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Witch Finger Cookies

Witch Finger Cookies are playful, spooky-looking shortbread treats shaped like tiny enchanted fingers. They are crafted from buttery dough with almond slivers for fingernails, resulting in a crisp and crumbly final texture with a slightly chewy bite. The detailed shaping and finishing touches give them an eerily realistic appearance perfect for Halloween festivities.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 24
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Halloween
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour sifted for best results
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 24 slivered almond slices for nails

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Knife
  • Baking Spatula

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, with a pale color and a gentle aroma of vanilla.
  2. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, then beat again until combined and smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Gradually add the sifted flour and salt to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula or mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together and is soft but manageable.
  4. Divide the dough into manageable portions, then roll each into a long, thin cylinder about 8 inches long, shaping them into finger-like logs.
  5. Place the shaped fingers onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
  6. Use the tip of a knife to indent knuckles along each finger, creating a natural finger joint appearance.
  7. Press a slivered almond at the tip of each finger to resemble a sinister fingernail.
  8. Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges and firm to the touch.
  9. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Once cooled, check the nails and knuckles, adjusting or reattaching almonds if needed, and serve the spooky treats for your Halloween party.

Notes

Ensure the almond nails are pressed firmly to prevent falling off during baking. For extra creepiness, you can draw blood or cracks with red icing.