Creepy Almond Shortbread Fingers
These Creepy Almond Shortbread Fingers are the perfect treat for Halloween or any spooky gathering! Inspired by the classic Witch's Finger Cookies from Kraft Food and Family, this recipe transforms simple shortbread into an eerie yet delicious cookie that your kids will love to make and munch on. Made with almond extract and studded with sliced almonds, these cookies have a delightful nutty flavor and a crumbly texture that isn't overly sweet. Shaped like gnarled fingers, they're sure to bring some fun fright to your dessert table. With just a few simple steps, you can create a memorable and tasty treat that will have everyone talking! Bake them at 325°F for about 25 minutes for the ultimate creepy delight.
N/A
Servings
30
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
sliced almonds
1 1/4 cups (divided; reserve 36 slices)
cream cheese
4 ounces (softened)
butter
1/2 cup (softened)
powdered sugar
3/4 cup
almond extract
1 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
flour
1 1/2 cups
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2
Reserve 36 whole sliced almonds to use as fingernails later. Place the remaining almonds in a food processor and process until they are finely ground.
3
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy.
4
Gradually add the powdered sugar, almond extract, and salt to the mixture, continuing to beat until well combined.
5
Slowly mix in the flour until fully incorporated. Then, fold in the ground almonds, ensuring the dough is stiff and well-mixed.
6
Take about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a shape resembling a 3-inch finger. Shape it to appear elongated and slightly crooked for a realistic look.
7
Place the shaped dough fingers on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
8
Gently press one of the reserved almonds into the dough at one end to create a fingernail.
9
Using a sharp knife, make three crosswise slits along the top of each cookie to resemble knuckles.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
11
Allow the cookies to cool for 3 minutes on the baking sheet before carefully transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
1.8g
Fat
2.8g
Carbs
0.3g
Protein
0.8g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Creepy Almond Shortbread Fingers?
Creepy Almond Shortbread Fingers are spooky Halloween cookies made of almond-flavored shortbread dough shaped to look like gnarled fingers.
What inspired the creation of these cookies?
This recipe was inspired by the classic Witch's Finger Cookies originally from Kraft Food and Family.
How many calories are in one of these cookies?
Each cookie contains approximately 30 calories.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated and set to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius).
How long do these cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
What ingredients are used to make the fingernails?
Whole sliced almonds are pressed into the ends of the dough fingers to create the appearance of fingernails.
How many almonds should I reserve for the fingernails?
You should reserve 36 whole sliced almonds to use as fingernails.
What is the primary flavor profile of these cookies?
These cookies have a delightful nutty flavor from both almond extract and ground almonds, with a crumbly shortbread texture.
How do you create the knuckle effect on the fingers?
Use a sharp knife to make three crosswise slits along the top of each cookie dough shape before baking.
Is this a kid-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is a fun and kid-friendly recipe that children will love to help shape and eat.
What amount of cream cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of softened cream cheese.
How much butter is used in the dough?
You will need 1/2 cup of softened butter.
How much sugar is in each cookie?
There is approximately 0.8 grams of sugar per cookie.
How much flour do I need for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of flour.
What is the fat content per cookie?
Each cookie contains 1.8 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a single serving?
There are 2.8 grams of carbohydrates per cookie.
Do these cookies contain any protein?
Yes, each cookie provides about 0.3 grams of protein.
How should the almonds be prepared for the dough?
After reserving slices for nails, the remaining almonds should be processed in a food processor until finely ground.
What size should the finger shapes be?
Each finger should be shaped using about 1 tablespoon of dough and rolled into a 3-inch long piece.
How much space should I leave between the cookies on the pan?
Place the dough fingers on the baking sheet leaving 2 inches of space between each one.
Should the baking sheet be greased?
Yes, the baking sheet should be sprayed with cooking spray before placing the cookies.
How long should the cookies cool on the baking sheet?
Allow them to cool for 3 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to wire racks.
When should I add the almond extract and salt?
Gradually add the almond extract and salt after beating the cream cheese and butter together.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 primary ingredients used in this recipe.
Are these cookies suitable for a dessert table?
Yes, their eerie appearance makes them a memorable and festive addition to any dessert table.
What tools are recommended for mixing the dough?
A hand mixer is recommended for beating the cream cheese and butter until fluffy.
When do I fold in the ground almonds?
The ground almonds should be folded in after the flour has been fully incorporated into the mixture.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include dessert, cookies, Halloween, shortbread, almond, and spooky treats.
Is powdered sugar or granulated sugar used?
This recipe specifically uses 3/4 cup of powdered sugar.
Can these be made for occasions other than Halloween?
While designed for Halloween, they are a great treat for any spooky-themed party or gathering.