Witch Fingers!

Spooky Witch Fingers Recipe with Jellybeans and Peanuts

Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 12 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

Witch Fingers are a fun and spooky Halloween treat that are perfect for parties or just for a festive snack. These cookies are shaped like creepy fingers with jellybean nails and peanut bones, making them a hit with kids and adults alike.

History

Witch Fingers have been a popular Halloween treat for many years, with their origins dating back to traditional Halloween baking. The recipe has evolved over time to include different variations, but the basic concept of a finger-shaped cookie with a nail and bone remains the same.

Ingredients

60 ml of unsalted butter, softened
60 ml of sugar
60 ml of brown sugar
1 egg yolk
310 ml of flour
20 ml (or more) of milk
5 ml of vanilla extract
24 jellybeans [1]
24 sweetened red peanuts [2]

How to prepare

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and two types of sugar together.
Beat in the egg yolk until smooth.
At low speed, stir in the flour, alternating with the milk and vanilla.
The dough may be dry, but it should stick together.
Add milk as needed.
For each cookie, form a finger shape using 15 ml (1 tbsp) of dough.
Press a candy onto one end of the finger to simulate a nail, and insert a peanut at the other end to simulate a bloody bone.
Place the formed cookies on the baking sheet.
Using a butter knife, make small indentations to simulate joints.
Refrigerate the cookies for 30 minutes.
Place the baking sheet in the center of the oven.
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the fingers are slightly golden underneath.
Let the cookies cool.

Variations

Use different colored jellybeans for a variety of nail colors.
Add food coloring to the dough for a more vibrant look.
Use different types of nuts for the bones, such as almonds or cashews.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to refrigerate the cookies before baking to help them hold their shape.

- Use a butter knife to make small indentations in the dough to simulate joints for a more realistic look.

- Be creative with your decorations - you can use different colored jellybeans for nails or add food coloring to the dough for a more ghoulish effect.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Witch Fingers as a spooky snack at Halloween parties or enjoy them with a cup of hot apple cider for a festive treat.

Cooking Techniques

Use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar together for a smooth dough.

- Refrigerate the cookies before baking to help them hold their shape.

- Use a butter knife to make small indentations in the dough for a realistic look.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

- Use almond or soy milk instead of cow's milk for a dairy-free option.

- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for Witch Fingers ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake the cookies. This makes them a great make-ahead treat for Halloween parties.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange Witch Fingers on a platter with fake spiders or other creepy decorations for a spooky presentation. You can also serve them in a decorative Halloween-themed tin for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Witch Fingers with a glass of milk or hot apple cider for a delicious and festive treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Witch Fingers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Witch Fingers contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Witch Fingers contains approximately 15g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Witch Fingers contains approximately 5g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Witch Fingers contains approximately 2g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Witch Fingers are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Witch Fingers contain dairy and nuts.

Summary

Witch Fingers are a fun and festive treat that are relatively low in calories and contain a moderate amount of carbohydrates and fats.

Summary

Witch Fingers are a fun and spooky Halloween treat that are perfect for parties or just for a festive snack. These cookies are easy to make and can be customized with different decorations for a unique and ghoulish look. Enjoy these creepy treats with friends and family for a fun and festive Halloween celebration!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Witch Fingers. It was a cool autumn day, the leaves were just starting to change color and fall off the trees. I was searching through some old cookbooks that I had collected over the years, looking for inspiration for a Halloween-themed treat. That's when I came across a worn and tattered recipe card tucked away in the back of one of the books.

The title was written in elegant cursive script, "Witch Fingers". Intrigued, I pulled out the card and read through the ingredients and instructions. It was a simple recipe for buttery shortbread cookies shaped like gnarled witch fingers, complete with almond nails and a touch of green food coloring for that eerie, otherworldly look.

I couldn't believe my luck in finding such a unique and fun recipe. I knew right away that I had to give it a try. The next day, I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in my cozy kitchen, humming to myself as I rolled out the dough and shaped each finger carefully.

As the cookies baked in the oven, the rich aroma of butter and sugar filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. When they were finally done, I pulled them out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

Once they were cool enough to handle, I carefully added a sliced almond to each finger to create the illusion of a long, sharp nail. Then, I used a toothpick dipped in green food coloring to add some creepy veins and wrinkles to the fingers, giving them an even more realistic appearance.

When I presented the Witch Fingers to my family that evening, they were both impressed and slightly spooked by the lifelike appearance of the cookies. But once they took a bite, their fear melted away and was replaced with delight at the buttery, crumbly texture and sweet flavor of the shortbread.

From that moment on, Witch Fingers became a staple in our household every Halloween. I would make them for parties, school events, and just for fun on a chilly evening at home. The recipe was a hit with everyone who tried them, and I loved seeing the smiles on their faces as they bit into the eerily delicious cookies.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe with friends, neighbors, and even strangers who have asked for it after tasting the Witch Fingers at one of my Halloween gatherings. Each time I make them, I remember that first fateful day when I stumbled upon the recipe and how it has brought so much joy and spookiness to my life.

Now, as I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will continue the tradition of making Witch Fingers every Halloween. May they bring a touch of magic and whimsy to your celebrations, just as they have for me and my loved ones. Happy baking, and may your Witch Fingers be wickedly delicious!