• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Ahead of Thyme logo

  • Home
  • About
    • About Me
    • Work With Us
    • Press
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Resources
    • Food Blogger Business School
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Resources
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Cookies » Witch Finger Cookies

    Witch Finger Cookies

    Leave a Comment

    21 Shares
    Pin19
    Yum2
    Share
    Tweet
    More
    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    Get your cauldron bubbling, these creepy Witch Finger Cookies are here to stir up some Halloween fun. Made with a buttery, shortbread-like base and decorated with jam and almonds, these cookies are delicious. Plus, they're easier to make than you think!

    Witch Fingers are the perfect treat to serve at a Halloween party, include in your kid’s lunchboxes, or to make for a fun family activity this fall. You’ll cast a spell on all you encounter with these spooky-yet-scrumptious Halloween cookies.

    Get your cauldron bubbling, these creepy Witch Finger Cookies are here to stir up some Halloween fun. These spooky treats are quick, easy, and delicious. | aheadofthyme.com

    Why You'll Love the Witch Finger Cookies

    • Your kids will love them. This fun treat will delight kids of all ages, from toddlers to too-cool teenagers. They’re fun to make, eat, and play with — and it’s almost guaranteed that your kids will want to do all three.
    • They’re edible art. These witch finger Halloween cookies are as much an arts-and-crafts project as they are a baked treat. You can get as detailed (or not) as you wish. You might find yourself experimenting to get your ideal finger shape, knuckle pattern, and strawberry jam “blood” ooze.
    • Impressive without being difficult. These witch fingers are one of those treats that look like they take forever to make, but in reality, they’re actually very easy and fun to make. In fact, they take just over 1 hour until they are ready to eat with about 25 minutes of actual prep time (depending on how fast or detailed you are).
    • Delicious cookies. These festive Halloween cookies are created with a simple dough made of confectioner’s sugar, butter, eggs, flour, baking powder, and extracts. When baked, they have a shortbread-like consistency and taste, plus a bite of almond and strawberry jelly.
    Get your cauldron bubbling, these creepy Witch Finger Cookies are here to stir up some Halloween fun. These spooky treats are quick, easy, and delicious. | aheadofthyme.com

    Ingredient Notes

    To make these festive Witch Finger Cookies, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

    • butter - unsalted butter is always the go-to for cooking and baking. Using salted butter may affect the final flavor of these witch finger cookies.
    • confectioner’s sugar - also known as powdered sugar. We use it instead of granulated sugar because it give the cookies a creamy melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can use granulated sugar instead, but the texture won’t be the same.
    • egg
    • almond extract - almond is one of the classic flavors in this recipe, but you can swap it with a different kind of extract (cinnamon, pumpkin, or omit it).
    • vanilla extract
    • all-purpose flour - you can try to make this recipe gluten-free by using a measure-for-measure all purpose gluten free flour instead, but the end result may be affected.
    • baking powder - baking powder and baking soda are similar but not quite equal — baking powder contains baking soda as well as other components.
    • whole blanched almonds - If you can’t find blanched almonds, you can blanch them yourself at home!
    • strawberry jam - any red jam will do — cherry, red raspberry, or redcurrant will all offer different flavors but will look similar on the “finger”.

    Equipment

    You will also need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowl, hand mixer or stand mixer, half sheet baking pan, and wire cooling rack.

    Get your cauldron bubbling, these creepy Witch Finger Cookies are here to stir up some Halloween fun. These spooky treats are quick, easy, and delicious. | aheadofthyme.com

