Are you ready to unleash a spooky spell in your kitchen this Halloween? With just 28 large or 48 smaller witch finger cookies, you can create a magical display. These buttery shortbread treats, dyed green and decorated with “bloody” red gel and almond fingernails, are perfect for Halloween.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Witch Finger Cookies are a Halloween baking tradition inspired by Martha Stewart
- The recipe yields approximately 28 large or 48 smaller witch finger cookies
- These creepy cookies are made with buttery shortbread dough, food coloring, and “bloody” red gel frosting
- Almond slivers or other ingredients can be used to create the spooky fingernail effect
- These witch finger cookies are both deliciously creepy and deliciously tasty
Bewitchingly Delicious Witch Finger Cookies
Step into the spooky spirit of Halloween with these captivating creepy snacks – Witch Finger Cookies! They are a beloved eerie edibles tradition. These ghoulishly good treats are a staple at Halloween parties and gatherings. Their buttery, tender shortbread texture and ghastly looks will delight and frighten your guests.
The key to these spooky desserts is the vibrant green cookie dough, almond “nails,” and a touch of bloody red strawberry jam. This scary snacks creation is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. It’s a true Halloween masterpiece. Crafting these creepy confections is a beloved tradition for many families. They gather to shape, bake, and decorate the spooky fingers together.
A Ghoulishly Good Halloween Tradition
Witch Finger Cookies have become a Halloween staple, with their popularity soaring in recent years. The post on these creepy snacks was updated in 2021 with new photos and a gluten-free option. This ensures that everyone can enjoy this eerie edibles delight. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or seeking a fun activity for the family, these spine-tingling sweets are sure to be a hit.
Easy Witch Finger Cookies Recipe
Get into the Halloween spirit with these witch finger cookies! This recipe makes up to 50 treats that are perfect for Halloween. Even beginners can make these homemade spooky treats easily.
The dough comes together fast, and shaping the witch fingers is fun for everyone. This simple witch finger recipe is great for festive baking or Halloween party favors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup whole blanched almonds
- 1 tube red decorator gel
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll each portion into a log about 1-inch thick and 12 inches long.
- Gently press whole blanched almonds onto the dough logs to create “fingernails”.
- Chill the dough logs in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice the dough logs into 1-inch pieces and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Once cooled, use the red decorator gel to create “bloody” fingertip details on the cookies.
Enjoy these spooky and easy halloween cookies with family and friends! With a little creativity and this simple witch finger recipe, you can create a frightfully delicious Halloween tradition.
Preparing the Dough
The base of these witch finger cookies is a rich, buttery shortbread dough. To get it right, beat the softened buttery cookie dough and sugar until smooth. Then, add the egg, vanilla, and almond extracts. Lastly, mix in the dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, and salt – to create a stiff chilled cookie dough.
Once the dough is ready, it needs to be refrigerating dough for 30 minutes. This step makes the cookies keep their shape when baked. It’s key for a spooky and fun Halloween treat.
From Buttery to Bone-Chilling
- Cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a stiff dough forms.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up before shaping.
“The secret to perfectly shaped witch finger cookies is all in the chilled dough. Take the time to let it firm up in the fridge – your spooky treats will thank you!”
Shaping the Witch Finger Cookies
Making witch finger cookies is a fun, spooky task. First, chill the dough. Then, start shaping the cookies into finger shapes. Roll out the dough into long, finger-like shapes.
Press a blanched almond into the tip of each finger to make the nail. Use a toothpick or knife to add knuckle details. This makes the cookies look eerily real.
Getting the cookies to look creepy is all about the shaping. Take your time to make each cookie look lifelike. The more detail you add, the spookier they’ll be.
| Recipe Details | Measurements |
|---|---|
| Yield | About 3 dozen cookies |
| Dough Chilling Time | At least 1 hour |
| Baking Temperature | 325°F |
| Baking Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooling Time | 5 minutes on the pan |
| Whole Blanched Almonds | 3/4 cup |
With patience and Halloween spirit, you’ll make delicious witch finger cookies. They’ll amaze everyone who sees them.
Witch Finger Cookies
The final touch for your spooky Halloween treats are the witch finger cookies. They look amazing and taste great. The pale green dough turns into soft, buttery shortbread. The almond “nails” make them stand out, and the red gel “blood” adds a creepy effect.
