Santa’s Whiskers Cookies: The Ultimate Buttery Shortbread Christmas Treat with Cherries & Coconut
Santa’s Whiskers Cookies are an absolute joy, bringing festive cheer to any holiday gathering. These delightful shortbread cookies are renowned for their rich, buttery texture, combined with the sweet, tangy burst of candied cherries and the satisfying crunch of pecans. What truly makes them shine, and gives them their iconic name, is the generous coating of shredded coconut, perfectly mimicking Santa’s snowy white beard. This classic slice-and-bake recipe makes them incredibly easy to prepare, making them a perfect addition to your Christmas baking repertoire. From their vibrant red cherry “noses” to their snowy coconut “whiskers,” every bite is a celebration of the holiday spirit. Enjoy these holly jolly cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, or proudly feature them at your next Christmas cookie exchange.
Discovering Santa’s Whiskers Cookies: A Holiday Delight
Despite their whimsical name, rest assured these cookies contain no actual whiskers! The moniker comes from the charming appearance created by the shredded coconut, which beautifully resembles Santa’s iconic white beard. The vivid red candied cherries embedded within the dough often look like Rudolph’s nose, adding another layer of festive fun to these already enchanting treats. This visual appeal, combined with their irresistible taste, makes them a standout holiday cookie.
At their heart, Santa’s Whiskers Cookies are a simple yet elegant slice-and-bake shortbread recipe. This makes them incredibly approachable for bakers of all skill levels, from complete novices to seasoned pros. The dough is prepared, formed into logs, chilled to perfection, then sliced and baked. The chilling step is crucial, as it allows the flavors to meld and the butter to firm up, ensuring that your cookies maintain their shape and develop that wonderfully tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread consistency. Their ease of preparation and festive look guarantee they’ll be a huge hit at any Christmas party, family gathering, or quiet evening by the fire.
Key Ingredients for Festive Santa’s Whiskers Cookies
Crafting these delectable Christmas shortbread cookies requires a handful of common pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture:
- Butter: You’ll need ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) of softened salted butter. Butter is the star of any shortbread, providing unparalleled richness, flavor, and tenderness. Ensure it’s at room temperature for optimal creaming. If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup of white granulated sugar sweetens the cookies and contributes to their delicate crispness.
- Milk: Just 1 tablespoon of milk helps to bring the dough to the ideal consistency, ensuring it’s pliable enough to form logs without being too dry or too sticky.
- Extracts: A harmonious blend of 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and ½ teaspoon of almond extract elevates the flavor profile. Vanilla adds warmth and depth, while almond extract provides a subtly nutty and festive aroma that complements the pecans and cherries beautifully.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups of all-purpose flour form the structural base of these buttery cookies. Proper measurement is key; spoon and level your flour to avoid a dense cookie.
- Candied Red Cherries: ¾ cup of finely diced candied red cherries are essential for their signature color and chewy sweetness. They add a bright, festive touch and a lovely texture contrast.
- Nuts: ¼ cup of finely chopped pecans or almonds adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Choose your preference – pecans offer a buttery, earthy taste, while almonds are milder and slightly sweeter. For an even more festive touch, lightly toast your nuts before chopping.
- Shredded Coconut: ½ cup of shredded coconut is not only crucial for the “whiskers” appearance but also adds a fantastic texture and tropical sweetness that perfectly balances the other ingredients. Make sure it’s finely shredded for the best coating.
Crafting Your Own Santa’s Whiskers Christmas Cookies
Follow these detailed steps to create a batch of festive Santa’s Whiskers Cookies that will impress everyone:
- Cream the Butter: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter for about 30 seconds on medium speed until it’s light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, contributing to the cookies’ tender texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the granulated sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the creamed butter. Continue mixing on low to medium speed for approximately 1 minute, until the mixture is well combined and fluffy. Be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Incorporate Flour: Add the all-purpose flour all at once to the wet mixture. Mix on the lowest speed until the flour is just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. The dough will appear quite crumbly at this stage.
