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Santa's Whiskers Christmas Cookies

Santa’s Whiskers Christmas Cookies

There’s something undeniably magical about Santa’s Whiskers—those buttery, tender cookies speckled with jewel-bright maraschino cherries and rolled in a blanket of sweet coconut. They slice beautifully, bake up golden at the edges, and bring that old-fashioned holiday delight to any cookie tray. Every bite has the perfect balance of creamy butter, soft cherries, and toasty coconut crunch.
These cookies are also wonderfully practical: mix the dough, shape it into a log, chill, slice, and bake. They travel well, store well, and make thoughtful homemade gifts. If ever a cookie captured the warmth of Christmas nostalgia, it’s Santa’s Whiskers.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cookies

Equipment

  • Stand mixer or mixing bowl
  • parchment paper
  • Sharp knife
  • Sheet pan
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup soft butter
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 12 oz jar maraschino cherries strained, stemmed, and pitted
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 cups shredded sweetened coconut

Instructions
 

  • Cream butter and powdered sugar until very light and fluffy.
  • Add cherries, almond extract, vanilla, and salt; mix until evenly blended.
  • Add the flour and mix until a soft, crumbly dough forms.
  • Lay a sheet of parchment on the counter and sprinkle 1 cup coconut down the center.
  • Place dough on top of the coconut and gently press into the coconut.
  • Sprinkle the remaining coconut over the dough.
  • Shape the dough into a 12–14-inch log, about 3 inches thick.
  • Press coconut all around the log and roll it tightly in the parchment.
  • Twist the ends of the parchment and chill the log for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Slice the chilled dough into 1/4–1/2-inch rounds.
  • Place slices on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
  • Bake 12–15 minutes, until the edges look lightly golden.
  • Cool completely before serving.
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