Witch Finger Cookies

Why you’ll love it

• Kid-friendly: fun to make and decorate together.
• Party-ready: easy to make ahead and share.
• Cute, not scary: perfect for school parties and trick-or-treat night.

Quick facts

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2⅔ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup whole blanched almonds
• ¼ cup strawberry jam

Step-by-step method

1. Beat the butter and powdered sugar, then the egg and both extracts. Mix in the flour, baking powder and salt. Chill 30 minutes.

2. Roll tablespoons of dough into thin fingers about 4 inches long. Pinch in two spots for knuckles and score lines with a knife.

3. Press an almond firmly into one end of each finger for the nail.

4. Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, until lightly golden. Cool.

5. Lift each almond, add a little jam underneath and press it back so the jam peeks out.

Pro tip

Make the fingers thinner than you think: they puff up in the oven.

Storage

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days (refrigerate anything with frosting, cream or caramel).