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Crispy Witch Finger Cookies Recipe with Almond Nails

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These crispy witch finger cookies with almond nails are a fun and spooky Halloween treat with a buttery, crunchy texture and a playful almond nail detail.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional but recommended)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • About 24 whole almonds, peeled if possible
  • Optional: red food coloring or gel for a bloody effect

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Beat in 1 large room-temperature egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (if using). Mix until combined but don’t overbeat.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Chill for 15 minutes if dough is too sticky.
  6. Pinch off about 1 tablespoon (15g) portions of dough and roll into finger shapes roughly 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) long, tapering one end to form the fingertip.
  7. Use a small knife or toothpick to make 2-3 shallow indentations along each finger to mimic knuckles.
  8. Gently press a peeled whole almond onto the tapered end of each finger to serve as the nail. Add a tiny dab of red food coloring or gel at the base of the almond for a bloody effect if desired.
  9. Arrange the fingers on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and cookies are crisp.
  10. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely to help them crisp up and prevent breakage.

Notes

Use softened but not melted butter for best creaming results. Chill dough if sticky for easier shaping. Press almonds firmly but gently to keep nails attached. Watch baking time closely to avoid overbaking. Cool completely on a rack to maintain crispness. Optional red food coloring adds a bloody effect near the nails.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween cookies, witch finger cookies, almond nails, crispy cookies, spooky treats, Halloween dessert

Find it online: https://islatable.com/crispy-witch-finger-cookies-recipe-with-almond-nails-easy-halloween-treats/