Frightening Witch’s Finger Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1-1/4 cups sliced almonds, divided
• 4 oz.  (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup  butter, softened
• 3/4 cup  powdered sugar
• 1 tsp.  almond extract
• 1/4 tsp.  salt
• 1-1/2 cups  flour

Directions:

1. HEAT oven to 325ºF.
2. RESERVE 40 nuts for later use; process remaining nuts in food processor until finely ground.
3. Beat next 5 ingredients in large bowl with mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Gradually beat in flour. Stir in ground nuts. (Dough will be stiff.)
5. ROLL dough into 40 (3-inch) “fingers,” using 1 Tbsp. dough for each.
6. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets sprayed with cooking spray.
7. Press 1 reserved nut into end of each dough finger for the fingernail.
8. Use sharp knife to make 3 crosswise slits in top of each finger for the knuckles.
9. BAKE 15 to 20 min. or until lightly browned.
10. Cool 3 min. on baking sheet; carefully transfer to wire racks.
11. Cool completely.