If you’re looking for a Halloween treat that’s equal parts spooky and delicious, Witch Finger Cookies are the perfect choice. These eerie cookies look like gnarled witch fingers, complete with almond “nails” and a touch of red jam to resemble blood. They’re surprisingly easy to make, fun to decorate, and guaranteed to be the talk of any Halloween party.
The secret to the best Witch Finger Cookies lies in the dough. A simple buttery shortbread base gives them that perfect balance of crisp edges and a tender center. After chilling the dough, you shape it into thin, finger-like logs, pressing in knuckle lines with a knife or toothpick to make them look extra realistic. An almond slice at the tip becomes the nail, and a little raspberry or strawberry jam adds that spooky finishing touch.
These cookies don’t just look amazing, they taste incredible too. The buttery dough melts in your mouth, and the jam adds just the right amount of sweetness. You can even add a hint of almond or vanilla extract to boost the flavor. For a festive twist, try dipping the ends in melted chocolate instead of jam or adding a few drops of green food coloring to make them look like monster fingers.
Witch Finger Cookies are great for Halloween parties, trick-or-treat nights, or just a cozy October evening at home. They store well in an airtight container for up to a week, so you can make them ahead of time and focus on the rest of your spooky menu.
Whether you’re baking with kids or impressing guests with your Halloween creativity, these cookies are a must-try. They photograph beautifully, making them ideal for social media or Halloween-themed Pinterest boards. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of creepy, buttery, and delicious Witch Finger Cookies that will cast a spell on everyone who tries them.

Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup almonds whole blanched
- 1 tube red decorator gel
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
- Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture.
- Divide the dough into sections, wrapping each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Work with one section of dough at a time, leaving the rest in the fridge to keep cool. Roll a heaping tablespoon of dough into finger shapes.
- Press an almond into one end of each dough finger to resemble a nail.
- Pipe red decorator gel around the ‘nail’ to give a bloody appearance.
- Use a small knife to make knuckle marks and lines on the fingers.
- Place shaped cookies onto a lightly greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, until lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition










I tried making these but they just wouldn’t hold their shape. My ‘fingers’ looked more like blobs. 😩
Maybe you didn’t chill the dough long enough? I find that helps a lot with shaping!
Nah, they should look more like fingers! It’s not rocket science…
I was skeptical about making cookies that look like fingers, but they turned out great. Just a bit messy with the gel, but that was fun!
The dough was hard to work with, and my fingers don’t look as good as the pic. Plus, where do you find blanched almonds? 🤔
These cookies are super cute for Halloween! Tasted delish too!
I can’t believe i made these with my kids! They loved the red goo. Best family fun ever! 😍
I dunno, red goo? Sounds kinda gross. 😂 Are you sure your kids like it?
That sounds amazing! I’ve always wanted to make spooky cookies with my kids. What a fun way to bond! 🎃
I don’t understand why you would make cookies that look gross. Not for me.
I think they’re fun! Perfect for Halloween parties. Not every cookie has to be pretty! 🎃
Uh, why would you want to make cookies that look like fingers? That’s just weird…but I guess fun for a party??
I think it’s a fun idea! Perfect for Halloween parties and kids will love it! 🎃
Yum! Even tho they look scary, my family devoured them! Who knew finger cookies could be so tasty!
These are so creepy but perfect for Halloween! My kids loved making them. Will make again for sure!
So glad to hear your kids loved making them! Halloween treats are the best! 🎃
The taste was just ok, kinda bland. They look good but I expected more flavor. 😕
I thought they had a ton of flavor! Maybe try adding some spices next time? 🤷♀️
Idk about using almonds, can I use chocolate chips instead? Also, they look kinda gross but fun!
I tried making these but they just spread out and looked like blobs… did I do something wrong? 1/5
Don’t worry! It happens sometimes. Maybe your dough wasn’t cold enough before baking? Just keep practicing!
You sure you followed the recipe? Maybe you added too much butter or something. These cookies take a lil’ skill!
I reely messd up the dough. They came out all flat! Maybe too much butter?
Don’t worry! Flat cookies happen to the best of us. Maybe next time try less butter or more flour? Good luck!
Do these really taste good? I’m skeptical of the almond part. Don’t people just eat the cookie? 🤔
Trust me, the almond actually adds a nice crunch! Don’t knock it till you try it! 😋
Witch fingers lol
lol these actually sound fun to make 😄 the red gel + almond “nail” is such a clever touch.
Witch fingers is a silly name. Tried it anyway. Was okay. Not using this recipe again.
Yum! These are amazing! So easy and they look super cool! 👻
Finger cookies? More like finger lickers, lol! Everyone loves them! 🖐️❤️
I followed the recipe exactly but my cookies came out flat and sad. What did I do wrong? 😩
These cookies are a hit at Halloween parties! Everyone loved the creepy look!
