This recipe is an easy way to make biscuits that look just like gnarled witches' fingers and taste wickedly good.
They are fantastically easy to make. All you need to do is mix together the dough ingredients and decorate them with almonds and jam. But the results are really creep and convincing. Serve them with some thick hot chocolate, or a chocolate sauce to dip them in. If you're making a spooky spread for Halloween, you should check out our Halloween cookies (opens in new tab) too. Both make perfect party food with a ghoulish twist. Our recipe makes 45 fingers and will take around 20 mins to make and bake, plus chilling time.
Ingredients
- 100g butter
- 100g caster sugar
- 1 medium egg
- 1tsp vanilla extract
- 225g plain flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 45 blanched almonds, halved
- 5 tbsp strawberry jam
WEIGHT CONVERTER
Method
- Using a food processor, beat the butter and sugar until pale. Add the egg and vanilla, and whisk again. Sift in the flour and baking powder, and mix to form a soft dough. Chill for 30 mins.
- Heat oven to 180ºC/350ºF/Gas 4. Divide the dough into 45 and roll each piece into a finger shape. Press the back of a knife into the dough to make knuckles. Lightly press an almond onto the dough where the nail would be, then remove it again. This is just to leave a little dent for later. Put on lined baking trays and chill for 30 mins.
- Bake for 10-12 mins until pale golden, then remove from the oven and allow to cool on a rack.
- Once cooled, spoon a little jam onto the nail base and top with an almond.
Top tips for making witches' fingers:
Add a few drops of green food colouring gel to the dough to make these look even more witchy. You can dip the bottom of the fingers into jam as well if you like, to make them look like they've been severed.
How can I make a nut-free version of this recipe?
For guests with nut allergies, we recommend making the green version of these witches' fingers (see tip, above) and swapping the almonds for half a bright red glacé cherry. It will look like a painted fingernail. Snip the ends into a point to make them look more like sharp nails.
What are the best things to serve at a grown-up Halloween party?
For a party that is not a sit down dinner, we recommend plenty of picky things that people can eat with one hand while they hold a drink with the other. Go all out with the spook-factor and don't be afraid to serve things like this - they're not just for kids, because at Halloween anything goes. They're also great to have on hand for any passing trick or treaters.
You might also like...
- Halloween food ideas (opens in new tab)
- Halloween cupcakes (opens in new tab)
- Halloween recipes (opens in new tab)
Jessica Dady is Senior Content Editor at Goodto.com and has over 10 years of experience as a digital journalist, specialising in all things food, recipes, and SEO. From the best food hampers to cookbooks, from the best cake stands to baking sets, Jessica has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to must-have food products. A passionate baker, she spends much of her time creating celebration cakes for friends and family - particularly for her two lucky children.
-
Cheesy broomsticks
Cheesy broomsticks make a fan savoury snack for Halloween celebrations. Made with only 3 ingredients, these clever little treats are so easy to create.
By GoodtoKnow • Published
-
Spooky sandwiches
Spooky sandwiches are so simple to make with ham, beetroot coleslaw and ketchup and shaped into coffins. Perfect as part of a Halloween buffet spread.
By Octavia Lillywhite • Published
-
Halloween biscuits
Our Halloween biscuits are creepy, kooky almond cookies. The kids will love making these biscuits - at Halloween or any time.
By Emily Stedman • Published
-
Munchies skillet cookie
A gooey, delicious cookie baked in a skillet. A great dessert for sharing with loved ones...
By Jess Meyer • Published
-
Mozzarella and tomato ‘bruschetta’ salad
A filling salad that doesn't shy away from flavour. Perfect as a hearty lunch or light dinner...
By Jess Meyer • Published
-
Coq au vin pie
A warming pie packed with tender chunks of chicken, succulent bacon and a rich red wine gravy...
By Rose Fooks • Published
-
Why is there an egg shortage in the UK? Here’s why supermarkets are running out of eggs
Find out why is there an egg shortage, as some supermarkets see their shelves left empty as a result of the ongoing issue.
By Ellie Hutchings • Last updated
-
25 best Halloween movies for kids and adults
Browse our pick of the best Halloween movies and where to watch them as spooky season approaches
By Grace Walsh • Published
-
M&S Food's Easter eggs have arrived and customers are not happy
Chocolate Easter eggs have already been spotted at Marks and Spencer's supermarkets
By Emma Dooney • Published