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Spooky Crispy Witch Finger Cookies: Easy Halloween Treat

Spooky Crispy Witch Finger Cookies - featured image

These spooky yet delicious shortbread cookies are shaped like witch fingers with almond nails. They are crispy, buttery, and perfect for Halloween parties or as a fun baking project with kids.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1216 whole slivered almonds

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  2. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat on low speed until just combined.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the flour disappears. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each into a log about 1 inch in diameter. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 24 hours).
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Remove one log of dough from the fridge. Roll into a long, tapered log (8-10 inches long). Cut into 12-16 equal pieces. Roll each piece to smooth cracks and shape into fingers.
  8. Press one slivered almond into the tip of each finger to create the ‘nail’. If dough is soft, chill shaped fingers for 10 minutes first.
  9. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between them. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Rotate sheets halfway through baking.
  10. Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

Ensure butter is soft but not melted to prevent spreading. Chill dough thoroughly to maintain shape. Cookies crisp up as they cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For gluten-free version, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween cookies, witch finger cookies, shortbread, easy Halloween treats, spooky baking, almond cookies, crispy cookies