Halloween is the perfect time to embrace the quirky and creepy. This year, I decided to craft something truly unsettling—a batch of witch finger cookies that look just like shriveled, bone-thin fingers. The moment I pulled them from the oven, the smell of toasted almonds and vanilla filled the air, making my house smell like a haunted mansion.
These cookies aren’t just about their spooky appearance. They bring a crunch that’s satisfying and a buttery flavor that’s rich and comforting. Perfect for those who love a little chaos on the plate, they turn a simple bake into a naughty little ritual with friends or family. Plus, they’re super easy to make, even if you’re short on time or nerves.
Witch Finger Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes and the color turns pale.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, with the mixture appearing smooth and slightly glossy.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined and a dough forms.
- Divide the dough into small portions and roll each into a long, thin finger shape, tapering the ends slightly to mimic a frail finger.
- Place the shaped dough onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them out evenly.
- Using a small knife or toothpick, create a shallow indentation at one end of each finger to resemble a knuckle or a wrinkled, shriveled nail bed.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, until they are golden brown and slightly crisp around the edges.
- After baking, let the cookies cool on a cooling rack for a few minutes until they are firm enough to handle.
- Attach toasted almonds at the base of each finger with a small dab of apricot jam to resemble curled, shriveled nails.
- Once the jam is set, the witch fingers are ready to be served, with their creepy, bone-like appearance and crunchy texture.
Notes
Baking them is a hazy mix of fun and chaos—just the way Halloween should be. They’re a reminder that sometimes, a little creepy goes a long way in making the holiday unforgettable.
Hey there — I’m Olivia “Liv” Carter, founder, recipe crafter, and storyteller behind Crying Into The Onions. I live somewhere in the heartland of the United States, where seasons change boldly, the smell of onions sizzling in a pan is a love language, and the kitchen is my favorite place to get messy and find magic.
I started this blog to share more than just recipes — I wanted to capture the emotions, memories, and quirks that make food more than fuel. Because sometimes, cooking makes you laugh. Sometimes, it makes you cry (into the onions, naturally). And most of all, it brings people together.