There’s something truly magical about biting into a cookie that's sweet, nutty, and just a little bit chewy all at once — that’s exactly why I’m excited to share this delightful Santa's Whiskers Cookies Recipe with you. It’s a nostalgic classic that brings a burst of festive flavor, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons with a cup of tea.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Santa's Whiskers Cookies Recipe is more than just a festive treat—it's a hands-on, rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with the most mouthwatering holiday scent. I’ve made these cookies year after year, and what never gets old is the combination of textures and that unmistakable cherry flavor that makes them stand out on any cookie tray.
- Classic Flavor Combination: The mix of cherries, pecans, and coconut creates a unique, nostalgic taste you won't find in many other cookies.
- Easy Prep, Big Impact: It’s straightforward to make, giving you festive cookies without complicated steps.
- Lovely Texture: You'll enjoy a tender crumb with just enough chew and crunch from nuts and coconut.
- Perfect Make-Ahead: Chill the dough rolls ahead to save time, then bake fresh when you want.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in the Santa's Whiskers Cookies Recipe plays its part in creating that classic, festive flavor. I like to use quality staples, especially when it comes to butter and pecans, because they bring richness and a comforting aroma that fills the whole kitchen.
- Butter: Using softened butter ensures the cookies are tender and helps the sugar cream nicely for a light texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to that slight crunch in the finished cookie edges.
- Milk: Adds moisture, helping to bind the dough just right without making it too sticky.
- Vanilla extract: A little vanilla goes a long way, lifting the other flavors.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie that gives structure and that satisfying bite.
- Red candied cherries: Finely chopped, they add bursts of fruity sweetness and the iconic “Santa’s Whiskers” look.
- Pecans: Bring a toasty crunch and depth to the cookie’s flavor profile.
- Flaked coconut: The final coating adds a chewy texture and makes the cookies visually festive.
Make It Your Way
One of the best parts about this Santa's Whiskers Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I love mixing things up depending on the season or who I’m baking for — it keeps the tradition fresh and fun.
- Variation: Sometimes I swap pecans for walnuts or even almonds, which gives the cookies a slightly different crunch and flavor that my kids really enjoy.
- Gluten-Free Version: I’ve successfully used a gluten-free all-purpose blend instead of regular flour — just watch the dough consistency and adjust milk slightly if needed.
- Extra Festive Touch: Adding a sprinkle of colored sugar on top before baking adds sparkle and makes them even more party-ready.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Santa's Whiskers Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar to Fluffy Perfection
Start by beating the softened butter until it’s smooth and creamy — it should look a bit fluffy. Then, add the granulated sugar and beat again until the mixture lightens in color and is nice and fluffy. This step really helps give the cookies their tender texture, so don’t rush it.
Step 2: Blend in Liquid Ingredients
Add the milk and vanilla extract, and beat together thoroughly. These liquids bring moisture and flavor, helping the dough come together without being too sticky or dry.
Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients and Fillings
Slowly fold in the all-purpose flour, beating until fully incorporated. Then stir in the finely chopped red candied cherries and pecans by hand to keep their perfect texture intact. You’ll want an even distribution so every bite has those bursts of flavor.
Step 4: Shape, Coat, and Chill the Dough Rolls
Divide the dough into three equal parts and shape each into a 7-inch roll. Roll each log gently in flaked coconut until completely coated. This protects the dough and creates that iconic, snowy finish. Wrap the rolls in plastic wrap and chill them for several hours — this step makes slicing a breeze and helps flavors marry beautifully.
Step 5: Slice and Bake to Golden Goodness
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unwrap the chilled dough and slice into ¼-inch thick cookies. Place the slices on an ungreased baking sheet, keeping a little space between each. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Don’t overbake — you’re aiming for a perfect tender crunch. Let cookies cool on wire racks before enjoying.
