Santa'S Whiskers
Santa's Whiskers are delightful festive cookies featuring chopped candied cherries, pecans, and coconut, offering a sweet, nutty, and chewy treat perfect for holiday gatherings. These cookies are visually appealing and full of vibrant flavors, making them a hit with both kids and adults during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together margarine and sugar.
- Blend in milk and vanilla.
- Stir in flour, cherries, and nuts.
- Form into 2 rolls, each 2 inches in diameter and 8 inches long.
- Roll in coconut.
- Wrap in waxed paper and chill several hours or overnight.
- Slice 1/4-inch thick.
- Place on ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 375°F for 12 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the margarine with unsalted butter. You can also use dried fruit if candied cherries are unavailable. If you prefer a nuttier taste, try using walnuts instead of pecans. Make sure to sift your flour for a lighter texture, and ensure everything is at room temperature before mixing for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own or served with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, pair them with a platter of American recipes like Meat Loaf With Cheese or Praline Biscuits during the holidays. Consider serving them alongside a refreshing Jello Salad In A Jiffy for a colorful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sliced cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked rolls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; they can last up to three months. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Santa'S Whiskers contains roughly 1746 calories, with 7g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 146g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), iron (24% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1144mg per serving (50% 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 make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add a small amount to help with the texture. The final cookies may have a slightly different texture but should still be delicious.
How can I add more flavor to the cookies?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. You can also incorporate citrus zest, like lemon or orange, for a refreshing twist. A touch of almond extract can also complement the cherries beautifully.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of candied ones?
Fresh cherries can be used, but you will need to chop them finely and reduce the moisture in the dough by adjusting the milk or flour. Keep in mind that fresh cherries will not provide the same sweetness, so you may want to increase the sugar slightly.
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).