Description
Santa’s Whiskers Cookies are festive holiday treats featuring a buttery dough studded with red candied cherries and pecans, coated in flaked coconut for a snowy appearance. These charming cookies combine soft, rich flavors with a crisp outer texture that is perfect for sharing during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 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
Coating
- 1 cup flaked coconut
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add granulated sugar and continue beating until the mixture is fluffy and pale. Incorporate milk and vanilla extract, beating well to combine.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Mix-ins: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, beating until fully incorporated. Fold in the finely chopped red candied cherries and pecans to distribute evenly through the dough.
- Shape the Rolls: Divide the dough into three equal portions and shape each into a 7-inch long roll. Roll each log evenly in flaked coconut, pressing lightly so the coconut sticks to the surface.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the coconut-coated rolls tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours, preferably 4 hours, to firm up the dough for easier slicing and baking.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line ungreased cookie sheets or use parchment paper as preferred.
- Slice and Bake: Unwrap the chilled dough rolls and cut into 1/4-inch thick slices. Place the slices on the cookie sheets, spacing them slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and cookies are set.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to wire cooling racks. Allow them to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For best results, chill the dough for the full 4 hours or overnight; this prevents spreading and ensures a crisp texture.
- Use finely chopped pecans and cherries to distribute flavor evenly without large chunks.
- The coconut coating adds festive visual appeal and texture; sweetened flaked coconut works well.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- To prevent sticking, cut slices with a sharp knife and clean the knife between cuts if necessary.
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: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
