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Best Witch Finger Cookies Recipe – Easy Spooky Halloween Treat

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These buttery shortbread cookies are shaped like creepy witch fingers with almond sliver nails, perfect for Halloween parties. They’re easy to make, delicious, and guaranteed to get a reaction.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 2 1/2 cups (312g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • About 30 whole almond slivers or sliced almonds
  • Red food coloring gel
  • Small paintbrush or clean toothpick

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through.
  2. Add the wet ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Beat on low speed until just combined.
  3. Mix in the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
  4. Chill the dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Let the dough sit at room temperature for 5 minutes.
  6. Shape the fingers: Take a small piece of dough (about 1 tablespoon) and roll it into a log shape about 3-4 inches long. Gently taper one end to be slightly thinner. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Use the back of a butter knife to create 2-3 knuckle indentations across the finger. Repeat with remaining dough, spacing fingers about 2 inches apart.
  7. Add the almond nails: Press one almond sliver into the tapered end of each finger, pointy side facing out, embedding it about 1/4 inch into the dough.
  8. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just barely starting to turn golden brown. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
  9. Add the spooky details: Once the cookies are completely cool, use a small paintbrush or toothpick to dab a tiny amount of red food coloring gel around the base of each almond ‘nail.’

Notes

Dough temperature is crucial: too warm and it sticks, too cold and it cracks. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. Press almond nails firmly into the dough to prevent them from falling off during baking. For best results, make the cookies a day ahead as the flavors meld and the shortbread becomes more tender.

Nutrition

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

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