Moonlit Werewolf Claws
Sink your teeth into these delightful Moonlit Werewolf Claws! They combine a soft, buttery vanilla cookie base topped with rich, chocolatey frosting and crafted with cashew 'claws' for an eerie, yet delicious dessert perfect for Halloween celebrations or any spooky gathering. These cookies are sure to impress your guests with their playful design and mouthwatering flavor. Ideal for sharing, these treats will add a magical touch to your dessert table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups (sifted)
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon
salt
1/2 teaspoon
buttermilk
1/3 cup (mixed with vanilla)
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon
unsalted butter
1/3 cup (softened)
sugar
1/2 cup
large egg
1 (beaten)
butter (for frosting)
6 tablespoons (softened)
confectioners' sugar
2 2/3 cups
cocoa powder
1/2 cup
milk
1/4 cup (added in portions)
vanilla extract (for frosting)
1 1/2 teaspoons
cashews
30 (whole for decoration)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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2. In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
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3. In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and vanilla extract until well combined.
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4. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3 minutes, or until light and fluffy.
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5. Add the large egg to the butter and sugar mixture and beat until fully incorporated.
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6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, one cup at a time, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, until a smooth batter forms. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
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7. Use a 1/4-cup measuring cup to drop leveled scoops of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart.
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8. Bake in the oven for 14-16 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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9. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack while you prepare the frosting.
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10. For the frosting, beat the softened butter in a mixing bowl until creamy and smooth.
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11. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar and cocoa powder, mixing well until fully combined.
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12. Add milk in two portions, stirring after each addition, until the frosting reaches the desired consistency. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
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13. Prepare a pastry bag fitted with a multi-opening or grass tip, fill it with the chocolate frosting, and secure it tightly with a rubber band.
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14. Hold the pastry tip vertically over each cookie and squeeze gently while pulling up quickly to create an appealing, claw-like pattern.
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15. Press five cashew nuts into the frosting of each cookie to form the ‘claws’, ensuring they're firmly positioned.
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16. Allow the frosting to set before serving. Enjoy your delightful lunar treats!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Moonlit Werewolf Claws?
Moonlit Werewolf Claws are spooky-themed desserts featuring a soft vanilla cookie base, chocolate frosting 'fur', and cashew 'claws'.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for 14-16 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
What is used to create the 'claws' on the cookies?
Whole cashew nuts are used to form the claws, with five placed on each cookie.
What kind of frosting is used for the werewolf fur?
A rich chocolate frosting made with cocoa powder, butter, confectioners' sugar, and milk.
How do I create the textured fur look with the frosting?
Use a pastry bag fitted with a multi-opening or grass tip, pulling up quickly while squeezing to create a hair-like pattern.
Should the butter be cold or softened for the cookie base?
The unsalted butter should be softened to ensure it creams properly with the sugar.
How much batter should I use for each cookie?
Use a 1/4-cup measuring cup to drop leveled scoops of batter onto the baking sheet.
How long should I cream the butter and sugar?
Cream them on medium speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Does this recipe include buttermilk?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/3 cup of buttermilk mixed with vanilla extract.
How do I incorporate the flour and buttermilk into the batter?
Gradually add the flour mixture one cup at a time, alternating with the buttermilk mixture.
Can I frost the cookies while they are warm?
No, you must allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before applying the frosting.
How is the chocolate frosting prepared?
Beat softened butter, then gradually add confectioners' sugar and cocoa powder, followed by milk and vanilla extract.
How many cashews do I need in total?
The recipe calls for 30 whole cashews to decorate the cookies.
Is the flour prepared in any specific way?
The all-purpose flour should be sifted with the baking soda and salt.
What size egg is required for this recipe?
One large egg, beaten, is required for the cookie base.
How do I secure the cashew claws in place?
Press the cashews firmly into the frosting before it sets to ensure they stay positioned.
What type of baking surface is recommended?
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
What is the flavor of the cookie base?
The base is a buttery vanilla flavored cookie.
Does the frosting contain vanilla?
Yes, the frosting includes 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
How do I know the batter is ready for scooping?
The batter should be smooth and well-incorporated after alternating the flour and buttermilk additions.
Is cocoa powder used in the cookie base?
No, cocoa powder is only used in the frosting to provide the dark chocolate color and flavor.
How much milk is used in the frosting?
1/4 cup of milk is used, added in two portions to reach the desired consistency.
Should the cashews be salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifies whole cashews; typically unsalted work best for sweets, but salted can add a nice contrast.
How far apart should I space the cookies on the tray?
Space the 1/4-cup scoops a few inches apart as they will spread during baking.
What is the texture of these cookies?
They are soft and buttery, similar to a cake-like cookie due to the buttermilk and creaming method.
Can I use a different type of nut?
While cashews look most like claws, you could substitute with slivered almonds or sunflower seeds for a similar effect.
What is the primary occasion for these treats?
They are perfect for Halloween celebrations or any spooky-themed gathering.
Do I need to sift the dry ingredients?
Yes, sifting the flour, baking soda, and salt together ensures a smooth, lump-free batter.
How do I finish the cookies before serving?
Allow the frosting to set completely after adding the cashews before serving the lunar treats.