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Witch Finger Cookies

Witch Finger Cookies are elaborately shaped buttery cookies that resemble creepy, gnarled fingers, complete with almond nails or peppercorn knuckles. They have a tender, crumbly texture with an eerie appearance, perfect for Halloween treats. The cookies are flavored with almond extract and decorated to enhance their spooky look.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Halloween
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract almond extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt salt
  • 2 almond halves or peppercorns almond nails or peppercorns for knuckles/nails decoration

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Rolling pin
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, with a pale color and creamy consistency.
  2. Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, one at a time, until fully incorporated. The dough will begin to come together and smell fragrant.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a stiff dough forms.
  4. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten and make shaping easier.
  5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the dough from the fridge and divide it into small portions for easier handling.
  6. Roll each portion of dough into a long, thin finger shape, about 4 inches in length. Slightly taper the ends for a more realistic finger look and add knuckles gently by pressing with a knife or the side of a small tool.
  7. Place the shaped fingers on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Use a knife to make small indentations near the top to resemble knuckles.
  8. Decorate each finger with an almond half or peppercorn at the tip to resemble a fingernail or a gnarly nail, pressing gently to secure.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, until the cookies turn golden brown and look slightly cracked or lumpy for a more realistic effect. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  10. Once cooled, examine the cookies—add extra almond nails or peppercorns if desired, and adjust the knuckle indentations to enhance the creepy look. These cookies are ready to serve, equally spooky and delicious.

Notes

Handle the dough gently to maintain the finger shape. For extra creepy effects, slightly crimp or damage the nails or knuckles before baking.