Frightening Fingers

Kids absolutely LOVE these goulish finger cookies.  They are a delicious buttery almond cookie.  They are so creepy!   



1 cup butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp almond extract

2-3/4 cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

Red decorating gel

1/2 cup sliced almonds

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in the egg and extracts. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Divide dough into fourths. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until easy to handle.

Working with one piece of dough at a time, roll into 1-in. balls. Shape balls into 3-in. x 1/2-in. fingers. Using the flat tip of a table knife, make an indentation on one end of each for fingernail. Gently squeeze and shape the finger to form a middle knuckle (makes them look a little arthritic).  With a knife, make three slashes on the knuckle.

Place 2 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 325° for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool for 3 minutes. Squeeze a small amount of red gel on nail bed; press a sliced almond over gel for nail, allowing gel to ooze around nail. Remove to wire racks to cool. 

Makes about 40 fingers

Source:  Taste Of Home's Holiday & Celebration Cookbook, Annual 2001

Janice