Ultimate Holiday Shortbread Caramel Sandwich Cookies
These cookies are the epitome of indulgence, combining the rich buttery flavor of shortbread, a gooey caramel filling, and a luxurious white chocolate coating. Perfect for the holiday season, they look gorgeous and taste even better—crispy, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth all at once. Whether you’re gifting them to loved ones or treating yourself, these cookies are sure to impress. So, let’s dive into this decadent recipe that will make your holiday baking dreams come true!
🍪 Ingredients:
For the Shortbread Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (for extra tenderness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
For the White Chocolate Coating:
- 8 oz white chocolate chips (or chopped white chocolate)
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (to thin out the chocolate)
Optional Festive Sprinkles:
- Rainbow or gold sprinkles (for decoration)
📖 Instructions:
1. Making the Shortbread Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). This will ensure the cookies have that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Add in the vanilla extract and salt, and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and cornstarch, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together. It should be soft and slightly crumbly but still hold together.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into your desired shapes—rounds or squares work best for sandwiching with caramel.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before assembling.
2. Making the Caramel Filling:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer.
- Stir the caramel constantly for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Be careful not to burn it!
- Remove the caramel from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. It should be thick but still pourable.
3. Assembling the Cookies:
- Take one shortbread cookie and spread a generous layer of caramel on the flat side.
- Place another shortbread cookie on top to form a sandwich. Gently press to seal.
- Repeat this for the remaining cookies.
4. Dipping in White Chocolate:
- Melt the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler or in the microwave (stirring every 30 seconds to prevent overheating).
- Add the vegetable oil to the melted chocolate to give it a smooth, glossy finish.
- Dip the top half of each caramel-filled cookie into the white chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Place the dipped cookies on a parchment-lined tray and immediately sprinkle with festive sprinkles for extra crunch and color.
5. Chill and Set:
- Refrigerate the cookies for 15-20 minutes to allow the white chocolate to set and harden completely.
🧑🍳 Method:
The method for making these cookies requires a bit of patience but it’s worth every step. The key is to let each layer (caramel and chocolate) set before moving to the next, ensuring a smooth finish. The buttery shortbread is the base, and it’s crucial to get that perfect crisp but melt-in-the-mouth texture.
While the caramel may seem tricky, it’s simply a matter of combining sugar, butter, and cream and cooking it just enough to achieve that gooey, golden consistency. You want the caramel to have a thick but still spreadable texture, so don’t rush it!
The white chocolate dip adds elegance, and the sprinkles add that festive touch—making it look like a treat straight from a high-end bakery.
🎄 The History:
Shortbread has deep roots in Scottish history. Originating in the 12th century, it was initially made as a type of bread that was “shortened” with butter. Over the centuries, it evolved into the crumbly, buttery biscuit we recognize today. The practice of adding a sweet filling like caramel to shortbread has grown in popularity, especially for special occasions like the holidays.
Caramel, meanwhile, has been a beloved sweet for centuries, with origins tracing back to Europe in the 17th century. Combining the two creates a mouthwatering treat that balances rich, buttery, and sweet flavors.
💖 Lovers of This Recipe:
This holiday indulgence is a hit with everyone who loves rich, sweet treats. Perfect for:
- Bakers looking to impress with their skills and share a homemade gift.
- Caramel lovers, as the gooey filling steals the show.
- White chocolate fans, who enjoy the smooth, sweet finish that pairs so well with the buttery cookie.
Pair these with a warm mug of hot cocoa or a festive cocktail, and you’ve got the perfect holiday dessert to share with friends and family. These cookies are also a great addition to cookie exchanges or holiday dessert tables!
🍴 Conclusion:
These Ultimate Holiday Shortbread Caramel Sandwich Cookies are a must-try this season. They combine the buttery richness of shortbread with a gooey caramel center and a smooth white chocolate coating for an irresistible treat. While the recipe does take a bit of time and patience, the end result is beyond worth it. These cookies will quickly become a holiday favorite in your home—and who knows, you might even decide to make them a yearly tradition. Enjoy baking, indulging, and spreading some holiday joy with these beautiful, delicious cookies!
I hope you have a blast baking these, and they come out just as amazing as they sound! Have you ever made shortbread or caramel-filled cookies before?