• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About Me & Contact
  • Cookbooks

2 Cookin Mamas logo

menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Subscribe
  • Cookbooks
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Cookies » Shortcut Millionaire Cookie Bars

    Published: Nov 29, 2017 · Modified: Oct 21, 2020 by Linda Warren

    Shortcut Millionaire Cookie Bars

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Delicious Shortcut Millionaire Cookie Bars have all the delicious buttery shortbread, creamy caramel and rich chocolate flavors that you look forward to in a millionaire bar but without all the hassle. Better make a double batch 'cause who wouldn't want these for Christmas?

    Stacked shortbread cookies on white table with caramels around.

    Millionaire Shortbread

    I'm in full holiday bake mode now that Thanksgiving is over and the first cookies of the season are for a special cause. Each year I have joined my fellow food bloggers to participate in the The Sweetest Season fundraiser. It is like a virtual Christmas Cookie Bake Sale to raise money for battling pediatric cancer. We have each donated to this cause and feel like we are making our own holidays a little brighter by helping to find a cure for this terrible disease. 

    Shortcut Millionaire Cookie Bars closeup 1 | 2 Cookin Mamas

    I've made some interesting cookies for this event in the past, like Salted Chocolate Caramel Cookies, Mint Chip Cookies and Chocolate Chip Macaroons. Today I thought about bringing you the popular Millionaire Shortbread Cookies but with a twist. These, for the most part, use packaged ingredients, a microwave and a little sea salt. That's it! Sound good?

    Check Out The Easy Steps To Make Millionaire Shortbread Cookies

    Mixing shortbread dough in large bowl.

    First make the shortbread dough, which has to be the easiest cookie dough around, 'cause it only takes 4 ingredients. Use a high quality butter, that's where most of the flavor comes from, and beat with brown sugar, flour and vanilla extract until it begins to resemble a thick dough. Once beaten I like to finish using my hands until it sticks together well.

    Shortcut Millionaire Cookie Bars shortbread prep 1 | 2 Cookin Mamas

    Now pat into a baking pan that has been lined with buttered parchment paper. Bake.

    Shortcut Millionaire Cookie Bars baked shortbread | 2 Cookin Mamas

    Perfect! Let it cool. 

    Shortcut Millionaire Cookie Bars caramel layer | 2 Cookin Mamas

    Next melt the caramels in a microwave safe dish with a little heavy cream. Pour over shortbread. Place in refrigerator for 30 minutes.

    Shortcut Millionaire Cookie Bars chocolate layer | 2 Cookin Mamas

    Melt some good dark chocolate, or you can use semi-sweet chocolate chips, with a little cream and pour over cooled caramel. Done and done.

    Shortcut Millionaire Cookie Bars closeup | 2 Cookin Mamas

    Let cool and cut into squares. It's like a cookie and candy bar in one. Believe me, they'll be the hit of your cookie tray!

    Shortcut Millionaire Cookie Bars bite | 2 Cookin Mamas

    How about a bite? Ohhhh, that's so good! I have to make several batches since I usually include these in my cookie boxes for gifts to the neighbors and like to have some at home for when the family arrives. They're ooey, gooey delicious and a cinch to make. That's a win-win for the holidays! Hope this makes your season a little sweeter! Enjoy!

    More Holiday Deliciousness!

    Nutella Puppy Chow from 2CM

    Peanut Brittle Cookies from 2CM

    Raspberry Pinwheel Cookies from Upstate Ramblings

    Coconut Lime Crisps from 2CM

    Love quick & easy recipes? Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest & Twitter for all the latest recipe inspiration! Plus join my email list here and receive a free e-book.

