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Witch Finger Cookies in a basket with straw in it with pumpkins and leaves on the table behind it
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Witch Finger Cookies

It takes no time to whip up these spooky witch finger cookies that are a delicious Halloween cookie. They look like eerie witches fingers, but taste like pistachios! Try it out soon for a sweet treat this Halloween season.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword halloween cookies, Witch Finger Cookies
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings 30 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 stick unsalted butter softened
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup pistachio jam or paste
  • 3-4 drops green food coloring
  • 2 ½ cup all purpose flour
  • Strawberry jam (or raspberry, blueberry, blackberry)
  • Almond

Instructions

Make the Dough

  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar using a spatula until smooth and fluffy.
  • Add the egg, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
  • Stir in the pistachio paste and food coloring.
  • Add pistachio jam and green food coloring into the mixture.
  • Sift in the flour and gently fold it into the mixture using a spatula. Do not overmix.
  • Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm it up.

Prep the Almonds

  • While the dough chills, blanch the almonds:
  • Microwave almonds with water for 30–60 seconds. Drain, rinse, and peel off the skins. Set aside.

Shape the Fingers

  • After chilling, divide the dough into 30 equal portions.
  • Roll each portion into a 3-inch (7–8 cm) cylinder.
  • Place on a parchment-lined baking tray.
  • Shape each into a “finger”. Add small wrinkles for knuckles. Taper one end slightly to resemble a fingertip.
  • Press a blanched almond at the tip to create the “nail.”
  • Chill the shaped cookies in the fridge for another 30 minutes.

Bake

  • Preheat an oven to 375°F (190°C)..
  • Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden.
  • Let them cool slightly.
  • Gently remove the almond “nail,” pipe a small amount of jam into the cavity, then press the almond back in.

Serve and garnish:

  • Serve once cookies are completely cool for best texture and creepy effect.