Creepy Witch Finger Cookies (Print Version)

Spooky almond cookies shaped like witch fingers with bloody accents

# What You'll Need:

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

02 - 1 cup granulated sugar

03 - 1 large egg

04 - 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract

05 - ½ teaspoon almond extract

06 - 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

07 - 1 teaspoon baking powder

08 - ½ teaspoon salt

09 - 24 whole blanched almonds

10 - Red gel food coloring or strawberry jam

01 - Preheat oven to 325°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

02 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

03 - Mix in egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully incorporated.

04 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.

05 - Gradually blend dry ingredients into wet mixture until dough forms.

06 - Roll 1 tablespoon portions into 3-4 inch finger shapes. Score knuckle lines with knife and press almond fingernail at one end.

07 - Arrange cookies 2 inches apart on prepared sheets. Bake for 18-20 minutes until lightly golden.

08 - Remove almonds, apply red coloring or jam to nail beds, and press almonds back into place. Cool completely on wire rack.

01 -

These cookies look genuinely creepy but taste like melt in your mouth almond shortbread that even skeptics will grab seconds of
The shaping process is weirdly therapeutic once you get into a rhythm, making it perfect for a cozy afternoon of Halloween baking

02 -

Working with slightly cool dough helps the fingers hold their shape better, so pop the bowl in the fridge for 15 minutes if the dough feels too soft
The almonds can slide around during baking, so press them in firmly and do not worry about repositioning them when you add the blood effect

03 -

If the almonds keep falling off before baking, make the indent deeper and press firmly to create a snug pocket
The dough keeps well in the fridge for up to two days, so you can shape and bake them fresh the day of your party