Description
Witch Finger Cookies are spooky, buttery shortbread cookies shaped like creepy fingers, complete with almond fingernails and red jam for a ‘bloody’ effect. Perfect for Halloween parties, they’re fun to make and delicious to eat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 20–24 whole almonds (for fingernails)
- 2–3 tablespoons strawberry or raspberry jam (or red gel food coloring)
- Optional: green food coloring for dough
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- If desired, tint the dough with green food coloring for a witchy look.
- Divide dough into 20–24 pieces and roll each into a finger shape.
- Use a butter knife or toothpick to create knuckle lines and creases.
- Press a whole almond into one end of each finger to resemble a nail.
- Place shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until lightly golden at the edges.
- Remove from oven and cool slightly. Lift the almond, add a dab of jam or red gel, and press the almond back into place. Optionally, brush more around the nail or knuckles for added ‘blood’.
- Cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
Chill shaped fingers for 10–15 minutes before baking to help retain shape.Swap almonds with chocolate chips or candies for a nut-free version.Add cocoa powder to make chocolate witch fingers.Use orange zest or pumpkin spice to flavor the dough.Kids can help shape and decorate for a fun Halloween activity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
