Witch Finger Cookies

Introduction:

Halloween just got a little spookier with these Witch Finger Cookies. Perfect for your Halloween party, these cookies combine a creepy look with a delicious taste. With their almond “fingernails” and eerie shape, they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults!

Ingredients

• 48 whole blanched almonds
• 2 tsp red gel food coloring
• 8 oz unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 8 oz powdered sugar (2 cups)
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp almond extract
• 15 oz all-purpose flour (3.5 cups)
• 2.5 oz almond flour (¾ cup)
• 1 tsp salt

Directions

1. To Make the Almond Fingernails:
   • Paint the Almonds: Use a small food-safe paintbrush to apply red gel food coloring to the top of each almond, creating a bright red “nail.”
   • Dry the Almonds: Let the painted almonds dry completely on a paper towel. You can do this step a few days in advance.
2. To Make the Cookies:
   • Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line several baking sheets with parchment paper.
   • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt. Set aside.
   • Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar together using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment on medium speed for about 1 minute, until light and fluffy.
   • Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture. Mix on medium-low speed until well incorporated.
   • Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until the flour streaks disappear, then use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
   • Shape the Cookies: Take a walnut-sized ball of dough (about 0.75 oz per cookie) and roll it into a long, thin snake (4-5 inches long) between your palms. Place it on the prepared baking sheet.
   • Form the Knuckles: Press your finger about halfway down the dough to widen it for the knuckle. Use a toothpick to create horizontal lines above and below the knuckle for added realism.
   • Add the Fingernail: Press a red almond onto one end of each cookie to serve as the “fingernail.”
   • Bake: Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes, rotating the trays halfway through. The cookies should puff up and lose their raw shine but will not take on much color. Cool completely on the baking sheets.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 30 cookies
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Add Spices: For a little extra flavor, try adding 1 tsp of ground cinnamon or ginger to the dough.
• Different Toppings: Experiment with other types of candy or colored frosting for different “nail” effects.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free flour blends if you need to make these cookies gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
• Reheating: If desired, reheat cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore freshness.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different nut for the fingernails?
   • Yes, you can use other nuts like cashews or hazelnuts, but they may not look as much like fingernails.
2. What if I don’t have red gel food coloring?
   • You can use any red food coloring or even a mix of red and pink if gel is unavailable.
3. Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
   • It’s best to use creamy peanut butter for a smoother texture; natural peanut butter might make the dough too oily.
4. How can I make these cookies more spooky?
   • Add additional decorations like edible eyes or use black or green frosting to create more eerie effects.
5. Can I make these cookies in advance?
   • Yes, you can prepare the dough and freeze it or bake the cookies a few days ahead and store them in an airtight container.
6. Why is my dough too soft?
   • If the dough is too soft, try chilling it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before shaping and baking.
7. Can I use different flavors of extract?
   • Yes, you can experiment with different extracts, like lemon or orange, to change the flavor profile.
8. Do I need to chill the dough?
   • Chilling the dough is not necessary but can make it easier to handle, especially if the dough is too sticky.
9. What is the best way to shape the cookies?
   • Use a consistent size for the dough balls and roll them gently to keep the shape uniform. A cookie scoop can help with consistency.
10. How do I store leftover frosting?
    • Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Re-whip before using.

Conclusion

Witch Finger Cookies are a fun and spooky treat that add a touch of Halloween magic to any celebration. With their creepy appearance and delicious almond flavor, these cookies are sure to be a hit at your Halloween gathering. Enjoy crafting these spooky delights and have a fantastic Halloween!

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