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Spooky Witch Finger Cookies: Easy Almond Nail Recipe

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These spooky witch finger cookies with almond nails are the perfect Halloween treat. They look disturbingly realistic but taste like buttery, almond-scented sugar cookies.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • About 30–36 whole almonds, unroasted and unsalted
  • Red gel food coloring
  • 2 tablespoons strawberry jam or raspberry preserves (optional, for ‘blood’ effect)

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to wet mixture in two additions, mixing until just combined.
  4. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes (optional but recommended).
  5. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. Divide dough into 30-36 equal pieces. Roll each into a log about 3-4 inches long, slightly thicker at one end.
  7. Place logs on baking sheets. Taper ends and flatten fingertip slightly. Use a toothpick to press 2-3 knuckle creases into each finger.
  8. Press a whole almond firmly into the flattened fingertip end, pointed end outward, until half embedded.
  9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until lightly golden on bottom and edges. Tops should remain pale.
  10. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Once cool, use a toothpick to dab a tiny amount of red gel food coloring at the base of each almond for cuticle detail.
  12. Optional: Warm and strain jam, then dab a small amount at the base of each finger for a ‘blood’ effect.

Notes

The almond extract is essential for the distinctive marzipan-like flavor. Press almond nails firmly but not too deep. Bake at 325°F to prevent almonds from burning. Let cookies cool completely before adding red gel cuticle detail.

Nutrition

Keywords: witch finger cookies, Halloween cookies, almond nail cookies, spooky cookies, sugar cookies, Halloween dessert

Find it online: https://morselora.com/spooky-witch-finger-cookies-easy-almond-nail-recipe/