Get Ready for Spooky Fun with These Easy Witch Finger Cookies (Without Food Coloring)
These Witch Finger Cookies are a fun and delicious treat that are perfect for your Halloween gatherings. Made with just a few simple ingredients, they are not only an easy recipe to follow but also a delightful family-friendly activity that kids will love to help with. Plus, you can whip them up quicker than you can say “boo,” making them a fantastic addition to your festive celebrations!
Every Halloween, my kitchen is filled with laughter and the smell of baked goodies. These cookies are a delightful spin on your typical sweet treats. They might look creepy, but I promise, they are utterly delicious, making them the perfect conversation starter at your Halloween party. Gather your loved ones and let’s create some spooky memories together!
PrintWitch Finger Cookies
These Witch Finger Cookies are a fun and delicious treat perfect for Halloween gatherings, featuring a delightful blend of almond extract and strawberry jam.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 62 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (50 grams, out of shell)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 2/3 cups flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup almonds (blanched)
- 1/2 – 1 cup strawberry jam
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy and light.
- Add in the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually incorporate the flour and salt. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 40 minutes or up to 2 days.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough into finger shapes, making them a bit longer than usual for shrinkage.
- Press an almond onto the tip of each cookie and squeeze in the middle to create knuckles, using a knife to incise wrinkles.
- Place the fingers on the baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between them, and bake for 17 to 22 minutes.
- Once baked, let them cool, then remove the almonds, fill with strawberry jam, and replace the almonds.
Notes
Chill your dough for stable shapes and enhanced flavor. You can also experiment with different jams for unique flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Why You’ll Want to Make These Fun, Delicious Cookies
These Witch Finger Cookies stand out not only for their whimsical look but also for their delightful flavor. The almond extract gives these cookies a nutty profile, while the strawberry jam adds a luscious touch. What’s more, these cookies are gluten-free if you choose to substitute the flour! They’re the perfect way to make your Halloween a little sweeter and a whole lot spookier.
Crafting Your Witch Finger Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (highly recommended for a sugary treat)
- 1 large egg (50 grams, out of shell)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 2/3 cups flour (see notes)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup almonds (blanched)
- 1/2 – 1 cup strawberry jam
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy and light.
- Add in the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually incorporate the flour and salt. Once your dough comes together, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 40 minutes or up to 2 days.
- When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Take about a quarter of the dough out of the fridge and start rolling it into finger shapes. I suggest baking one test cookie to check the thickness and shape; aim for the thickness of your pinky finger, but roll them a bit longer to allow for shrinkage while baking.
- Press an almond onto the tip of each cookie for the fingernail and secure it well.
- Squeeze in the middle to create knuckles, then use a sharp knife to incise wrinkles, varying their length for an authentic look.
- Place the fingers on the prepared cookie sheet, leaving about an inch of space between them. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Bake for 17 to 22 minutes, watching for a slight golden hue.
- Once baked, let them cool on the sheet. Gently remove the almonds, fill the cavity with strawberry jam, and then replace the almonds, ensuring some jam oozes out for extra effect. You can use additional jam around the knuckles to amp up the “spookiness.” Store any remaining jam as a delightful dip!
Serving Suggestions for Your Witch Finger Cookies
Serve these fun cookies on a festive platter, and make an event out of it! Invite your friends and family to dive into the spirit of Halloween as they enjoy the gooey strawberry jam oozing from the “knuckles.”
Storing Your Creepy Cookies
These Witch Finger Cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This makes them great for pre-Halloween prep! They maintain their spooky appearance and taste yummy even after a few days.
Tips for the Perfect Witch Finger Cookies
- Chill your dough! This helps in forming stable finger shapes and enhances flavor.
- Make your cookies unique by adjusting the size of the fingers. Some can be longer, some shorter; just like each witch’s fingers!
- Create extra jam “spills” around your serving platter for a more dramatic, spooky presentation.
Spooky Variations to Try
Add some crunch! Try adding crushed nuts or chocolate chips into your dough for more texture, or experiment with different jams, such as raspberry or blackberry, for different flavors.
FAQs
- Can I use any type of nut instead of almonds?
- Absolutely! Try hazelnuts or pecans for a different twist, just be sure they can fit on the tip as a “nail”.
- What if I don’t have almond extract?
- Vanilla extract works just as wonderfully. The cookies will still be delicious!
- Can these cookies be frozen for later?
- Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before baking!
Now, gather your loved ones and start creating these spooky treats that will bring smiles and maybe a little fright to your Halloween festivities! Happy baking!