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Best Spooky Witch Finger Pretzel Cookies Recipe

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These creepy witch finger cookies are made with a buttery shortbread dough, a pretzel stick center, and almond sliver nails. They’re perfect for Halloween parties and are sure to get a reaction.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 30–35 pretzel sticks
  • 1/3 cup (about 35g) sliced almonds
  • Red food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer on medium speed.
  3. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully combined.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
  5. Take about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a log shape about 3 inches long. Taper one end slightly to look like a fingertip, and make the other end slightly thicker. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough, spacing fingers about 2 inches apart.
  6. Using a small knife or offset spatula, gently press 2-3 lines across each finger to create knuckle creases.
  7. Gently press one pretzel stick into the center of each finger, pushing it about halfway through the dough.
  8. Take one almond sliver and gently press it onto the tapered end of the finger, letting it overlap slightly to look like a fingernail.
  9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown.
  10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Once cool, mix a tiny drop of red food coloring with a teaspoon of water. Using a small brush, paint a thin line of red around the cuticle area of each almond nail (optional).

Notes

The almond nails can sometimes fall off during baking if not pressed in firmly enough. If any come loose, press them back in while the cookies are still warm. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. For a vegan version, use vegan butter and a flax egg.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween cookies, witch finger cookies, pretzel cookies, spooky cookies, almond nails, shortbread cookies

Find it online: https://spoonluma.com/best-spooky-witch-finger-pretzel-cookies-recipe/