Witch's Finger cookies are a must-have for any Halloween dessert table! These spooky treats look like real witch fingers, adding a fun and eerie touch to your celebrations. Each cookie is shaped to resemble long, creepy fingers, with knobby knuckles and a whole almond as the “nail.” Kids and adults will love the look of these cookies, and they’re surprisingly easy to make.
The dough is simple and buttery, making the cookies crispy and delicious. To...
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In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light.
Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract to the mixture, and blend well.
In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, blending until a smooth dough forms.
Cover the dough and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to make it easier to shape.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Take small portions of the chilled dough and roll them into thin, finger-like shapes.
Pinch the dough to create knuckles, then use a knife or toothpick to make light cuts on the knuckles for a realistic look.
Press a whole almond onto the tip of each finger to resemble a nail.
Place the shaped fingers on the lined baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Once slightly cooled, remove the almonds, add a small amount of strawberry jam underneath, and press the almonds back into place. Allow some jam to ooze out for a 'bloody' effect.
Chilling makes shaping easier. If it softens, pop it back in the fridge.
Roll the dough thinner than needed; it puffs up during baking for a realistic look.
Slightly underbake for a pale look or bake longer for a crispier texture.
How do I make Witch Finger cookies step by step?
To make Witch Finger cookies, start by creaming softened butter and powdered sugar until light. Then, add an egg, vanilla, and almond extract, mixing well. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt, and gradually combine with the wet ingredients to form a smooth dough. Chill the dough for 20-30 minutes, then preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Shape the dough into finger-like forms, creating knuckles and pressing whole almonds on top. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden, then add strawberry jam for a spooky, bloody effect!
Are Witch Finger cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
Witch Finger cookies contain almond extract and whole almonds, making them unsuitable for individuals with nut allergies. If you need a nut-free version, you can substitute the almond extract with an equal amount of vanilla extract and omit the almonds entirely. This will still yield delicious cookies, though they won't have the same 'finger' appearance.
What is the best way to store Witch Finger cookies?
To store Witch Finger cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You can also freeze the cookies for up to three months; just thaw them at room temperature before serving.
What can I serve with Witch Finger cookies for a Halloween party?
Witch Finger cookies pair wonderfully with warm milk or hot cocoa, making them a perfect treat for a Halloween party. You can also serve them alongside other spooky snacks like ghost-shaped marshmallows or pumpkin spice cupcakes. For drinks, consider serving themed cocktails or mocktails that match the eerie vibe of your dessert table.
Can I customize the decorations on Witch Finger cookies?
Absolutely! While the traditional Witch Finger cookies use whole almonds and strawberry jam for decoration, you can get creative. Consider using different types of nuts for nails, or try adding food coloring to the jam for a more vibrant 'bloody' effect. You can also use icing to create additional spooky details, like veins or creepy faces, to make your cookies even more fun and festive!
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