Want to serve a dessert that’s as spooky as it is delicious? 🧙♀️ These Creepy Witch Finger Cookies are the ultimate Halloween party treat. Shaped like eerie green witch fingers with almond nails and “bloody” red jam accents, they look frighteningly real but taste like buttery shortbread. Perfect for Halloween parties, trick-or-treat bags, or a fun family baking activity.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Spooky and Unique: The creepy design is unforgettable.
- Kid-Friendly: Children love shaping the dough and adding the nails.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Dough can be chilled or frozen ahead of time.
- Sweet and Buttery: Tastes like classic shortbread with a Halloween twist.
Ingredients Information
Here’s what you’ll need to make these spooky witch fingers:
- Unsalted butter – softened – for a rich cookie texture.
- Powdered sugar – for sweetness and smoothness.
- All-purpose flour – the base of the cookie dough.
- Vanilla extract & almond extract – flavor boosters.
- Green food coloring – gives the witchy look.
- Whole almonds – used as fingernails.
- Strawberry or raspberry jam – to create a bloody effect.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in extracts and green food coloring.
- Add flour gradually until the dough forms.
- Shape fingers: Roll dough into finger-sized logs. Pinch at knuckle areas and score lines with a knife.
- Add almonds: Press one almond at the tip of a nail.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until lightly golden.
- Finish with jam: Brush red jam around the nail or base for a bloody effect.
Storage Information
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freeze unbaked dough logs for up to 1 month; thaw before shaping.
- Baked cookies freeze well for up to 3 months.
Helpful Tips
- Chill dough for 30 minutes before shaping for better results.
- Use gel food coloring for a vibrant green shade.
- For extra detail, add cocoa powder shading at the knuckles.
- Almond nails can be painted with edible black or red food coloring for a scarier look.
Variations
- Chocolate Witch Fingers: Add cocoa powder to dough for darker cookies.
- Nut-Free Version: Use pumpkin seeds or candy melts instead of almonds.
- Zombie Fingers: Swap green coloring for grey and add cracks with cocoa powder.
- Vampire Twist: Use red food coloring inside the dough for a marbled look.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I make these cookies in advance?
A: Yes! The dough can be made and chilled 1–2 days in advance or frozen for longer storage.
Q: Can I use a different food coloring?
A: Absolutely, you can make them purple, black, or grey for different spooky effects.
Q: How do I make the fingers look more realistic?
A: Score deeper lines around the knuckles and slightly bend the cookie dough before baking.
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PrintCreepy Witch Fingers
These Creepy Witch Fingers are the ultimate spooky Halloween treat! Crunchy, buttery shortbread cookies shaped like fingers with almond ‘nails’ and strawberry jam for a gory effect.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 20–24 cookies
Ingredients
– 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 2/3 cups (320g) all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– Whole almonds (for fingernails)
– Strawberry or raspberry jam (for bloody effect)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until dough forms.
4. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Roll small portions of dough into finger shapes. Use a knife to create knuckle lines.
7. Press an almond at the tip of each finger for a ‘nail’.
8. Bake 15–20 minutes until lightly golden.
9. Once cooled, add strawberry jam around the almond and base of the finger for a spooky bloody look.
Notes
You can add a drop of green food coloring to the dough for extra spooky witch fingers. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.