Santa’s Whiskers Cookies (Printable Version)
Buttery, cherry-studded cookies with almond notes and a coconut coating, perfect for festive treats.
# Everything You’ll Need:
→ Dairy & Sugars
01 -
1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
02 -
3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 -
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
→ Eggs & Extracts
04 -
2 large eggs
05 -
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
06 -
1 teaspoon almond extract
→ Dry Ingredients
07 -
3 cups all-purpose flour
08 -
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
09 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt
→ Add-ins & Coatings
10 -
1 cup candied cherries, chopped
11 -
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
# Steps to Cook:
01 -
In a large mixing bowl fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugars for 2 to 3 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed, until light and fluffy.
02 -
Add eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the creamed mixture. Beat until fully combined and smooth.
03 -
Sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough forms a ball. Fold in the chopped candied cherries by briefly mixing to avoid overworking the dough.
04 -
Lay two large pieces of plastic wrap on the work surface. Divide the dough in half and place each half on a piece of plastic. Using hands, shape each into a log approximately 2 inches in diameter, noting the dough will be sticky.
05 -
Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded coconut evenly over each log. Roll the logs gently to coat their entire surface with coconut. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, pressing lightly to embed the coconut into the dough exterior.
06 -
Refrigerate the wrapped dough logs for at least 1 hour and up to 3 days to firm.
07 -
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
08 -
Unwrap chilled dough logs and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds, rotating the log a quarter turn with each cut to maintain shape. Arrange slices 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
09 -
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
Candied cherries may be replaced with maraschino cherries, patted dry to prevent dough discoloration. Dough logs can be prepared up to 3 days ahead refrigerated or frozen up to 3 months. Baked cookies freeze well up to 3 months in airtight containers.