Creepy Witch Finger Cookies (Printer-friendly)

Spooky almond cookies shaped like witch fingers with red jam details for Halloween gatherings.

# What You'll 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 Prepare:

01 - Preheat oven to 325°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
03 - Mix in egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully incorporated.
04 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing just until dough comes together.
06 - Roll 1 tablespoon dough into 3–4 inch finger shapes. Score knuckle lines with knife and press blanched almond into one end for fingernail.
07 - Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared sheets. Bake for 18–20 minutes until lightly golden.
08 - Remove almonds, apply red food coloring or jam to nail bed, and press almond back into place. Cool completely on wire rack.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • These cookies vanish from party plates faster than you can say double double toil and trouble
  • The almond flavor is subtle enough for kids but sophisticated enough for adults
02 -
  • Chill the dough for 15 minutes if it's too soft to hold its shape while rolling
  • The cookies puff slightly during baking so exaggerate the knuckle lines more than you think you should
03 -
  • Work quickly with the dough because warm hands make it soft and difficult to shape
  • Vary the finger lengths and slight curves to make them look more realistic

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