A delicious shortbread cookie topped with sweet, salty, caramel and a hint of orange.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 64one inch squares
Ingredients
SHORTBREAD :
10T.salted buttermelted
1/2c.granulated sugar
1/4tsp.sea salt
Zest of 1/2orange
1lg.egg yolkwhisked
1 2/3c.all-purpose flour
CARAMEL TOPPING :
14 T.butter
3/4c.light brown sugar
1/2c.granulated sugar
3/4c.light corn syrup
1tsp.sea salt
1/4c.heavy cream
1 1/2tsp.pure vanilla extract
1/2tsp.orange extract
sea saltfor sprinkling
Instructions
Line an 8 x 8 x 2-inch pan with parchment paper, allowing two sides to hang over, making it easier to remove the bars once cooled.
SHORTBREAD: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, salt and orange zest. Add egg yolk, continue to whisk until combined. Stir in flour with a heavy spoon or your hands. Pour dough into prepared pan and press down evenly with your hands until the pan is covered. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to one hour.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove shortbread from the refrigerator and bake for 25-28 minutes, until lightly browned. Allow shortbread to cool while you are preparing the caramel.
CARAMEL TOPPING: In a heavy-bottomed pot, combine the butter, brown sugar, sugar corn syrup, sea salt, and heavy cream. Bring to a boil and stir until sugars are dissolved and the mixture is well combined. Using a candy thermometer, heat caramel to 230 degrees. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and orange extracts.
Allow caramel to cool for a couple of minutes, then pour over the shortbread base. Sprinkle with sea salt, then refrigerate for several hours. Once chilled, cut into small squares, serve and enjoy!