Name: Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 3 h 29 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 2/3 cup (133g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup (63g) finely chopped maraschino cherries (a mix of green and red); 1 cup (80g) sweetened shredded coconut, for rolling; Optional: one 4-ounce white chocolate baking bar; Optional: extra coconut for topping

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 13 reviews

If you’re searching for a festive treat that bursts with holiday cheer, look no further than this delightful Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe. These buttery, cherry-studded cookies rolled in sweet coconut bring vibrant pops of color and a tender crumb that simply melt in your mouth. The hints of almond and vanilla extracts perfectly balance the sweetness, making them an unforgettable addition to your holiday cookie tray or a heartwarming gift to share. Get ready to spread holiday magic one bite at a time with these charming, colorful, and utterly delicious cookies!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate with around twelve round cookies piled on top of each other is shown. Each cookie has a light beige color mixed with small red and green bits inside, showing textured pieces of fruit. There are about five thin, light cream-colored stripes of drizzle running diagonally across the cookies. Small white shredded flakes are sprinkled over the cookies, adding another texture. The plate sits on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture, taste, and festive color for Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe. From creamy butter for richness to bright cherries for that iconic holiday sparkle, these ingredients come together with a delightful balance.

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature: Provides a rich and tender crumb to every cookie.
2/3 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a soft, slightly crisp edge.
1 large egg, at room temperature: Binds the ingredients and contributes to the cookies’ soft texture.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth of flavor.
1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Brings a lovely nutty aroma that’s classic in whiskers cookies.
2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled): Creates the perfect structure for these festive cookies.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances sweetness and balances the flavors.
3/4 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries (red and green): Provides bursts of tart, colorful juiciness throughout the cookies.
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut, for rolling: Adds a delightful texture and festive snow-like appearance.
Optional: one 4-ounce white chocolate baking bar and extra coconut for topping: Perfect for a decadent drizzle and added visual appeal.

How to Make Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by combining the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl using either a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Beat these on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes creamy and light, about 2 minutes. This step is crucial because it creates air pockets that help your cookies turn out soft and fluffy.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Extracts

Next, beat in the egg along with the vanilla and almond extracts on high speed. These additions bring the scent and flavor that make Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe so special. Scrape the bowl’s sides as needed to ensure everything is fully combined, making a smooth batter.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Cherries

Switch the mixer to low speed to gently add the flour and salt. Mixing too vigorously here can lead to tough cookies, so patience is key. Once the flour is just integrated, carefully fold in the chopped cherries on low speed just until combined — this keeps the cherries intact, avoiding a too-red dough while distributing bursts of flavor evenly.

Step 4: Shape and Chill the Dough Logs

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide it into two halves. Roll each portion into an 8-inch log about 2.5 inches in diameter. Then, roll the logs in shredded coconut, which not only adds to the texture but creates a festive “whisker” look that’s so iconic. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 3 hours, or up to 5 days. Chilling is essential for firm dough that slices cleanly into perfect cookies.

Step 5: Slice and Bake

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice each log into 12 cookies, spacing them about 2 inches apart on the trays. Bake for 13 to 14 minutes or until the edges are just turning brown, then let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Optional White Chocolate Drizzle

If you’re feeling fancy, melt the white chocolate bar in a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently until smooth. Drizzle generously over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with extra coconut. Chill for 20 minutes or let set at room temperature for 30 minutes, and voilà – a stunning finish that’s both delicious and eye-catching.

How to Serve Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe

A stack of four round cookies sits on a white plate covered with small white flakes. Each cookie has a rough texture with visible large flakes and bits of red and green scattered inside, giving a speckled look. The cookies are light brown with a slightly toasted edge, showing a crunchy coconut coating all around. The plate and cookies are placed on a surface with a white marbled texture, and a soft blurred pink background adds a warm tone behind the stack. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of shredded coconut immediately ties into the winter wonderland theme. The white chocolate drizzle with coconut is also a fan favorite that adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness, making these cookies look like they belong on Santa’s own dessert plate.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm mug of spiced hot cocoa or creamy eggnog for a perfectly cozy holiday snack. They also go beautifully alongside fresh fruit or a mild cheese plate to balance the sweet with a little savory contrast, turning your cookie break into a sophisticated little celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

These cookies look adorable stacked in clear jars tied with red and green ribbons—perfect for gifting or holiday decorating. For parties, arrange them in a circular pattern around a festive centerpiece or serve them in small baskets lined with holiday-themed napkins for an inviting touch that encourages everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If any cookies survive the first day (often unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to one week, making them a convenient treat to enjoy throughout the holiday season without losing their signature texture.

Freezing

Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe dough logs and baked cookies freeze beautifully for up to three months. For the dough, wrap tightly and freeze; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and baking. For baked cookies, freeze in a sealed container with parchment between layers. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently for that fresh-baked feel.

Reheating

To revive a soft, just-baked taste, warm cookies in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy or dry out quickly. Reheating this way brings back the aroma and texture, making leftovers feel like fresh-from-the-oven magic all over again.

FAQs

Can I substitute dried cherries or other nuts for the maraschino cherries?

Absolutely! Dried cranberries or dried cherries work wonderfully if fresh or candied cherries aren’t available. For nuts, try finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or pistachios to add a delightful crunch and extra festive flair to your Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe.

Why is chilling the dough logs so important?

Chilling is crucial to ensure the dough firms up, making it easier to slice cleanly without the cookies losing their shape during baking. It also helps develop the flavors and gives you thicker, tender cookies that hold the classic whiskers shape.

Can I skip the white chocolate drizzle?

Definitely! While the white chocolate adds a lovely finishing touch, the cookies are just as delicious without it. Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or simply enjoy the coconut and cherries shining on their own.

How do I prevent the cookie dough from turning pink when mixing cherries?

Mix the cherries just until combined on low speed; overmixing can cause the dough to take on a pinkish hue. That said, a faint pink color can be charming, but gentle folding ensures the cherries stay intact and evenly distributed throughout the dough.

How long do Santa’s Whiskers Cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and delicious for up to one week. Their buttery tenderness and sweet bursts from cherries make them a holiday staple you’ll want to savor over time.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine over the years. With their cheerful colors, tender crumb, and festive flavors, these cookies are the perfect way to celebrate the season and share a little sweetness with the people you love. Don’t wait—grab your ingredients and start the magic today. Your holiday cookie platter will thank you!