    How to Make the Best Witch Finger Cookies

    1. Make cookie dough. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer (or stand mixer with paddle attachment) to cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. Add egg, almond extract, and vanilla and beat until incorporated. Stir in the flour and baking powder and mix until just combined. The mixture will be crumbly.
    2. Chill. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, line a large half sheet baking pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
    • Get your cauldron bubbling, these creepy Witch Finger Cookies are here to stir up some Halloween fun. These spooky treats are quick, easy, and delicious. | aheadofthyme.com
    • Get your cauldron bubbling, these creepy Witch Finger Cookies are here to stir up some Halloween fun. These spooky treats are quick, easy, and delicious. | aheadofthyme.com
    • Get your cauldron bubbling, these creepy Witch Finger Cookies are here to stir up some Halloween fun. These spooky treats are quick, easy, and delicious. | aheadofthyme.com
    1. Shape cookies. Take half of the dough from the fridge and leave the rest in the fridge. Take a tablespoonful of dough and use your hands to roll it into a finger shape for each cookie (about 3-inches long).
    2. Add details. Press an almond firmly into 1 end for the nail. Squeeze in the center of the top half and bottom half to create a knuckle shape in the middle. Use a knife to make slashes for under the nail bed and on the knuckles.
    • Get your cauldron bubbling, these creepy Witch Finger Cookies are here to stir up some Halloween fun. These spooky treats are quick, easy, and delicious. | aheadofthyme.com
    • Get your cauldron bubbling, these creepy Witch Finger Cookies are here to stir up some Halloween fun. These spooky treats are quick, easy, and delicious. | aheadofthyme.com
    • Get your cauldron bubbling, these creepy Witch Finger Cookies are here to stir up some Halloween fun. These spooky treats are quick, easy, and delicious. | aheadofthyme.com
    • Get your cauldron bubbling, these creepy Witch Finger Cookies are here to stir up some Halloween fun. These spooky treats are quick, easy, and delicious. | aheadofthyme.com
    1. Chill again. Place on a baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough. Transfer the sheet pan back into the fridge for 15-20 minutes.
    Get your cauldron bubbling, these creepy Witch Finger Cookies are here to stir up some Halloween fun. These spooky treats are quick, easy, and delicious. | aheadofthyme.com
    1. Bake. Bake cookies in a 325F preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until pale golden.
    2. Add jam. Let the cookies cool for 3 minutes. Then carefully lift the almonds and place a small amount of strawberry jam in the indented nail bed. I recommend using a piping bag with a fine tip attached. Then, press the almond back in place so that the jam oozes out from underneath.
    • Get your cauldron bubbling, these creepy Witch Finger Cookies are here to stir up some Halloween fun. These spooky treats are quick, easy, and delicious. | aheadofthyme.com
    • Get your cauldron bubbling, these creepy Witch Finger Cookies are here to stir up some Halloween fun. These spooky treats are quick, easy, and delicious. | aheadofthyme.com
    • Get your cauldron bubbling, these creepy Witch Finger Cookies are here to stir up some Halloween fun. These spooky treats are quick, easy, and delicious. | aheadofthyme.com
    • Get your cauldron bubbling, these creepy Witch Finger Cookies are here to stir up some Halloween fun. These spooky treats are quick, easy, and delicious. | aheadofthyme.com
    1. Cool. Carefully remove the cookies from the baking sheet and allow them to cool completely on a wire cooling rack.
    Get your cauldron bubbling, these creepy Witch Finger Cookies are here to stir up some Halloween fun. These spooky treats are quick, easy, and delicious. | aheadofthyme.com

    Storing and Freezing Instructions

    How to Store

    Transfer the cooled cookies to a sealed plastic bag or airtight container lined with parchment paper and store at room temperature for up to 3-5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

    How to Freeze

    You can also freeze the cookies between layers of parchment paper in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

    How to Store and Freeze Cookie Dough

    Form your dough into a ball and wrap it tightly with plastic cling wrap. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days before shaping the finger cookies. When ready to use, set the dough on the kitchen counter for 20-30 minutes to soften a little and make it easier to work with.

    To freeze the cookie dough, place the plastic wrapped cookie dough ball into a freezer bag or airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to use, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and then let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minute before shaping.

    Recipe Tips and Tricks

    • Make ahead to save time. Not only can you cook these ahead of time, you can also freeze the dough and make them “fresh” whenever you’re ready — ensuring you always have enough time to make them for Halloween festivities!
    • Add food coloring. This recipe will create flesh-colored witch finger cookies, but you can also add dye to make them creepier. Try classic green or make them purple, red, or blue.
    • Paint the “nails”. Have a little extra time on your hands? Dip the nails in colored white chocolate or regular melted chocolate to add another layer of flavor and color.
    Get your cauldron bubbling, these creepy Witch Finger Cookies are here to stir up some Halloween fun. These spooky treats are quick, easy, and delicious. | aheadofthyme.com

    More Halloween Recipes

    • 25 Best Halloween Desserts
    • Halloween Bark
    • Dirt Pudding Cups
    • Caramel Apples
    • Spooky Chocolate Cake Pops
    • Baked Apples

    Did you make this recipe? I would greatly appreciate a comment and rating below, letting me know what you thought of the recipe. You can also snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

    Don't forget to sign up for my email newsletter so that you don't miss any recipes. You can also follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more recipe updates.

    Print

    Recipe

    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    Get your cauldron bubbling, these creepy Witch Finger Cookies are here to stir up some Halloween fun. These spooky treats are quick, easy, and delicious. | aheadofthyme.com

    Witch Finger Cookies


    • Author: Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme
    • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
    • Yield: 20-24 cookies
    • Diet: Vegetarian
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    Get your cauldron bubbling, these creepy Witch Finger Cookies are here to stir up some Halloween fun. These spooky treats are quick, easy, and delicious. 


