Best 8 Espresso Shortbread Headstones Recipes

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Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with "Espresso Shortbread Headstones: A Hauntingly Delicious Treat for Halloween Festivities." This article presents a tantalizing collection of recipes that capture the essence of the spooky season with a delectable twist. From the classic Espresso Shortbread Headstones, adorned with intricate designs and a hint of coffee, to the mesmerizingly eerie Witch Finger Cookies and Graveyard Brownies, each recipe promises a unique and unforgettable experience. Explore the Ghoulish Graveyard Parfait, a layered masterpiece featuring chocolate pudding, crushed Oreos, and gummy worms, or venture into the realm of the Undead Cheesecake Bites, where creamy cheesecake filling rests upon a haunting Oreo crust. Satisfy your sweet cravings with the delectable Pumpkin Patch Cupcakes, topped with a swirl of cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of chocolate chips, or delve into the mysterious depths of the Black Cat Cupcakes, adorned with a rich chocolate ganache and a charming feline silhouette. Embark on a culinary adventure that is both visually stunning and devilishly delicious, perfect for Halloween parties, gatherings, or simply indulging in a spooky sweet treat.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO SHORTBREAD



Chocolate Espresso Shortbread image

Provided by Food Network

Time 2h55m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 cups (1 pound) unsalted butter at room temperature
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa
1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • In the bowl of a heavy-duty mixer, beat the butter with the flat paddle attachment on the medium speed until creamy. Add the sugar gradually and continue beating until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. In another bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa, espresso powder and salt. Add to the creamed mixture and beat on low speed until incorporated. Scrape the soft dough onto a large piece of plastic wrap and gather together into a ball. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours, or until firm enough to roll out. You may chill it overnight; just let it soften a bit at room temperature before proceeding. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out cookies with a cookie cutter of your choice. These baking instructions are for 3-inch cookies. If you make small cookies, reduce the baking time, larger cookies will require a longer baking time. Reroll any extra dough and cut out as many cookies as possible. Transfer the cookies to the prepared pans, keeping them at least 1-inch apart. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the pans front to back halfway through the baking time. These cookies are so dark that it is impossible to see if they are beginning to color. Use the time suggested and check to see if the edges and bottoms are completely dry. You should be able to lift a cookie up with a spatula to peek at the bottom; the cookie should be baked enough to remain stiff and not break. Set the pans directly on a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes. Then remove the cookies to the rack and cool completely. The sheet pans must be cooled completely between uses, but you will probably be able to reuse the parchment. The cookies are best eaten within 1 week; store them at room temperature in an airtight container.

ESPRESSO SHORTBREAD HEADSTONES



Espresso Shortbread Headstones image

These creepy cookies can be baked one day ahead of Halloween party. Store them in single layers in airtight containers at room temperature.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Cookie Recipes

Yield Makes 1 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon finely ground espresso
8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup confectioners' sugar, (sifted, then measured)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

Steps:

  • Whisk together flour, salt, and espresso in a large bowl; set aside.
  • Put butter and sugar into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; beat on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in vanilla. Beat in flour mixture. Transfer dough to plastic wrap. Flatten into a disk; wrap. Refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour or overnight.
  • Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Photocopy the template on this page, and cut it out. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out dough to 1/8 inch thick. Using template and a paring knife, cut dough into 12 headstones. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate 30 minutes.
  • Bake cookies until set but not browned, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, and let cool completely.
  • Melt chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth. Let stand until cool but not stiff. Transfer to a pastry bag fitted with a very small plain round tip, such as an Ateco #2, or to a parchment-paper cone. Pipe desired design on cookies.

ESPRESSO SHORTBREAD



Espresso Shortbread image

Provided by The Hearty Boys

Categories     dessert

Time 1h5m

Yield 9 to 12 large shortbread wedges

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 1/2 sticks butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tablespoons espresso powder
1/4 cup espresso beans, roughly ground

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix for 30 seconds. Next add the flour and espresso powder and mix until the dough is smooth, about 1 minute.
  • Spray the shortbread pan with cooking spray and scatter the ground espresso across the bottom of the pan. Gently press the dough evenly into the espresso covered pan. Place the pan into the top half of the oven and bake until the shortbread is set, about 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool 15 minutes.
  • Using a sharp paring knife score the top of the still warm but cooling short bread. Cut in any size you prefer, we like 2 inch squares. Run a butter knife around the edge of the pan and invert onto a cutting board. Give 1 sharp rap and the shortbread will release from the pan. Let cool an additional 10 minutes and slice along the scored lines.

ESPRESSO-BEAN SHORTBREAD



Espresso-Bean Shortbread image

These shortbread cookies are an ideal companion to a well-made cup of coffee.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cookie Recipes

Yield Makes about 4 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
2 tablespoons finely ground espresso beans
3 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, stir espresso powder into 2 teaspoons hot water until coffee has dissolved. Add coffee mixture and ground espresso beans to butter mixture; beat to combine.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add to butter mixture, and beat on medium low speed until well combined, about 4 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 2 hours or overnight.
  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Shape heaping tablespoons of dough into ovals. Arrange ovals about 1 1/2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Using a wooden skewer dipped in flour, make an indentation in dough lengthwise to achieve the look of a coffee bean. Freeze or refrigerate until firm, about 20 minutes.
  • Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until cookies are just beginning to brown, 16 to 18 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Store up to 1 week in airtight containers at room temperature.

