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Crispy Witch Finger Shortbread Cookies

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These crispy witch finger shortbread cookies feature buttery, crunchy texture with almond nails and a dab of jam for a spooky Halloween treat that’s both fun and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened but not melted
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • About 24 whole almonds (preferably Marcona almonds)
  • 1/4 cup strawberry or raspberry jam

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes on medium speed.
  2. Add vanilla: Mix in 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until evenly combined.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  4. Mix dry into wet: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed just until the dough comes together. If too crumbly, add a teaspoon of cold water one at a time.
  5. Shape the fingers: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll each into a finger shape about 3-4 inches long, tapering the ends slightly. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Create knuckles: Use a small knife or toothpick to gently score three shallow lines across each finger to resemble knuckles.
  7. Add almond nails: Press one whole almond firmly onto the tapered end of each finger with the pointed end facing out.
  8. Chill: Refrigerate the shaped fingers on the baking sheet for at least 30 minutes.
  9. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake chilled fingers for 18-22 minutes, rotating halfway through, until edges are golden and almonds lightly toasted.
  10. Add jam ‘blood’: When cookies are warm but cool enough to handle, dab a small amount of jam at the base of each almond nail.
  11. Cool completely: Transfer cookies to a cooling rack to crisp up fully.

Notes

Chilling the shaped dough is crucial to prevent spreading and maintain finger shape. Use gentle pressure when scoring knuckles to avoid cracking. Almond nails can be lightly toasted for extra crunch but are softer if un-toasted. Jam should be applied when cookies are warm but not hot for best effect. Dough can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween cookies, witch finger cookies, shortbread cookies, crispy cookies, almond nails, spooky treats, Halloween dessert

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/crispy-witch-finger-shortbread-cookies-recipe-easy-halloween-treat-ideas/