    Ingredients

    • ½ cup butter, softened
    • ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
    • 1 egg
    • ½ teaspoon almond extract
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
    • ½ teaspoon baking powder
    • ¼ cup whole blanched almonds (sliced almonds)
    • 2-3 tablespoons strawberry jam (or raspberry)

    Instructions

    1. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer (or stand mixer with paddle attachment) to cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. Add egg, almond extract, and vanilla and beat until incorporated.
    2. Stir in the flour and baking powder and mix until just combined. The mixture will be crumbly.
    3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, line a large half sheet baking pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
    4. Take half of the dough from the fridge and leave the rest in the fridge.
    5. Take a tablespoonful of dough and use your hands to roll it into a finger shape for each cookie (about 3-inches long).
    6. Press an almond firmly into 1 end for the nail.
    7. Squeeze in the center of the top half and bottom half to create a knuckle shape in the middle. Use a knife to make slashes for under the nail bed and on the knuckles.
    8. Place on a baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough. Transfer the sheet pan back into the fridge for 15-20 minutes.
    9. Preheat oven to 325F.
    10. Bake cookies for 20-25 minutes or until pale golden.
    11. Let the cookies cool for 3 minutes. Then carefully lift the almonds and place a small amount of strawberry jam in the indented nail bed. I recommend using a piping bag with a fine tip attached. Then, press the almond back in place so that the jam oozes out from underneath.
    12. Carefully remove the cookies from the baking sheet and allow them to cool completely on a wire cooling rack.

    Notes

    How to store: Transfer the cooled cookies to a sealed plastic bag or airtight container lined with parchment paper and store at room temperature for up to 3-5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

    How to freeze: You can also freeze the cookies between layers of parchment paper in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

    Make ahead: Form your dough into a ball and wrap it tightly with plastic cling wrap. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days before shaping the finger cookies. When ready to use, set the dough on the kitchen counter for 20-30 minutes to soften a little and make it easier to work with.

    How to freeze cookie dough: Place the plastic wrapped cookie dough ball into a freezer bag or airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to use, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and then let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minute before shaping.

    • Prep Time: 25 minutes
    • Chill Time: 25 minutes
    • Cook Time: 20 minutes
    • Category: Cookies
    • Method: Bake
    • Cuisine: American

    Keywords: witch finger cookies, witch fingers, halloween cookies, witch cookies, finger cookies

    Did you make this recipe?

    I'd love to see! Tag me @aheadofthyme on Instagram.

    Get your cauldron bubbling, these creepy Witch Finger Cookies are here to stir up some Halloween fun. These spooky treats are quick, easy, and delicious. | aheadofthyme.com
    Witch Finger Cookies
    21 Shares
    Pin19
    Yum2
    Share
    Tweet
    More
    « Coconut Curry Pumpkin Soup
    25 Best Halloween Desserts »

    Stay Updated

    Subscribe now to receive all the latest recipes, tips and news directly to your inbox.
    * indicates required
    How often would you like to receive recipe updates

    Food Blogger Business School | foodbloggerbusinessschool.com

    Food Blogger Business School

    A step-by-step program that teaches food bloggers how to grow and scale their blogs into a full-time business

    in less time and without posting endless content until you burn out.

    LEARN MORE

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome!

    Quick and easy recipes for the everyday home cook, using fresh, seasonal and wholesome ingredients -- from healthy meals to take-out to comfort foods. | aheadofthyme.com

    Hi, we're Sam and Dan! We like to help busy people eat real food that tastes good. Here, you can find hundreds of delicious, quick and easy recipes, using quality and wholesome ingredients. Read more about us

    Stay Updated

    Subscribe now to receive all the latest recipes, tips and news directly to your inbox.
    * indicates required
    How often would you like to receive recipe updates

    Food Blogger Business School | foodbloggerbusinessschool.com

    Food Blogger Business School

    A step-by-step program that teaches food bloggers how to grow and scale their blogs into a full-time business

    in less time and without posting endless content until you burn out.

    LEARN MORE

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About Ahead of Thyme

    Hello and welcome! I'm Sam -- the founder of Ahead of Thyme, where we help busy people eat real food that tastes good. Here, you will find hundreds of delicious, quick and easy recipes, using quality and wholesome ingredients. So stay a while, browse around, and make something tasty for dinner tonight.

    • RSS Feed
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Work with Us
    • Shop
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
    • Food Blogger Business School
    • Newsletter

    Browse

    • 60+ Easy Dinners
    • 60+ Chicken Recipes
    • 25+ Ground Beef Recipes
    • 40+ Pasta Recipes
    • 50+ Bread Recipes
    • 25+ Air Fryer Recipes
    • Dessert

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

    Copyright © 2023 Ahead of Thyme Incorporated