Creepy Witch Finger Cookies (Print Version)
Spooky almond cookies shaped like witch fingers with red jam details, ideal for Halloween entertaining.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Cookie Dough
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (225 g)
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
05 - ½ teaspoon almond extract
06 - 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (350 g)
07 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
08 - ½ teaspoon salt
→ Decoration
09 - 24 whole blanched almonds
10 - Red gel food coloring or strawberry jam for blood effect
# Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
02 - In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
03 - Beat in the large egg, pure vanilla extract, and almond extract until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until a cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
06 - Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms into an elongated finger shape, approximately 3-4 inches in length. Repeat with remaining dough.
07 - Use the back of a small knife to gently create horizontal lines across the finger to resemble knuckles. Press one blanched almond firmly at the wider end to create a fingernail.
08 - Place the shaped witch fingers on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
09 - Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the cookies are set and lightly golden around the edges. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through for even baking.
10 - Carefully remove each almond fingernail. Apply a small amount of red gel food coloring or strawberry jam to the nail bed area, then press the almond back into place to create a bloody effect.
11 - Allow the witch finger cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they set properly and maintain their shape.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- These cookies are genuinely delicious butter almond treats disguised as party props, so they disappear as fast as regular cookies
- The shaping process is weirdly satisfying and becomes a fun group activity for Halloween prep
02 -
- Work quickly when shaping the fingers because the butter in the dough softens from your hands and makes the cookies lose definition
- Chilling the shaped dough for 15 minutes before baking helps them hold their shape better in the oven
03 -
- Slightly underbaking these by a minute keeps them softer and more tender
- Making the knuckle creases deeper than you think necessary helps them stay visible after baking