These cookies are super fun for Halloween! I made them with my kids and they turned out great! 😍
I thought they were gonna taste gross but they are actually very tasty! A lil spooky, but nice!
Delicious! I made a batch for my kids and they thought it was hilarious. Got a lot of laughs!
Very spooky and tasted good, but I think the recipe was a bit too sweet.
I thought they were perfect! Maybe just cut down on the sugar a bit next time?
Witch finger? More like a witch thumb! 😂
Haha, totally looks like a thumb! But it’s still spooky delicious! 🎃
Witch fingers? More like witch disasters! Couldn’t get them to hold shape. Gave up halfway. 😩
Sorry to hear that! Maybe the dough was too warm? I had a bit of trouble too but they turned out okay in the end!
I don’t know… The almond nails looked weird to me. Won’t make these again.
I think the almond nails are what make them fun! But I get that it’s not for everyone. Maybe try a different decoration next time?
Weird? Nah, those nails are spooktacular! I love them. 🤪
What a mess! I don’t understand how anyone can make these. I end up with dough everywhere and they didn’t even bake right.
I followed it pretty closely, but my dough was kinda crumbly after chilling. I added like a teaspoon of milk and it came together. Still tasted great.
325°F for 20 minutes felt a little long for my oven—bottoms browned before the tops looked golden. Next time I’ll start checking at 15.
This is such a fun recipe! Can’t wait to share with my kids!
GREAT RECIPE! I added chocolate chips too! Who says no to choc?!!
Hmmm… these sound fun, but don’t you think some people won’t like almonds? Just a thought.
I used ghosts instead of fingers for a twist! They turned out awesome! 🎃
I didn’t have red gel, so I used ketchup instead. It was NOT a good idea. LOL
Ketchup? That’s hilarious! 😂 I can only imagine how they turned out!
Witch fingers? More like witch disasters! 😅 They were ugly but tasted good lol
Haha! At least they taste good! That’s what matters, right? 😂 Did you try making them look better next time?
So easy to follow! I had little helpers and we had a blast making them. Will definitely make again!
I was skeptical about the whole bloody finger thing but I tried it for a party. Honestly, they taste amazing! Who knew creepy could be delicious?
I’m glad you found them tasty! They definitely are a hit at Halloween parties.
They turned out a bit weird looking, but tasted great! I’m no baker, but I think I did alright.
I dunno, I think these are a bit creepy. Why would you want your food to look like fingers? Just saying!
These cookies are a Halloween must! My kids loved them and they were super fun to make! 🌟
These sound so cool! Can’t wait to try them for my Halloween party! 🎃
OMG what a cute idea! I’m sooo trying these for Halloween! 🎃
Thanks! They look spooky and fun, can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! 🎉
I think these cookies are gross and I made them right. Not like cookies should be!
I dont kno what ur talking about, they look creepy and cool! What did u expect from witch finger cookies?
I totally disagree! These cookies are a fun Halloween treat! Maybe try adding chocolate chips next time?
These are genuinely adorable and spooky! The red gel really makes them pop, and the almond “nail” trick is so easy.
This is just cookies with some effort put into making them look yucky, what’s the big deal?
Really easy recipe. I made a batch in no time. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you liked it! They’re super fun and perfect for Halloween!
I didn’t think folding the dough was needed. Mine turned out like blobs! So maybe I missed something or just ain’t cut out for baking.
I didn’t have red gel, so I used ketchup. 😂 Still turned out weirdly good!
So creepy and yummy! Perfect for our Halloween party! Will make again!
Not bad, but I thought the almonds were a bit much… Maybe pecans would work better? 🤔
I don’t know why everyone loves these, they taste kinda weird. Not my thing.
I think they taste great! Once you get past the looks, they’re really delicious. 🤤
These cookies are so fun for Halloween! My kids loved making them and even more, they loved eating them. Will definitely make again!
I’m glad you and your kids had fun! These cookies are perfect for Halloween. I might try making them with my nieces!
These cookies are spook-tacular! Perfect for Halloween parties. Everyone loved them!
These cookies are a Halloween favorite! My kids loved making them. So fun!
This sounds awesome! I can’t wait to try making these for my Halloween party. My friends will freak out over them! 🎃
Not sure about the whole almond thing… they kinda look creepy. Maybe kids won’t eat ’em? 🤔
Witch fingers? Seriously? Who eats these things??
Lol, these are great! But like, where do I find almonds looking like nails? I’m confused.
Not gonna lie, the “blood” gel part seems messy and unnecessary. Also I don’t get the knuckle marks—does the knife really matter?