Santa'S Whiskers(Christmas Cookies)
Santa's Whiskers are festive Christmas cookies featuring a buttery, sweet flavor with hints of vanilla, cherries, pecans, and coconut. These charming treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors that appeal to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter or margarine and sugar.
- Blend in the milk and vanilla or rum flavoring.
- Stir in the flour, chopped cherries, and pecans.
- Form the dough into two 8-inch rolls.
- Roll the outside of the rolls in flaked coconut to coat.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and chill thoroughly.
- Cut into 1/4-inch slices.
- Place slices on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) until edges are golden, about 12 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be good substitutes. To enhance the cookie's festive appeal, feel free to add a splash of almond extract along with the vanilla or rum flavoring. Ensure your dough is well-chilled before slicing to achieve clean edges. You can also use a food processor for easier chopping of the cherries and nuts.
Serving Suggestions
These Santa's Whiskers cookies make a delightful addition to any holiday dessert platter. They pair beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside a bowl of Cool Cucumber Dip With Fresh Veggies for a refreshing contrast. They also make great gifts when packaged in decorative tins, perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the sliced cookies. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen for a few extra minutes to get them warm and delicious.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Santa'S Whiskers(Christmas Cookies) contains roughly 941 calories, with 7g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), iron (23% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and chill it in plastic wrap for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld nicely. If you're looking to store it longer, you can freeze the unbaked rolls for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw them in the fridge before slicing and baking.
What can I use instead of candied cherries?
If you're not a fan of candied cherries or want a different flavor, dried cranberries or raisins can be excellent alternatives. They will provide a sweet and chewy texture that complements the other ingredients well. Just chop them finely to match the size of the cherries in the original recipe.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges turn a light golden brown. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary slightly based on your oven. If you prefer a softer cookie, you can take them out a minute or two earlier. Let them cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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).