Name: Salted Caramel Shortbread Bites with Chocolate Drizzle
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup soft caramel candies (about 20), unwrapped; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil; Flaky sea salt, for topping

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Salted Caramel Shortbread Bites with Chocolate Drizzle are bite-sized, buttery cookies topped with rich caramel, a hint of sea salt, and finished with a delicate drizzle of chocolate. These elegant and indulgent treats are perfect for holiday platters, dessert tables, or gifting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Buttery shortbread base with a soft caramel topping
Balanced sweet and salty flavor profile
Easy to make and visually impressive
Perfect for entertaining or gifting
Keeps well for days

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Unsalted butter
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Soft caramels or caramel sauce
Heavy cream
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
Sea salt flakes
Optional: chopped pecans or coconut flakes

directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla and mix well.
Gradually mix in flour until a dough forms.
Roll dough into small balls, flatten slightly, and place on prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely.
In a saucepan, melt soft caramels with heavy cream over low heat, stirring until smooth.
Spoon caramel over each shortbread bite and let set for a few minutes.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the tops and sprinkle with sea salt and optional toppings.
Allow to set fully before serving or storing.

Servings and timing

Servings: 24 bites
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Set time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

Nutty base: Mix chopped pecans or almonds into the shortbread dough.
White chocolate drizzle: Swap dark chocolate for white chocolate.
Spiced version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough.
Caramel swirl: Mix a touch of caramel into the chocolate for a marbled drizzle.
Holiday twist: Top with crushed peppermint or festive sprinkles.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a single layer for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature.
Reheating: Not necessary—best served at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, just make sure it’s thick enough to set on the cookies without dripping excessively.

Do these need to be refrigerated?

No, store them at room temperature in a cool, dry place.

Can I make the shortbread ahead of time?

Absolutely. Bake the cookies in advance and add caramel and toppings later.

How do I get a clean drizzle of chocolate?

Use a piping bag or small spoon. You can also dip a fork into melted chocolate and wave it over the cookies.

Will the caramel harden too much?

If using soft caramels or caramel sauce with cream, the texture will stay soft but set.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

How long does the caramel take to set?

About 15–20 minutes at room temperature, or faster in the fridge.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?

Yes, use whichever chocolate suits your preference.

Will these stick together in a container?

Layer with parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

Are these good for mailing in gift boxes?

Yes, just make sure they’re completely set before packing, and keep them cool during shipping.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Shortbread Bites with Chocolate Drizzle are an irresistible combination of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate. Whether you’re making them for a party, holiday treat, or a sweet afternoon snack, these bites are sure to impress with both their flavor and appearance.

Salted Caramel Shortbread Bites with Chocolate Drizzle

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These Salted Caramel Shortbread Bites are buttery, crumbly treats topped with rich caramel and finished with a decadent chocolate drizzle and a hint of sea salt.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 36 bites 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Add flour and salt to the mixture and mix until a dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and prick with a fork.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely in the pan.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the caramels with the heavy cream in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread and spread evenly. Chill in the fridge until the caramel is set, about 30 minutes.
In another bowl, melt the chocolate chips with the vegetable oil in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
Drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Let the chocolate set, then lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into bite-sized squares.