Santa'S Whiskers Cookies
Santa's Whiskers Cookies are festive, colorful treats featuring red and green candied cherries, toasted pecans, and shredded coconut. These buttery, sweet cookies offer a delightful crunch and tropical flavor, making them perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream sugar and butter until fluffy.
- Blend in milk and vanilla or rum flavoring.
- Stir in flour, cherries, and pecans.
- Form dough into three seven-inch rolls.
- Roll in coconut to coat outside or stir coconut into dough.
- Chill thoroughly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds make great substitutes. Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly; this step helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. If you're short on time, you can skip rolling in coconut and mix it directly into the dough for a quicker prep.
Serving Suggestions
These festive cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making them a perfect treat for holiday gatherings. For an extra touch, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the top or serving them alongside a scoop of ice cream. They can also complement a dessert platter featuring other American recipes like Buffalo Cookies or Haystacks (Candy Cookies).
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. To enjoy them later, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Santa'S Whiskers Cookies contains roughly 1113 calories, with 10g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and iron (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 580mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of flaked coconut?
Yes, you can use unsweetened coconut if you prefer a less sweet flavor. Just keep in mind that the cookies will have a different texture and taste. If using unsweetened coconut, you might want to sprinkle a bit of sugar on top after baking to add a touch of sweetness.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are set and slightly golden on the edges, usually around 10-12 minutes at 350°F. They may look soft in the center but will firm up as they cool. Avoid overbaking to keep them moist.
Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Santa's Whiskers Cookies by adding chocolate chips, dried fruit, or different nuts. Just be mindful of the total amount of mix-ins to maintain the cookie's texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).