Witch Finger Cookies (Print Version)

Spooky almond cookies shaped like creepy witch fingers with bloody nails. Perfect Halloween party treat that's easy to make and delightfully frightening.

# What You Need:

→ Cookie Dough

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
05 - ½ teaspoon almond extract
06 - 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
08 - ½ teaspoon salt

→ Decoration

09 - 24 whole blanched almonds
10 - Red gel food coloring or strawberry jam

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 325°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
03 - Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing just until dough forms.
06 - Scoop 1 tablespoon dough and roll between hands into finger shapes, 3-4 inches long. Use knife to create knuckle lines. Press blanched almond at one end for fingernail.
07 - Place shaped fingers 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 18-20 minutes until lightly golden.
08 - Remove almonds, apply red food coloring or jam to fingernail bed, and press almond back into place.
09 - Transfer cookies to wire rack and let cool completely before serving.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The look on peoples faces when they realize what theyre eating is absolutely priceless
  • The dough comes together in minutes and shapes surprisingly easily once you get the hang of it
02 -
  • If your dough starts feeling warm or sticky while shaping, pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes and it becomes much easier to work with
  • Work quickly when pressing the almonds into warm cookies or they might crack, but not so quickly that you burn your fingertips
03 -
  • Chill the shaped fingers on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape better
  • If you dont have blanched almonds, slivered almonds work for fingernails or even pumpkin seeds for a witchier look

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