Description
Creepy and delicious buttery shortbread cookies shaped like witch fingers, complete with almond nails and bloody jam for the ultimate Halloween treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Green or black gel food coloring (optional)
- Whole almonds (for nails)
- Strawberry or raspberry jam (for blood effect)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients.
- If desired, add food coloring and mix until evenly distributed.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes for easier shaping.
- Roll dough into finger-shaped logs and press knuckle lines with a knife.
- Press an almond at one end for the nail.
- Place shaped fingers on prepared sheet and chill for 10 minutes.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until lightly golden at edges.
- Cool, then spread jam under the almond nails and around edges for a bloody effect.
- Optional: Brush knuckles with cocoa powder or edible paint for realism.
Notes
Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading. For nut-free variation, use pumpkin seeds instead of almonds.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Halloween Treats