ESPRESSO SHORTBREAD COOKIES



Espresso Shortbread Cookies image

Perk up our Basic Shortbread Wedges with this espresso flavored variation.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cookie Recipes

Yield Makes 2 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 6

8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 cup confectioners’ or granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
2 tablespoons espresso powder

Steps:

  • Butter an 8 1/2-inch cake or springform pan; set aside. Sift together flour and salt into a small bowl; set aside. Place butter in bowl of electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment. Cream until fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Add sugar, and continue to beat until very light in color and fluffy, occasionally scraping down the sides of the bowl with a spatula, about 2 minutes more. Add vanilla, if using. Dissolve 2 tablespoons espresso powder in 1 teaspoon hot water. Add mixture to creamed butter-and-sugar mixture with vanilla, before adding flour. Add flour mixture, and combine on low speed, scraping with spatula if necessary, until flour is just incorporated and dough sticks together when squeezed with fingers.
  • Pat dough into prepared pan. If rolling out dough to cut into shapes, form into a flat disk; wrap in plastic. Chill until firm, at least 1 hour.
  • Roll dough out 1/4 inch thick. Cut into ovals with 2-inch cutter. Score a line down the middle with the back of a knife; chill.
  • Heat oven to 325 degrees. Bake until firm, about 20 minutes.

ESPRESSO SHORTBREAD



Espresso Shortbread image

This wonderful holiday recipe for shortbread uses basic shortbread as its base.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cookie Recipes

Yield Makes 2 dozen rounds

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 batch Basic Shortbread
2 tablespoons espresso powder
1 teaspoon hot water
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Dissolve espresso powder in hot water. Prepare basic shortbread, adding espresso to creamed butter mixture along with vanilla extract before adding flour mixture. Form dough into a disk; wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight). Roll out dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch rounds. Score a line down the middle of each with the back of a knife; refrigerate for 20 minutes. Bake until firm, about 20 minutes.

ESPRESSO SHORTBREAD



Espresso Shortbread image

From the show Party Line with Dan and Steve, these have gotten rave reviews! A Spanish touch to the Scottish shortbread! Spanish, British, New England

Provided by Sharon123

Categories     Dessert

Time 40m

Yield 9-12 shortbread cookies

Number Of Ingredients 6

3/4 cup butter, room temperature (3/4 cup)
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tablespoons espresso powder
1/4 cup espresso beans, coarsely ground

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • First, cream the butter and sugar together until it's light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix for about 30 seconds. Then add the flour and espresso powder and mix until dough is smooth, about 1 minute.
  • Spray a 9"x9" pan with cooking spray and scatter the ground espresso across the bottom of the pan. Gently press dough evenly into the espresso covered pan. Place pan into the top part of the oven and bake until shortbread is set, about 17 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool about 15 minutes.
  • Using a sharp knife, score the top of the still warm short bread. Cut in 2" squares(or how you like). Run a butter knife around the edge of the pan and invert onto a cutting board. Give a sharp rap and the shortbread will release from the pan. Let it cool aobut 10 more minutes and slice along the scored lines. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 256.9, Fat 15.6, SaturatedFat 9.8, Cholesterol 40.7, Sodium 109.6, Carbohydrate 27.3, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 11.2, Protein 2.4

GRAVEYARD CAKE



Graveyard Cake image

Our rich graveyard cake-a pumpkin spice cake with bleeding chocolate glaze-is the ultimate sweet addition to your Halloween menu. Espresso shortbread headstones mark each slice.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cake Recipes

Yield Makes one 9-by-13-inch cake

Number Of Ingredients 15

8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, plus more for pan
4 cups cake flour, plus more for dusting
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
2 1/2 cups packed light-brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cups canned solid-pack pumpkin
Bleeding Chocolate Glaze for Graveyard Cake
Espresso Shortbread Headstones
1 tablespoon ground ginger

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Generously butter a 9-by-13-inch cake pan. Line with parchment paper; butter lining. Dust with flour; tap out excess. Set pan aside.
  • Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves in a large bowl; set aside. Put butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; beat on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Reduce speed to low; alternate between adding flour mixture and buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour. Add pumpkin, and beat until completely combined.
  • Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake until golden and a cake tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Let cool in pan on a wire rack 15 minutes. Unmold; peel off parchment. Let cool completely on rack, top side up.
  • Set cake and rack on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pour warm chocolate glaze over cake. Using a small offset spatula, gently smooth glaze over top of cake, letting it drip down sides. Let stand at room temperature, or refrigerate until set. Arrange 6 headstones on top; serve with the remaining.

Tips:

  • To make the shortbread dough, use cold butter and flour. This will help to create a flaky and tender shortbread.
  • Roll out the shortbread dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. If the dough is too thick, it will be difficult to cut out the shapes.
  • Use a sharp knife to cut out the shortbread shapes. This will help to prevent the edges of the shortbread from becoming ragged.
  • Bake the shortbread cookies until they are golden brown around the edges. This will ensure that they are cooked through.
  • Let the shortbread cookies cool completely before decorating them. This will help to prevent the frosting from melting.

Conclusion:

These espresso shortbread headstones are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for Halloween. They are easy to make and can be decorated in a variety of ways. So get creative and have fun!

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