Witch Finger Shortbread Cookies (Printable Version)

Buttery shortbread shaped as witch fingers with almond nails, ideal for Halloween parties or spooky celebrations.

# Components:

→ Cookie Dough

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
02 - 1 cup powdered sugar
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
05 - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
06 - 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Decoration

09 - 24 whole blanched almonds
10 - Red gel food coloring or strawberry jam

# Preparation steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, beat unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
03 - Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing thoroughly until incorporated.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
05 - Divide dough into 24 uniform portions. Roll each into a finger shape approximately 4 inches long, pinching slightly in two spots to create knuckles.
06 - Arrange shaped dough on prepared baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart.
07 - Press a blanched almond into one end of each finger for the nail. Use a paring knife to score lines at knuckle indentations for realistic texture.
08 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
09 - Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10 - Optional: Remove almond, add a dab of red gel food coloring or strawberry jam to the tip, then replace almond for a bloody effect.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses everyday pantry and fridge basics for the dough
  • No chilling time required so you jump right to baking
  • Shapes hold well and the decoration is fuss-free even for beginners
  • Whimsical look that draws oohs and ahhs at any Halloween party
02 -
  • These cookies stay fresh for a week in an airtight container
  • High butter content means the flavor and texture get better the day after baking
  • Dough can be shaped ahead and frozen unbaked for make ahead fun
  • Blanched almonds are my favorite part because they look so eerie when accented with jam and my kids always make extra knuckle wrinkles so every finger looks unique We always end up laughing over the silliest shaped fingers
03 -
  • Use cool hands and work quickly when shaping so the butter does not melt and distort the cookies
  • For the neatest almond nails gently press and wiggle the almond in before baking so it sticks well
  • Always score the knuckles deeply before baking This detail makes the witch fingers extra lifelike and spooky

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