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Creepy Witch Finger Cookies with Almond Nails

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These disturbingly realistic witch finger cookies with almond nails are the life of any Halloween party. Made with simple ingredients, they’re delicious shortbread-style cookies that get the best reactions—people scream, then laugh, then eat three.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Red food coloring (gel works best, about 1/2 teaspoon)
  • About 24 whole blanched almonds
  • 2 tablespoons strawberry or raspberry jam

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter and sugar: In your mixer bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides halfway through.
  2. Add the wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined. Add the red food coloring now if using, and mix until the color is evenly distributed.
  3. Mix in the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Stop when you no longer see streaks of flour.
  4. Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  6. Shape the fingers: Take about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a log shape about 3 inches long. Gently taper one end to look like a fingertip and make the other end slightly thicker. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Create the knuckles and wrinkles: Use the back of a paring knife to gently press lines across the finger at the knuckle points (2-3 lines per finger). Also press some diagonal lines to mimic natural skin creases.
  8. Add the almond nails: Press a whole blanched almond firmly onto the tapered end of each finger, pushing it in about 1/4 inch. The pointed end of the almond should point outward.
  9. Create the nail bed effect: Using a small brush or your fingertip, dab a tiny amount of strawberry or raspberry jam around the base of the almond where it meets the dough.
  10. Bake the cookies: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are just set and the edges are very lightly golden.
  11. Cool completely: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading. Keep a bowl of ice water nearby to dip hands in between shaping to keep dough firm. For extra realism, add a tiny second dab of jam around the nail bed after baking for a glossy ‘fresh blood’ look. Cookies taste even better on the second day as the almond flavor deepens.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween cookies, witch finger cookies, almond cookies, shortbread cookies, spooky treats, Halloween dessert, creepy cookies, almond nail cookies

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/creepy-witch-finger-cookies-with-almond-nails/