Ingredients
- For the shortbread layer:
- 10 tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 egg yolk
- 1-2/3 cups flour
- For the caramel:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup light corn syrup
- 2 tsp sea salt, plus more for sprinkling on top
- 4 tbsp sugar
- 4 tbsp heavy cream
- 1-1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Preparation
Step 1
- Line an 8x8" pan with parchment paper, leaving some hanging over the sides to make removal easier.
- In a large bowl, combine the butter, sugar, and salt with a pastry cutter or fork. Add the egg yolk and continue mixing.
- Add the flour and use your hands to combine the dough until coarse crumbs form. Transfer the dough into the prepared pan and press it down into one even layer.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 25 minutes, until slightly golden brown. Set aside to cool.
- For the caramel, combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, salt, sugar, and heavy cream. Bring to a boil and stir for about 5-10 minutes until caramel reaches the "soft ball stage" at around 230 degrees.
- Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla and pour caramel over the shortbread.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, then sprinkle with sea salt and cut into squares. Store caramels in the fridge until you're ready to eat them.