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Crispy Witch Finger Shortbread Cookies Recipe with Easy Pistachio Dough

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These crispy witch finger shortbread cookies feature a buttery base enhanced with ground pistachios for a subtle nutty flavor and a soft green hue. Perfectly crisp on the outside and tender inside, they add a playful and festive touch to your Halloween treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (90 g) powdered sugar
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) ground pistachios
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Almond slivers (for nails)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • Optional: green food coloring

Instructions

  1. Finely grind 1/2 cup (60 g) shelled pistachios in a food processor until coarse sand-like but not oily. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup (227 g) softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup (90 g) powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Optionally add 1/4 teaspoon almond extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour and the ground pistachios.
  5. Gradually add the flour-pistachio mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. If too crumbly, add 1 teaspoon cold water.
  6. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  8. Pinch off small portions of dough and roll into finger-like shapes about 3 inches (7.5 cm) long and 3/4 inch (2 cm) thick.
  9. Press almond slivers gently at one end as fingernails and use a small knife or toothpick to add knuckle lines.
  10. Place shaped cookies on baking sheets spaced 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart.
  11. Bake for 15-18 minutes until edges are light golden brown and cookies feel firm.
  12. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

Use unsalted butter to control salt level. Chill dough well to prevent spreading. Watch baking time carefully to avoid overbaking. If dough is too soft after chilling, chill longer. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend. For vegan, use vegan butter and vegan-friendly powdered sugar.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween cookies, witch finger cookies, shortbread, pistachio cookies, festive cookies, nutty cookies, crispy cookies, easy Halloween treats

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/crispy-witch-finger-shortbread-cookies-recipe-with-easy-pistachio-dough/