Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 50–75 blanched whole almonds (for fingernails)
- Optional: Green or red food coloring, frosting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and almond extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined and a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into 24 equal portions. Roll each portion into a log shape, about 4-5 inches long and 1/2 inch thick, to resemble fingers.
- Gently flatten one end of each log to create a knuckle.
- Using a knife or toothpick, score lines into the dough to create knuckle details.
- Press an almond (pointed end first) into the flattened end of each cookie to resemble a fingernail.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between them.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: For a more realistic look, you can tint a small amount of green frosting and pipe it around the almond ‘nails’ or brush with a little red food coloring for a blood effect.
Notes
- For a more pronounced ‘knuckle’ effect, you can gently bend the cookie log before scoring.
- Ensure the butter is truly softened, not melted, for the best cookie texture.
- Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. Watch for golden edges.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: PT25M
- Cook Time: PT12M
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 2g