     

    Shortcut Millionaire Cookie Bars square | 2 Cookin Mamas

    SHORTCUT MILLIONAIRE COOKIE BARS

    Shortcut Millionaire Cookie Bars have all the buttery shortbread, creamy caramel & rich chocolate you expect from millionaire bars but without the hassle.
    No ratings yet
    Print Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 35 minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes
    Servings: 36 cookie bars
    Calories: 156kcal
    Author: Linda Warren

    Ingredients

    Shortbread layer

    • 2 cups flour
    • ½ cups light brown sugar, packed
    • 1 cup 2 sticks cold butter (use premium for any shortbread cookie)
    • ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
    • Pinch of salt

    Caramel layer

    • 2 cups or about 2 11-oz packages caramels
    • 3 Tablespoons heavy cream

    Chocolate layer

    • 12 oz dark chocolate (I like to use Ghiradelli 72% cocoa bars)
    • 6 Tablespoons heavy cream

    Instructions

    Shortbread layer

    • Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Butter the bottom and sides of a 9x13-inch baking pan. Cut a piece of parchment paper to cover the bottom and come up the sides of the baking dish to make it easier to lift out after it has been cooked. Butter the parchment paper as well.
    • In a large bowl of an electric mixer, stir together flour and sugar. Add butter and vanilla extract and beat until it begins to resemble dough. I like to mix it well and then squeeze it with my hands until it is well blended and sticks together.
    • Pat into a flat layer in the bottom of the baking pan.
    • Bake for 35 minutes, rotating ¼ turn halfway through cooking time. Remove and let cool on wire rack.

    Caramel layer

    • In a large microwave-proof measuring cup or bowl, heat caramels and cream in 30-second increments, stirring between each increment, until caramels are melted and mixture is smooth. It takes about 2-3 minutes.
    • Pour over shortbread.
    • Place in refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until caramel has set.

    Chocolate layer

    • In a large microwave-proof measuring cup or bowl, mix chocolate and cream together and heat in microwave in 30 second increments, stirring between each increment, until chocolate has melted and mixture is smooth. It takes about 1-½ minutes.
    • Pour over caramel layer.
    • Let cool.
    • Use parchment paper to lift cookies out of pan and onto a cutting board. Immediately cut into 1-½" x 2" bars with a very sharp knife. Store in refrigerator.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 156kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 61mg | Potassium: 97mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 163IU | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg

    More Cookies

    • Chocolate Chip Macaroons
    • Toffee Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies
    • Cereal Cookies
    • Orange Pistachio Biscotti

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. LeAndra says

      December 10, 2017 at 9:45 am

      These look absolutely fantastic. I always burn caramel, so the use of wrapped caramels for the caramel layer also makes me think I can do this!

      Reply
      • Linda Warren says

        December 12, 2017 at 5:17 pm

        You can do it! The wrapped caramels really make it easy. I hope you give it a try - they are soooo delicious!

        Reply
    2. thespeckledpalate says

      December 02, 2017 at 8:58 pm

      What a FABULOUS combination! I love a good Millionaire Bar, and I love that you made these a little easier for those of us who don't have a ton of time. There are totally on my seasonal to-make list now!

      It has been so much fun seeing everyone bring a cookie to the mix and help raise awareness and money and spread holiday cheer this week. 🙂 Thank you, thank you, thank you for participating in this year's Sweetest Season Cookie Exchange!

      Reply
    3. Madison | A Joyfully Mad Kitchen says

      December 01, 2017 at 4:57 pm

      YUMMM! Yes please! These cookie bars look SO good!

      Reply
      • Linda Warren says

        December 02, 2017 at 2:23 pm

        Thanks Madison! I remember getting my first batch from a neighbor and I was lucky to get one before the family gobbled them all up. Now it's a family favorite.

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hey, I’m Linda, the recipe creator, photographer and cocktail lover at 2 Cookin Mamas. Here you’ll find easy recipes that are not only delicious but can get you out of the kitchen ASAP. Come and join me and let me take you on a tasty trip through your kitchen. Thanks for stopping by! Learn more about me

    Trending Recipes

    • Best Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
    • Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
    • Air Fryer Fish Sticks
    • Coffee Lovers Smoothie - A Great Way to Start Your Day

    Seasonal Favorites

    • Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
    • Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
    • Kahlua Hot Chocolate + Hot Chocolate Bar
    • Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
    As featured in list.

    Stay Updated!

    Subscribe and receive your free "AWESOME APPETIZERS FOR EVERY OCCASION" e-book.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter & Media

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates
    • Cookbooks

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Services
    • Sitemap

    Copyright © 2017 2CookinMamas