Why Make This Recipe
Santa’s Whiskers Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. These cookies are not only visually appealing with their colorful cherry bits and snowy coconut coating, but they also have a wonderful taste that everyone loves. They are fun to make and even more fun to share with family and friends during festive gatherings.
How to Make Santa’s Whiskers Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup finely chopped red maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 cup shredded coconut (for rolling)
Directions:
- Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add milk and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- Gradually mix in flour until just combined.
- Fold in chopped cherries and optional pecans.
- Divide dough into two logs, roll in shredded coconut, and wrap in plastic wrap.
- Chill logs in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice logs into ¼-inch rounds.
- Place slices on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Cool completely and store in an airtight container.
How to Serve Santa’s Whiskers Cookies
Serve Santa’s Whiskers Cookies on a festive plate, perhaps alongside a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa. They make a great addition to cookie trays for holiday parties or as gifts for friends and neighbors.
How to Store Santa’s Whiskers Cookies
To keep your Santa’s Whiskers Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about a week. If you need to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Tips to Make Santa’s Whiskers Cookies
- Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Be sure to drain and pat dry the cherries well to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
- If you prefer, you can use other types of nuts or leave them out entirely.
- Experiment with different types of shredded coconut, like sweetened or unsweetened, to suit your taste.
Variation
You can add different flavors to the dough by including other extracts like almond or lemon. You can also swap the maraschino cherries for dried cranberries or raisins for a different taste.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even no nuts at all will work.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and makes them easier to slice.
Santa's Whiskers Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add milk and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- Gradually mix in flour until just combined.
- Fold in chopped cherries and optional pecans.
- Divide dough into two logs, roll in shredded coconut, and wrap in plastic wrap.
- Chill logs in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice logs into ¼-inch rounds.
- Place slices on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Cool completely and store in an airtight container.