sweet cravings. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and delivers impressive results every time.
2. Ingredients
To make this delightful Mini Egg Millionaires Shortbread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- For the Shortbread Base: 200g plain flour, 75g caster sugar, 125g unsalted butter (cold and cubed).
- For the Caramel Layer: 150g unsalted butter, 75g caster sugar, 2 tbsp golden syrup, 1 can (397g) condensed milk.
- For the Chocolate Topping: 200g milk or dark chocolate (chopped), 1 tbsp vegetable oil, 1-2 cups mini eggs (crushed and whole for decoration).
For the best results, I recommend using high-quality ingredients. The type of chocolate you choose will significantly impact the final taste – milk chocolate gives a sweeter flavor while dark chocolate offers a richer, more sophisticated taste. If you’re looking for more Easter baking inspiration, check out this fantastic Mini Egg Millionaires Shortbread recipe from Jane’s Patisserie.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line an 8×8-inch baking tray with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar, then rub in the cold butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared tray, ensuring an even layer. The key to perfect shortbread is using cold butter and not overworking the dough – this ensures a beautifully crumbly texture.
Step 2: Bake the Shortbread
Bake the shortbread base for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it during the last few minutes. You want it to be just golden around the edges – this ensures it’s cooked through but won’t become too hard. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before adding the caramel layer. This cooling step is crucial as it prevents the caramel from melting into the warm shortbread.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Layer
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter, sugar, and golden syrup over low heat. The golden syrup adds a wonderful depth of flavor and helps create that perfect caramel consistency. Once dissolved, add the condensed milk and stir continuously for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns a rich caramel color. This requires patience – don’t be tempted to turn up the heat as the caramel can burn easily. Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread and spread evenly using an offset spatula. Let it set for at least 30 minutes at room temperature before adding the chocolate layer.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Topping & Mini Eggs
Melt the chocolate with the vegetable oil in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (bain-marie) or in the microwave using 30-second bursts. The vegetable oil helps create a smoother, more spreadable consistency. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and spread smoothly using a palette knife. While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle crushed mini eggs on top and press in whole mini eggs for decoration. The contrast between the smooth chocolate and crunchy mini eggs creates a wonderful texture. Chill in the fridge for 2 hours or until fully set before slicing.
4. Tips for Success
- Use cold butter for the shortbread to achieve a crumbly texture – this prevents the dough from becoming greasy.
- Stir the caramel constantly to prevent burning – a silicone spatula works best as it scrapes the bottom of the pan effectively.
- Let each layer cool completely before adding the next to avoid melting – patience is key for perfect layers.
- For a smoother finish, sift the flour before mixing – this removes any lumps and creates a more uniform texture.
- Line your baking tin with parchment paper with overhanging edges – this makes it much easier to remove the finished shortbread.
5. Variations
- Swap milk chocolate for dark or white chocolate for a different flavor profile – dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the sweet caramel.
- Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for a salted caramel twist – this balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Use other festive candies like Smarties or M&Ms if mini eggs aren’t available – any colorful candy will work well.
- Add orange zest to the shortbread base for a citrusy twist that complements the chocolate.
- For a nutty variation, sprinkle chopped toasted hazelnuts between the caramel and chocolate layers.
6. Serving Suggestions
Serve Mini Egg Millionaires Shortbread chilled, cut into small squares for easy sharing. The richness means small portions are satisfying. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for an indulgent afternoon treat. It also makes a fantastic addition to Easter dessert platters alongside other treats like hot cross buns or simnel cake. For special occasions, drizzle with melted white chocolate for extra decoration.
7. Storage Instructions
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days – the layers stay perfectly fresh. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in parchment paper for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. If the chocolate develops condensation after refrigeration, simply pat it dry with a paper towel before serving.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use store-bought caramel? Yes, but homemade caramel offers a richer flavor and better texture. If using store-bought, warm it slightly to make it more spreadable.
- Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely! Replace the flour with a gluten-free blend for the shortbread – look for one that’s designed for baking.
- How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking when slicing? Use a hot knife (dip it in boiling water and dry quickly) for clean cuts. Wipe the knife between slices for neat edges.
- Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, use dairy-free butter and condensed coconut milk. Choose dairy-free chocolate for the topping.
- Why is my caramel grainy? This usually happens if the sugar wasn’t fully dissolved before adding the condensed milk. Next time, ensure all sugar crystals have melted.
9. Conclusion
This Mini Egg Millionaires Shortbread recipe is a showstopper that’s sure to impress family and friends. With its perfect balance of textures and flavors – the crisp shortbread, gooey caramel, smooth chocolate, and crunchy mini eggs – it’s a must-try for Easter or any special occasion. The recipe is surprisingly simple to make yet looks and tastes incredibly impressive. Once you’ve mastered the basic version, feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations. Happy baking! 🍪🍫✨