Forget boring party snacks—your Halloween table deserves severed finger cookies that stop guests in their tracks. They’re creepy, funny, and surprisingly easy. If you love spooky treats, check out our Grinch cake for another festive showstopper.
Why You’ll Love It
- Instant wow factor: The visual shock is half the fun.
- Minimal effort: Uses ready-made dough for quick prep.
- Kid-friendly: Kids love shaping and decorating these.
- Budget-friendly: Inexpensive ingredients, maximum payoff.
Ingredients
- 1 roll refrigerated sugar cookie dough (or homemade)
- 1 cup blanched whole almonds
- 1/2 cup red decorating gel or jam (raspberry or strawberry)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
Hosting a spooky spread? Add savory balance with buffalo chicken dip for the perfect creepy–comfort combo.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep: Heat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Shape fingers: Slice cookie dough into 1/2-inch rounds. Roll each into a 3–4 inch log, tapering one end for the fingertip. Use a knife to add shallow knuckle lines.
- Attach nails: Press an almond firmly into the tapered end.
- Egg wash: Brush lightly with beaten egg for a skin-like sheen.
- Bake: 10–12 minutes until edges are golden. Cool fully.
- Bloody finish: Lift almond, add a dab of red gel or jam, then press the almond back so it oozes.
Tips & Variations
- Don’t skip egg wash: It gives that realistic look.
- Add “blood” only after cooling: Otherwise it melts in.
- Vegan fingers: Use vegan cookie dough + aquafaba for wash.
- Witch fingers: Tint dough with green food coloring for a necrotic vibe.
- Savory twist: Try breadstick dough fingers served with marinara “blood” dip.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Best fresh: Serve the day of for max effect.
- Room temp: Airtight container, single layer, up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies (without jam) up to 1 month. Add the “blood” before serving.
FAQ
Can I make the dough from scratch?
Yes—any sugar cookie recipe works. Pre-made dough just saves time.
My almonds won’t stay on. What should I do?
Press them firmly into the dough before baking; the egg wash helps glue them in place.
What’s the best substitute for red gel?
Use seedless raspberry jam, strawberry jam, or red-tinted icing.
Can I freeze these ahead?
Yes. Freeze plain cookies, then add jam “blood” right before serving.
More to Try
Conclusion
These severed finger cookies are creepy, hilarious, and delicious—the ultimate Halloween cookie recipe. They’re easy to make but unforgettable on the table. This year, serve a treat your guests will be talking about long after the cobwebs are packed away.
Print
Severed Finger Cookies (Creepy Halloween Cookie Recipe)
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Creepy, hilarious, and shockingly easy to make, these Severed Finger Cookies will be the Halloween party treat no one forgets. Perfectly spooky with minimal effort!
Ingredients
- 1 roll refrigerated sugar cookie dough (or homemade)
- 1 cup blanched whole almonds
- 1/2 cup red decorating gel or jam (raspberry or strawberry)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice cookie dough into 1/2-inch rounds and roll each into a 3–4 inch log, tapering one end to form a fingertip.
- Use a knife to score shallow knuckle lines into each finger.
- Firmly press a blanched almond into the tapered end to form a fingernail.
- Brush each finger lightly with beaten egg to give it a skin-like sheen.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden. Let cool completely.
- Lift almond, add a dab of red gel or jam underneath, then press almond back so it oozes.
Notes
Add red gel or jam only after cookies are fully cooled to avoid melting. For extra spooky flair, tint dough green for witch fingers or try a savory twist using breadstick dough and marinara.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Halloween
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Halloween, cookies, spooky treats, severed fingers, party snacks