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Best Witch Finger Cookies – Easy Halloween Recipe

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These spooky witch finger cookies are buttery shortbread cookies shaped like creepy fingers with almond fingernails. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for Halloween parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 1/2 cups (312g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Green gel food coloring
  • About 30–35 whole almonds, skin on
  • 1 tablespoon strawberry or raspberry jam (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through.
  2. Add the wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully combined. Add green gel food coloring starting with 1/4 teaspoon and mix well. Add more coloring a tiny bit at a time until you reach a pale, sickly green.
  3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
  4. Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  5. Shape the fingers: Take about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a log about 3 inches long. Slightly taper one end to create the fingertip and make the other end slightly wider. Place on prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
  6. Create the knuckles: Using a small paring knife, gently press 2-3 horizontal lines into each finger to simulate knuckles. Press gently at the joint areas to create slight bulges. Also press a small indent at the tip for the fingernail.
  7. Add the fingernails: Take a whole almond and press it firmly into the indent at the tip of each finger, pointed end facing outward. The almond should sit flush with the dough.
  8. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the cookies are set and the edges are just barely starting to turn golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
  9. Add the finishing touch (optional): Warm 1 tablespoon of strawberry or raspberry jam in the microwave for 10 seconds. Dab a tiny amount at the base of each almond fingernail where it meets the cookie.

Notes

Don’t skip the almond extract—it bridges the flavor between the cookie and the almond fingernail. Keep your hands slightly cool to prevent the dough from getting too sticky. For realistic knuckles, make them asymmetrical. Press the almond about halfway into the dough so it doesn’t sink or fall off. Don’t overbake; shortbread should be tender and slightly crumbly.

Nutrition

Keywords: witch finger cookies, Halloween cookies, shortbread cookies, spooky cookies, almond cookies, easy Halloween recipe

Find it online: https://islatable.com/best-witch-finger-cookies-easy-halloween-recipe/