- Mix in Cherries and Nuts: Gently fold in the finely chopped nuts (pecans or almonds) until evenly distributed. Then, add the finely diced candied red cherries and mix until they are also just combined. Continue mixing until the dough barely starts to come together, maintaining its crumbly appearance.
- Form the Dough Logs: Turn the crumbly dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Use your hands to gently knead the dough for a minute or two until it comes together into a cohesive ball. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion into an 8-inch log, ensuring the logs are uniform in thickness for even baking.
- Roll in Coconut: Spread the shredded coconut onto a piece of wax paper. Carefully roll each dough log in the coconut, pressing gently so the coconut adheres evenly and completely covers the surface of the logs. This creates the signature “Santa’s whiskers” effect.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap each coconut-rolled log tightly in the same wax paper (or fresh wax paper/plastic wrap). Place them in the refrigerator to chill for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally, overnight (up to 8 hours). Chilling is crucial as it allows the butter to firm up, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and making them easier to slice cleanly. It also deepens the flavors.
- Prepare for Baking: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take one chilled dough log from the refrigerator and slice it into ½-inch thick rounds. Aim for consistent thickness to ensure even baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Arrange the cookie slices about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges and bottoms of the cookies are just barely beginning to turn a light golden brown. Be careful not to overbake, as shortbread cookies are meant to be pale and tender.
- Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for one minute. This allows them to firm up slightly before you transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, they are ready to be served and enjoyed!
SANTA’S WHISKERS COOKIES
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Ingredients
- ¾ cup salted butter, softened (1 ½ sticks)
- ¾ cup granulated white sugar
- 1 Tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup finely diced candied red cherries
- ¼ cup finely chopped pecans or almonds
- ½ cup shredded coconut
Instructions
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In the bowl of an electric mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy – about 30 seconds.
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Add the sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat again on low speed until combined and fluffy – about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
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Add the all-purpose flour all at once. With the mixer on low speed, mix until the flour is just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Fold in the chopped nuts and then the chopped cherries. Mix until the ingredients are just combined and the dough starts to come together, though it will still appear quite crumbly.
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Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently with your hands for a minute until it forms a cohesive mass. Divide the dough into two equal portions and form each into an 8-inch log.
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Sprinkle the shredded coconut onto a piece of wax paper. Roll each dough log in the coconut, pressing gently to ensure an even and thorough coating.
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Wrap each coconut-rolled log tightly in wax paper and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight (up to 8 hours).
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When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the chilled dough logs into ½-inch thick rounds. Place the cookie slices about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges and bottoms are just barely beginning to turn golden. Avoid overbaking to keep them tender.
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Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy your festive cookies!
Nutrition
Tips for Perfect Santa’s Whiskers Cookies
- Room Temperature Butter: This is crucial for a smooth, creamy dough. If your butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly, leading to dense cookies. If it’s too warm, the dough might become greasy.
- Don’t Overmix: After adding the flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your shortbread cookies tough instead of tender and crumbly.
- Chilling is Key: The chilling period allows the butter to re-solidify, which prevents the cookies from spreading excessively during baking. It also gives the flavors time to meld, resulting in a more delicious cookie. Don’t skip or shorten this step!
- Even Slices: For uniform baking and a professional appearance, try to slice your dough logs into consistent ½-inch thick rounds. A sharp, un-serrated knife works best.
- Watch for Doneness: Shortbread cookies are typically pale. Look for the edges and bottoms to just begin turning a light golden brown. Overbaking can dry them out.
- Finely Dice Ingredients: Ensure cherries and nuts are finely chopped so they distribute evenly throughout the dough and don’t create large lumps that make slicing difficult.
Variations and Customizations for Your Holiday Shortbread
While the classic Santa’s Whiskers Cookie is perfect as is, you can easily customize them to suit your taste or what you have on hand:
- Nut Alternatives: If pecans or almonds aren’t your favorite, try chopped walnuts or macadamia nuts for a different flavor profile.
