If buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies draped in gooey caramel and chocolate sound like your kind of dessert, then get ready to meet your new obsession: Salted Caramel Shortbread Cookies. Imagine biting into a tender, crumbly shortbread base, then hitting that luxurious layer of rich caramel and chocolate, finished with just the right sprinkle of flaky sea salt—it’s a total flavor explosion.

This recipe is for those moments when you want something special without feeling intimidated by fancy techniques. These cookies are indulgent, show-stopping, and perfect for sharing…or keeping all to yourself (no judgment here).

Recipe Origin

Shortbread cookies have long been a classic treat, prized for their tender, buttery texture. By adding a luscious salted caramel layer and a silky chocolate topping, this recipe elevates a simple shortbread into a decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert reminiscent of your favorite bakery treats.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before you start, make sure you have these essentials:

Large mixing bowl
Electric mixer or hand whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula
Saucepan for caramel
Baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone mat
Cooling rack
Knife or pastry cutter

Having your tools ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable—baking should feel like fun, not a scavenger hunt for utensils!

Why You’ll Love Salted Caramel Shortbread Cookies

These cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re an experience. Here’s why they’re a favorite:

Buttery & Tender: The shortbread base is rich and crumbly, a perfect canvas for caramel and chocolate.

Decadent Flavors: Sweet caramel, rich chocolate, and a hint of sea salt create the ultimate balance of flavors that will make your taste buds dance.

Impressive Presentation: These cookies look elegant enough for a holiday table or gift box, but are surprisingly easy to make.

Easy to Share (or Not!): Perfect for cookie swaps, parties, or treating yourself after a long day.

Customizable: Swap chocolate types, drizzle with extra caramel, or add chopped nuts for a unique twist.

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the shortbread base ahead of time and assemble when ready to bake, making these perfect for busy schedules.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies

Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and a tender shortbread texture.
Unwrap caramels before melting—they’ll melt faster and more evenly.
Don’t overbake the shortbread; it should be just lightly golden to keep it tender.
Use a silicone spatula to spread caramel evenly over the cookies.
Sprinkle sea salt while the chocolate is still slightly warm so it sticks perfectly.

Ingredients

Ingredients in Salted Caramel Shortbread Cookies

This recipe is deceptively simple but results in cookies that feel indulgent and bakery-worthy. (Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Shortbread Base:
The foundation of these cookies—rich, buttery, and tender. Sugar, butter, vanilla, and flour come together to create the perfect crumbly texture.

Caramel Layer:
Soft, gooey, and sweet with a slight chew, the caramel layer is the heart of the cookie. Melting caramels with milk makes them perfectly spreadable.

Chocolate Topping:
Semi-sweet chocolate adds richness and balances the sweetness of the caramel. A touch of butter makes it silky smooth and easy to spread.

Flake Sea Salt:
Just a sprinkle of sea salt elevates the flavor, cutting through the sweetness and adding a sophisticated finishing touch.

Instructions

Let’s create these irresistible cookies step by step:

Preheat Your Equipment:
Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature in the recipe card. A properly heated oven ensures the shortbread bakes evenly and stays tender.

Prepare Shortbread Dough:
In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until smooth. Mix in vanilla, then gradually add flour, combining until dough comes together. The result should be rich and crumbly yet pliable.

Bake Shortbread:
Press the dough evenly into a lined baking sheet. Bake until just lightly golden on the edges. Remove from oven and let cool slightly—this ensures the shortbread sets without becoming dry.

Prepare Caramel:
In a small saucepan, melt unwrapped caramels with milk over low heat, stirring frequently. Once smooth, pour evenly over the cooled shortbread base and spread with a spatula. Allow it to set slightly.

Melt Chocolate:
In a heatproof bowl, melt semi-sweet chocolate with butter until smooth. Pour over the caramel layer and spread evenly.

Add Sea Salt:
Sprinkle flake sea salt over the chocolate while still slightly warm. This adds flavor contrast and a beautiful finishing touch.

Cool and Cut:
Allow the cookies to cool completely until the chocolate and caramel are set. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares or rectangles.

Serve and Enjoy:
Serve at room temperature for the best texture. These cookies are perfect with coffee, tea, or simply as a decadent treat anytime.

Nutrition Facts

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How to Serve Salted Caramel Shortbread Cookies

These cookies are indulgent on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate your serving:

With Coffee or Tea: The buttery shortbread and caramel pair beautifully with a warm beverage.

As Dessert: Plate with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra special touch.

Gift-Worthy: Wrap in parchment or decorative boxes for an elegant homemade gift.

Snack Platter: Combine with other cookies, chocolates, or nuts for a festive cookie tray.

Holiday Touch: Garnish with extra caramel drizzle or chocolate curls for a seasonal flair.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Prep Ahead: Prepare shortbread dough ahead of time and refrigerate. Bake and assemble when ready.

Storage Tips: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days.

Freeze for Later: Freeze baked shortbread squares before adding caramel and chocolate for up to 3 months. Assemble after thawing for fresh-tasting cookies.

Variations to Try

Use dark chocolate for a richer, slightly bitter contrast.
Add finely chopped toasted pecans or almonds on top of the chocolate layer.
Drizzle extra caramel over the chocolate for a double-caramel treat.
Sprinkle crushed toffee bits for added texture.

Additional Tips

Don’t overbake the shortbread—it should remain tender and crumbly.
Melt caramels slowly over low heat to avoid scorching.
Cut cookies with a hot knife (dip in warm water and wipe dry) for clean edges.
Allow cookies to cool completely before stacking to prevent sticking.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of melting caramels?
A1: Yes! Just ensure the sauce is thick enough to hold between the shortbread and chocolate layers.

Q2: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A2: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes a binder for best results.

Q3: Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
A3: Absolutely! Milk chocolate will be sweeter and creamier.

Q4: How do I keep the shortbread from crumbling?
A4: Don’t overbake and press dough evenly into the pan. Chill slightly if the dough is too soft.

Q5: Can I cut the cookies into different shapes?
A5: Yes, use cookie cutters for fun shapes before adding caramel and chocolate.

Q6: How long can I store these cookies?
A6: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Q7: Can I double the recipe?
A7: Definitely! Just double ingredients and bake in larger pans or batches.

Q8: Can I drizzle extra chocolate on top?
A8: Yes, melted chocolate drizzle adds flair and flavor.

Q9: Can I use salted butter?
A9: Yes, but reduce the additional sea salt topping to balance the flavors.

Q10: Can I assemble these ahead of time?
A10: Yes! Bake shortbread and store, then add caramel, chocolate, and salt closer to serving for the freshest texture.

Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Shortbread Cookies are everything you want in a treat—rich, buttery, sweet, and slightly salty, with a texture that balances tender shortbread, gooey caramel, and silky chocolate. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or indulging on your own, these cookies are a crowd-pleasing, show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Bake a batch, savor each bite, and watch as they disappear fast—it’s okay to keep a secret stash just for yourself! These cookies are proof that homemade treats can be both elegant and absolutely irresistible.