Name: Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 4 h 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup red candied cherries, finely chopped; 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped; 1 cup flaked coconut

There’s something truly magical about festive baking, and this Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe is a perfect example. With its bright red cherries, crunchy pecans, and a delightful coconut coat, these cookies bring a nostalgic holiday charm that’s hard to resist.

The image shows a round red tin filled with light beige cookies that have colorful small pieces of red, green, and dark brown scattered throughout. The cookies have a slightly crumbly texture and are stacked loosely inside the tin lined with white parchment paper. Around the tin are shiny Christmas ornaments in red, green, and gold, with a small Santa Claus doll leaning against the side of the tin. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with soft, warm lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made Santa’s Whiskers Cookies—it was at my grandma’s kitchen, and they instantly became a holiday staple. They look festive, taste amazing, and are surprisingly simple to throw together, making you feel like a cookie pro every time.

Festive & Colorful: The bright red cherries and flaked coconut create a snowy, cheerful look that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Simple Ingredients: You don’t need any fancy or hard-to-find ingredients, just pantry staples and a few extras.
Make Ahead Friendly: The dough chills beautifully, so you can prep in advance and save time on busy baking days.
Perfect Texture: The combination of soft, buttery dough with crunchy pecans and chewy cherries is irresistible.

This image shows several round slices of a sweet snack stacked on a white, textured surface. Each slice has a light cream base with rough edges and is mixed with small pieces of red and brown bits, likely nuts and dried fruit, spread evenly inside. The slices have a slightly rough texture on the outside with small flakes attached and a smooth look inside. The lighting highlights the different shades of cream, red, and brown on the pieces arranged closely together. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe plays a special role in creating that classic holiday flavor and texture. Here’s a bit about why they’re chosen and tips for picking the best:

Flat lay of a large square of creamy softened butter, a small white bowl of fine granulated sugar, a small white bowl with fresh cold milk, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, a small white bowl heaped with all-purpose flour, a small white bowl filled with bright red chopped candied cherries, a small white bowl containing roughly chopped pecans, a small white bowl piled high with fluffy white flaked coconut, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: Using softened butter gives the dough a rich, tender crumb and creamy flavor.
Granulated sugar: It sweetens while helping the cookies get that just-right texture — not too crispy, not too soft.
Milk: Adds moisture to keep the dough from being dry and helps everything bind together.
Vanilla extract: A small but essential ingredient that deepens the flavor and adds warmth.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect base for these cookies to hold their shape.
Red candied cherries: The star of the show — they add bright pops of color and sweetness. Chop finely for even distribution.
Pecans: Adds a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that balances the sweetness.
Flaked coconut: Coats the rolls to create that iconic “whisker” look as well as a subtle tropical note.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how versatile the Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe is—sometimes I swap pecans for walnuts to mix up the flavor, or add a pinch of cinnamon for a cozy twist. Feel free to make it your own and have fun with the ingredients!

Variation: Try toasted pecans instead of raw for deeper flavor; it adds a lovely toasty note I always enjoy.
Dietary swap: For a dairy-free version, substitute softened vegan butter and use almond milk instead – still delicious!
Seasonal twist: Mix in some finely chopped dried cranberries along with the cherries for extra holiday cheer.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating your softened butter until creamy—this usually takes about 2 minutes with a mixer. Then, add granulated sugar and continue beating until the mixture becomes fluffy and light. This step is key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add Milk and Vanilla

Pour in the milk and vanilla extract and give it another good mix until everything’s combined. The milk makes the dough moist enough to roll easily later.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flour

Slowly add the all-purpose flour, beating until you have a soft, but not sticky, dough. If it feels too crumbly, a little splash more milk helps; too sticky, a bit more flour will do.

Step 4: Mix in Cherries and Pecans

Fold in the finely chopped red candied cherries and pecans with a spatula or wooden spoon. This distributes those colorful bits and crunchy nuts without overworking the dough.

Step 5: Shape and Coat the Dough Rolls

Divide the dough into three equal portions and shape each into a 7-inch roll. Then, roll each log generously in flaked coconut until fully coated – the coconut sticks nicely and adds that charming texture after baking.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Wrap each coconut-coated roll tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for several hours or overnight. Chilling firms them up, making slicing much easier and helping prevent spreading during baking.

Step 7: Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unwrap the dough and slice into ¼-inch thick cookies. Place slices on an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing them a bit apart to allow for slight spreading. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes until edges are just turning golden.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Transfer cookies to wire racks right after baking to cool completely. This prevents sogginess and lets them crisp up nicely. Then get ready to enjoy some seriously festive, buttery goodness!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few simple tricks that really take the Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe from good to great — and I’m excited to share them with you so your cookies turn out picture-perfect!

Softened Butter is Key: Make sure butter isn’t melted, just softened. It should be pliable but still hold shape to cream properly with sugar.
Chill the Dough Well: Don’t skip the chilling step. It firms up the dough for cleaner slices and prevents cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Slice with a Sharp Knife: A sharp knife helps get smooth, even slices without crumbling.
Watch the Bake Time: Everyone’s oven heats differently, so start checking around 10 minutes—cookies should be set with lightly golden edges, not too brown.

How to Serve Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe

Santa’s Whiskers Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep things simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar when serving, which gives these cookies an extra snowy look. Sometimes, I sprinkle a few extra flaked coconut around the platter for that whimsical winter feel.

Side Dishes

Santa’s Whiskers Cookies pair beautifully with a cozy mug of hot cocoa or a warm cup of spiced apple cider. For holiday brunches, I love serving them alongside fresh fruit and a creamy latte.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like arranging these cookies on a tiered tray with miniature ornaments and pine sprigs for that festive punch. You can even tie small bundles with pretty ribbons as edible gifts!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Santa’s Whiskers Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they stay fresh and delicious for about a week. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough logs wrapped in plastic wrap and foil before slicing, which is a lifesaver for planning ahead. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, slice, and bake as usual.

Reheating

Leftover cookies can be gently warmed in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to restore some of that freshly baked softness. I avoid microwaving since it can make them chewy or overly soft.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh cherries instead of candied ones?

Fresh cherries have too much moisture, which will change the dough’s texture and baking results. Stick to candied cherries for the classic taste and color these cookies need.

How long can I chill the cookie dough rolls?

You can chill the dough rolls for up to 24 hours. This not only helps with shaping but can also enhance the cookie’s flavor as the ingredients meld together.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Use a one-to-one gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. The texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious.

What’s the best way to chop the nuts and cherries?

I recommend using a sharp knife and chopping finely so the ingredients distribute evenly in the dough. This keeps each bite balanced and prevents large chunks from breaking the cookie structure.

Final Thoughts

Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe is one of those classic treats that brings warmth and joy to the kitchen—plus, they make excellent gifts or party snacks. I can’t recommend making a batch or two enough, especially when you want to feel connected to holiday traditions. Give them a try, and I bet they’ll become a favorite in your house just like they did in mine.