- Dried Fruit Swaps: While candied red cherries are traditional for their color, you could experiment with finely diced dried cranberries, dried apricots, or even green candied cherries for a more varied color palette.
- Extract Experiments: A touch of orange zest or a few drops of orange extract could add a bright, citrusy note that pairs well with the cherries and coconut. You could also try a hint of rum extract for a more adult flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle melted white chocolate or dark chocolate over the cookies for an extra touch of indulgence and visual appeal.
- Sparkling Sugar: Before chilling, you could roll the logs in a mix of coconut and sparkling sugar for an extra festive glimmer.
Serving Suggestions for Santa’s Whiskers Cookies
These beautiful and delicious cookies are versatile for holiday serving:
- Classic Pairing: Serve with a tall glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or a mug of coffee or tea for a comforting treat.
- Cookie Platters: They are a vibrant and attractive addition to any holiday cookie platter, especially alongside other classic Christmas cookies.
- Gift Giving: Package them in pretty tins or bags for a homemade holiday gift that friends, family, and neighbors will adore.
- Dessert Table: A stunning centerpiece on your Christmas dessert table, inviting guests to enjoy their festive charm.
How long are shortbread cookies good for?
These delightful Santa’s Whiskers Cookies maintain their incredible taste and texture for quite a while. When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they can last for up to a week. To ensure maximum freshness, consider placing a slice of bread or a half apple in the container with the cookies to help keep them soft and moist, though shortbread is known for its sturdy texture.
Can I freeze Santa cookies?
Absolutely! Santa’s Whiskers Cookies are excellent candidates for freezing, making them a fantastic option for advance holiday prep. You can freeze both the baked cookies and the uncooked dough logs.
- To freeze baked cookies: After the cookies have cooled completely, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (this prevents them from sticking together). Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, layering them with parchment paper if needed. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.
- To freeze dough logs: This is a wonderful time-saver! Once you’ve formed the dough logs and rolled them in coconut, wrap them tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. Label and date them, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply remove a log from the freezer, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes (or until it’s just soft enough to slice without crumbling), then slice and bake as directed. This allows for fresh, warm cookies anytime you desire!
Why Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Are a Holiday Must-Have
Beyond their delightful taste and charming appearance, Santa’s Whiskers Cookies embody the spirit of the holiday season. They’re a recipe that brings families together in the kitchen, creating cherished memories as you mix, roll, and bake. Their straightforward slice-and-bake method minimizes stress during a busy time of year, allowing more time for festive cheer. The combination of buttery shortbread, sweet cherries, crunchy pecans, and a hint of coconut creates a flavor profile that is uniquely Christmas, comforting and celebratory all at once. Whether you’re making them for a cookie exchange, a family dessert, or just a cozy snack, these cookies are sure to become a beloved part of your annual holiday traditions.
Looking for more holiday spirit? Check out these great Christmas Cookie Recipes!
- STACKED CHRISTMAS TREE COOKIES
- HOLIDAY SPICED SNICKERDOODLES
- CHRISTMAS SPRINKLE COOKIES
- HOLIDAY STAR COOKIES
- CHRISTMAS CUT OUT COOKIES
- CHRISTMAS SUGAR COOKIE RECIPE
- SPICED CHRISTMAS SHORTBREAD COOKIES
- MINT CHRISTMAS COOKIES
- CHRISTMAS SUGAR COOKIE BARS
- GRINCH THUMBPRINT COOKIES
Making delicious food and sharing it with loved ones is often intertwined with creating cherished memories. Just as spontaneous outdoor play with kids can lead to beautiful photographs, so too can simple baking sessions lead to lasting traditions and heartwarming moments. There’s a special magic in the kitchen during the holidays, and these cookies are a perfect catalyst for it.
This Santa’s Whiskers Cookie Recipe is destined to become a treasured holiday tradition in your home. With its straightforward ingredients and simple steps, this festive shortbread cookie provides endless joy, both in the making and in the eating. Share the magic of Christmas with every buttery, cherry-pecan bite, adorned with Santa’s snowy white whiskers.
