Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add egg yolk, vanilla, and salt; mix well.
  4. Gradually incorporate flour until a soft dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  5. Bake for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden; allow to cool slightly.
  6. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter and brown sugar, stirring until melted and bubbling.
  7. Add vanilla, salt, and heavy cream; continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  8. Pour toffee over cooled base, spreading evenly, and set aside to cool completely.
  9. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth.
  10. If using, stir in vegetable oil to enhance the shine.
  11. Pour melted chocolate over the toffee layer, spreading evenly. Chill in the refrigerator until set, about 30 minutes.
  12. Once set, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into squares.