Irish Shortbread Toffee Bars

(from kintyre’s recipe box)

Serves 12 people

Ingredients

  • For the shortbread:
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • For the toffee:
  • 2 sticks salted butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 (10 ounce bag) good-quality bittersweet chocolate chips
  • Sea salt (optional)

Directions

  1. For the shortbread, preheat oven to 350°F. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a beater blade (or with an electric mixer), cream the butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add the flour and beat on low speed until crumbly, making sure not to over-mix the dough. Press into the bottom of an 8 × 11-inch baking dish and cook for 18 to 20 minutes, or until light golden brown.

  2. For the toffee, combine the butter, sugar, condensed milk, and maple syrup in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once the mixture is boiling, continue to stir until it is thick and golden brown (but not burned), about 5-7 minutes. Pour over the cooked shortbread and allow to set at least an hour or as long as overnight. (If you love caramel flavor, use all of the sauce, or use less for a thinner layer.)

  3. Melt the chocolate chips in a small saucepan over low heat. Spread over the cooled caramel layer, sprinkle with sea salt (if using), and cool completely. Cut into squares before serving.

Email to a friend | Print this recipe | Back