Top Tip
After making Santa’s Whiskers Cookies more times than I can count, I’ve learned that chilling the dough thoroughly makes all the difference in shaping and baking. Here’s what really worked for me:
- Softened Butter, Not Melted: Make sure your butter is softened at room temp but not oily or melted, for better creaming.
- Chill Time is Key: Resist the urge to skip chilling — those cold dough rolls slice cleanly and bake evenly.
- Even Slices: Use a sharp knife and steady hands when slicing to keep cookie thickness consistent.
- Watch Baking Time: Cookies continue to firm up as they cool, so pull them near the end of baking, not when they’re fully firm.
How to Serve Santa's Whiskers Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep garnishes simple since the cookies are already dressed in coconut. Sometimes, I sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans or a tiny dusting of powdered sugar just before serving—it looks pretty and adds a delicate sweetness without overwhelming the cherry flavor.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate. Around the holidays, I also serve them alongside a festive fruit platter to balance the sweetness with some fresh brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
One holiday, I arranged these cookies in a wreath shape on a platter, adding sprigs of fresh rosemary and edible red berries to echo the colors of the cookies. It was a show-stopper! You can also tie small bundles with festive ribbon for gift-giving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Santa's Whiskers Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for about a week, but honestly, they usually disappear way before that!
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked dough rolls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge and slice and bake as usual. Baked cookies also freeze well — just pop them in a sealed container or bag and thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
If your cookies lose a bit of their fresh-baked crisp, reheating gently in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes helps revive that perfect texture without drying them out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Santa's Whiskers Cookies stand out due to their distinctive combination of chopped red candied cherries, pecans, and that coconut coating, which together create a festive, textured cookie with a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors.
Absolutely! The dough is actually easier to slice and bake when well chilled. You can make the dough rolls a day or two in advance, keep them wrapped tightly in the fridge, and bake fresh when you're ready.
Store leftover Santa's Whiskers Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to a week. Avoid refrigerating, as that can dry them out.
Yes! For nut allergies, you can omit the pecans or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. If you’re avoiding dairy, use a plant-based butter alternative and a splash of almond or oat milk.
Final Thoughts
Making the Santa's Whiskers Cookies Recipe has become one of my favorite holiday rituals—there’s something about the mixing, shaping, and smelling those cherries and pecans come together that fills me with warmth and joy. I hope you find the same delight and make these cookies a festive staple in your home too. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be a merry must-bake every year!
Print
Santa's Whiskers Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 32 minutes
- Yield: 5 dozen
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Santa’s Whiskers Cookies are delightful buttery cookies loaded with chopped red candied cherries and pecans, rolled in a coconut coating for a festive and flavorful treat. Perfect for holiday celebrations, these cookies combine rich flavors and a tender texture with a crisp coconut exterior.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup red candied cherries, finely chopped
- ½ cup pecans, finely chopped
Coating
- 1 cup flaked coconut
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixer bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and beat until the mixture is fluffy. Incorporate the milk and vanilla extract, beating well to combine.
- Add dry ingredients and mix-ins: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture and beat until well combined. Gently fold in the finely chopped red candied cherries and pecans to distribute evenly throughout the dough.
- Form dough logs: Shape the dough into three 7-inch long logs. Roll each log in the flaked coconut, coating them completely for the signature crunchy exterior.
- Chill the dough: Wrap each coconut-coated log tightly and refrigerate for several hours, ideally about 4 hours, to firm up the dough for easier slicing and better texture.
- Preheat oven: Set the oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to fully heat while the dough chills.
- Slice and bake: Remove the chilled dough from refrigeration and slice each log into ¼-inch thick slices. Place the slices evenly spaced on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake and cool: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 minutes or until they are thoroughly cooked. Transfer the cookies to wire racks and allow them to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For easier slicing, make sure the dough is well chilled and firm before cutting.
- Use finely chopped candied cherries to avoid large chunks that may break the cookie shape.
- Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired for a different nutty flavor.
- Ensure coconut flakes are unsweetened if you want to control the sweetness of the cookies.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week for freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 60 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
Leave a Reply