These baked witch finger cookies are a hit for Halloween. They look spooky but taste amazing. Each cookie has about 107 calories, 7g of carbs, 3g of protein, and 8g of fat, including 2g of saturated fat. They’re a tasty and balanced treat.
| Nutrition Facts (per cookie) | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 107 |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Fiber | 1g |
This recipe makes at least 20 halloween cookies. You can keep them in the fridge for 2 weeks or freeze them for 3 months. Bake them at 350°F for 10-12 minutes for the best look and taste.
“These cookies are the perfect Halloween treat – eerie in appearance, but wonderfully tasty.”
Baking and Decorating the Fingers
The final step is baking and decorating the witch finger cookies. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Place the shaped cookies on the sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until they lightly brown. Watch them closely to avoid overbaking.
Once the cookies cool a bit, it’s time to decorate. Use the reserved almonds to press into the cookies. This will make the red gel ooze out, creating a bloody effect.
These shortbread cookies become creepy Halloween treats with just a few steps. The buttery dough and red gel around the almond “nails” make them visually striking.
Make them in one color or try different food coloring options. Either way, they’ll impress your guests and add Halloween magic to your celebrations.
Make-Ahead Witch Finger Cookie Tips
Plan Ahead for Frighteningly Fresh Treats
This witch finger cookie recipe is great because you can prep parts ahead. The dough can sit in the fridge for a day before baking. You can even shape the fingers early and freeze them until baking day.
This way, you can start making your make ahead halloween cookies early. It ensures your witch fingers are fresh for any haunted event.
With a few simple steps, you can make your witch finger cookies ahead of time. The recipe makes 20-24 cookies and takes just over 1 hour. Preparation takes about 25 minutes.
The stored witch finger cookies stay fresh for 3-5 days at room temperature. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container for 3 months.
Using these make-ahead tips, you can have freshly baked spooky treats without the rush. Whether you prep the dough or shape the cookies early, these tips will help you make your witch finger cookies fresh for Halloween.
Dietary Variations and Storage
Making gluten free witch finger cookies is easy! Just swap the regular flour for a gluten-free mix. You can skip the green food coloring or try different colors for a spooky look. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for a week or freeze in a sealed bag for 3 months.
Want to make the recipe dietary substitutions? Use large coconut flakes instead of almonds for the nails. Gel icing, edible glitter, or colored sugar can add a festive touch. Try using gluten-free flours like oat, chickpea, and coconut for a healthier option.
With a few tweaks, you can enjoy these treats while meeting your dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for cookie storage tips or different variations, these Halloween treats will amaze your taste buds and enchant your guests!
| Dietary Variation | Ingredients | Baking Time | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free Witch Finger Cookies | 1 cup oat flour, 1 cup chickpea flour, 1 cup granular sweetener, ¼ cup coconut flour | 20 minutes at 375°F | 24 cookies |
| Nut-Free Witch Finger Cookies | 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 large egg, 2⅔ cups all-purpose flour, coconut flakes | 10 minutes at 325°F | 60 cookies |
| Vegan Witch Finger Cookies | 1 cup vegan butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed, almond milk | 15 minutes at 375°F | 36 cookies |
These spooky witch finger cookies can be made to fit any diet. Try different flours, sweeteners, and decorations for a delicious Halloween treat that everyone can enjoy.
Conclusion
Witch Finger Cookies are the perfect treat for Halloween. They’re easy to make and taste amazing. The cookies look like fingers, thanks to a few simple decorations.
These cookies are a hit at any Halloween party. They’re not only delicious but also look spooky. They’re a great choice for anyone who loves a good scare.
For more tasty recipes, check out Inquirer USA. They have lots of ideas to make your holidays special. Their team is full of culinary experts ready to help.
F.A.Q
What are the key ingredients in witch finger cookies?
Witch finger cookies have a buttery shortbread dough. They also have green food coloring and whole almonds for “nails”. Red decorator gel is used to create the “bloody” effect.
How long does it take to make witch finger cookies?
Making the dough is quick. The time-consuming part is shaping the cookies into finger shapes. This requires hands-on work.
Can the witch finger cookie dough be made in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough a day ahead. Refrigerate it until you’re ready to shape and bake. You can also shape the fingers ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them.
How should the baked witch finger cookies be stored?
Store the baked and cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can the witch finger cookie recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can use your preferred all-purpose gluten-free flour blend. This makes a gluten-free version of the witch finger cookies.
