Description
Santa’s Whiskers Cookies are festive, buttery cookies loaded with red candied cherries, pecans, and coated in flaked coconut for a delightful holiday treat. These sweet and chewy cookies are perfect for serving at Christmas gatherings or gifting to friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup red candied cherries, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
Coating
- 1 cup flaked coconut
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixer bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the granulated sugar and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. Incorporate the milk and vanilla extract, beating well to combine.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Mix-ins: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, beating until the dough is well mixed and holds together. Gently fold in the finely chopped red candied cherries and pecans to distribute evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape the Dough Rolls: Divide the dough and shape it into three rolls, each about 7 inches long. Roll each log in the flaked coconut to coat the outside completely.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the coconut-coated rolls tightly and chill them in the refrigerator for several hours, preferably 4 hours, to firm up for easier slicing.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Slice and Bake: Remove the chilled dough logs from the refrigerator and slice them into 1/4 inch thick slices. Place the slices on an ungreased cookie sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden and the cookies are cooked through.
- Cool: Transfer the cookies to wire racks and allow them to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For easier chopping, slightly freeze the candied cherries and pecans before cutting.
- Use sweetened flaked coconut for a richer coating or unsweetened for a less sweet option.
- Wrap dough rolls tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying during chilling.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- To make the cookies extra festive, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough for a warm spice note.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
