Monster FingersINGREDIENTS: 2 3/4 C all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1 C (2 sticks) butter, softened 1 C confectioners' sugar 1 egg 1 1/2 tsp almond extract Green food coloring Sliced almonds In a medium bowl, sift all-purpose flour, baking powder and salt. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer set on medium, beat butter until creamy. Beat in confectioners' sugar, egg and almond extract. Gradually beat in flour mixture until a soft dough forms. Tint dough, using a few drops of green food coloring. Cover dough with plastic wrap and chill until just firm, about 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 350F. For each cookie, using lightly floured hands, roll tablespoonfuls of dough into finger shapes. Using a knife, mark knuckle lines across center of each finger. Lightly flatten the tip of each finger. Press sliced almonds on flattened areas for fingernails. Place finger shapes on ungreased baking sheets. Bake cookies until they are firm and bottoms begin to turn golden, 18-20 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire racks; cool completely. To test for doneness, carefully lift the cookies in the center of the baking sheet to check for a golden color. |
