Creepy Little Finger Cookies
These spooky finger cookies are shaped like tiny fingers with cracked skin and almond nails, creating a fun Halloween treat. Made with a simple buttery dough infused with almond extract, they bake until golden and crispy, with cracks that resemble knuckles and nails that add a creepy touch. Their crunchy texture and playful imperfections make them a charmingly eerie dessert perfect for Halloween festivities.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Silicone spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small knife
- Toasting oven or regular oven
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon extract almond extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds for nails
- a few drops red food coloring red food coloring for blood effect
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is fluffy and pale, about 2 minutes. You’ll notice it becomes creamy and slightly light in color.
- Add the egg and almond extract to the bowl, mixing until fully incorporated. The dough will start to come together with a rich aroma of almonds filling your kitchen.
- Gradually stir in the flour, folding it in until a firm, pliable dough forms. It should hold together but remain soft enough to shape easily.
- Divide the dough into small portions, about the size of a walnut, and roll each into a tapered finger shape. Slightly flatten the top to resemble knuckles.
- Use your finger or the back of a small knife to make subtle cracks along the surface of each finger, mimicking knuckles and cracked skin texture.
- Place a slivered almond at the tip of each finger to resemble a creepy nail. Dab a tiny amount of red food coloring around the base for a bloody effect, if desired.
- Arrange the fingers on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each to allow for spreading. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden and cracked.
- Once baked, let the cookies cool slightly on the sheet. For extra gore, dab a tiny bit of red icing around the nail base for a bloody effect.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. The cracks will deepen and the almond nails will become crisp, giving them a realistic, creepy appearance.
- Enjoy these crunchy, spooky finger cookies that are perfect for Halloween parties or any creepy celebration. Their imperfection and crunch make them irresistibly charming and fun to serve!
Notes
For extra realism, slightly crack the dough more before baking and press the almonds firmly with a dab of icing. Store in an airtight container for best crunch, and reapply red gel for fresh bloody look when serving.