Halloween is just around the corner, and there’s no better way to get into the spooky spirit than by whipping up some deliciously haunting treats. These Frightful Fingers are a whimsically creepy twist on the classic almond cookie – perfect for your Halloween gathering or a fun project to do with the kids. Ready to make your kitchen a little more eerie? Let’s dive into this delightfully wicked recipe!
Frightful Fingers
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup whole almonds
– Red decorating gel
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the almond and vanilla extracts, and mix until well combined.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
4. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Take a small piece of dough and roll it into a finger-shaped cylinder, about 3-4 inches long. Place a whole almond at one end to resemble a fingernail. Use a knife to make knuckle marks on the dough to give it a realistic appearance.
6. Arrange the fingers on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart as they will puff up slightly during baking.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once the cookies are cool, squeeze a small dab of red decorating gel onto the tip of each almond to create a “bloody” effect.
10. Serve these spooky Frightful Fingers at your Halloween party and watch your guests marvel at your creepy culinary skills!
These Frightful Fingers are a delightfully eerie addition to any Halloween celebration. With their almond “nails” and gory red gel, they are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. So, go ahead and get baking to add a touch of macabre fun to your holiday spread! Happy Halloween!