IRISH SHORTBREAD TOFFEE BARS

IRISH SHORTBREAD TOFFEE BARS image

Yield 12 bars

Number Of Ingredients 12

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
For the chocolate:
1 (10 ounce bag) good-quality bittersweet chocolate chips
Sea salt (optional)

Steps:

For the shortbread: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 2. 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. 3. Add the flour to the butter & sugar mixture and beat on low speed until crumbly, making sure not to over-mix the dough. 4. Press into the bottom of an 8 x 11-inch baking dish and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until light golden brown. For the toffee: 1. Combine the butter, sugar, condensed milk, and maple syrup in a medium saucepan. 2. 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. 3. 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.) For the chocolate: 1. Melt the chocolate chips in a small saucepan over low heat. 2. Spread over the cooled caramel layer, sprinkle with sea salt (if using), and cool completely. Cut into squares before serving.