Name: Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 4 h 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup red candied cherries, finely chopped; 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped; 1 cup flaked coconut

There’s something truly magical about biting into a cookie that’s both festive and full of flavor. That’s why I’m excited to share this Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe with you — it’s a nostalgic treat that combines chewy cherries, crunchy pecans, and a delicate coconut coating. Make a batch and watch everyone’s faces light up!

The image shows a round red tin filled with light beige cookies that have colorful small pieces of red, green, and dark brown scattered throughout. The cookies have a slightly crumbly texture and are stacked loosely inside the tin lined with white parchment paper. Around the tin are shiny Christmas ornaments in red, green, and gold, with a small Santa Claus doll leaning against the side of the tin. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with soft, warm lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve been baking Santa’s Whiskers Cookies for years, and every time I do, it brings back memories of cozy holiday afternoons. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and textured, and it’s surprisingly simple to make—even if you’re pressed for time.

Classic festive flavors: The combination of cherries, pecans, and coconut makes each bite feel like Christmas.
No fancy ingredients required: Most items are pantry staples, so you can whip these up anytime during the holidays.
Perfect for gifting: Shaped into rolls, chilled, sliced, and baked—you can make them ahead and wrap them beautifully.
Texture and taste harmony: The soft cookie interior contrasts with the crunchy pecans and silky coconut, making it so addictive.

This image shows several round slices of a sweet snack stacked on a white, textured surface. Each slice has a light cream base with rough edges and is mixed with small pieces of red and brown bits, likely nuts and dried fruit, spread evenly inside. The slices have a slightly rough texture on the outside with small flakes attached and a smooth look inside. The lighting highlights the different shades of cream, red, and brown on the pieces arranged closely together. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in Santa’s Whiskers Cookies work beautifully together, delivering a moist, flavorful cookie with just the right chew and crunch. I always recommend choosing quality butter and fresh pecans to get the best results.

Flat lay of a large square of creamy softened butter, a small white bowl of fine granulated sugar, a small white bowl with fresh cold milk, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, a small white bowl heaped with all-purpose flour, a small white bowl filled with bright red chopped candied cherries, a small white bowl containing roughly chopped pecans, a small white bowl piled high with fluffy white flaked coconut, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: Using softened butter creates that perfect fluffy base when beaten with sugar, giving these cookies a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while helping create a light texture.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients, keeping the cookies soft.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor—never skip this!
All-purpose flour: The structure of the cookie depends on good flour—make sure it’s fresh.
Red candied cherries: Finely chopped for evenly distributed bursts of fruity sweetness.
Pecans: Finely chopped to add a nice crunch and buttery flavor.
Flaked coconut: Used to coat the chilled dough rolls, adding an appealing texture and subtle tropical note.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking the original Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe to fit different occasions or dietary needs. You can customize it easily—feel free to experiment and make it truly yours!

Variation: I once swapped pecans for toasted walnuts when that’s what I had on hand, and the cookies still turned out wonderfully rich and flavorful.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend—just be sure to check the texture and add a tablespoon or two of extra milk if needed.
Nut-Free Twist: If you’re allergic to nuts, pistachios or sunflower seeds can work well, or simply double the coconut coating for extra crunch.
Holiday Spice Boost: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the dough amps up the seasonal feel beautifully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

First, make sure your butter is nice and soft—it should almost be spreadable but not melted. Beat the butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer until creamy. Then add the sugar and continue beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it traps air that helps with cookie tenderness.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix in the milk and vanilla extract thoroughly. They add moisture and flavor depth to your dough. I find vanilla extract brings a cozy warmth, so don’t skip it even if you think the other flavors are strong.

Step 3: Incorporate Flour, Cherries, and Pecans

Gradually add your all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed until just combined—overmixing can develop gluten and toughen the cookies, so be gentle. Then fold in the finely chopped red candied cherries and pecans with a spatula to spread their flavors evenly.

Step 4: Shape, Roll, and Chill

Divide the dough into three portions and shape each into a neat 7-inch log. Roll each log in flaked coconut to coat. This coconut layer is not only decorative but also adds a nice texture contrast after baking. Wrap logs tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 4 hours—or better yet, overnight. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to slice and bake evenly.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the logs from the fridge and carefully slice into ¼-inch thick rounds. Place the slices on an ungreased cookie sheet, leaving a little space between each because they don’t spread much. Bake for about 10–12 minutes, or until the edges just start turning golden. Let them cool on wire racks—this keeps them crisp on the outside but soft inside.

Top Tip

Through years of baking Santa’s Whiskers Cookies, I’ve learned a few key tricks that make all the difference. Follow these tips and your cookies will come out picture-perfect every time!

Butter Temperature: Keep butter softened but not melted—if it’s too warm, the dough will be greasy and hard to shape.
Chilling Time: Don’t rush chilling! It’s vital for sliceable dough and even baking.
Coconut Coating: Press the coconut into the dough gently but firmly so it sticks well and bakes with a nice toasted edge.
Slicing Technique: Use a sharp knife and steady hands to get even cookies, which bake more consistently.

How to Serve Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe

Santa’s Whiskers Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to add a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving—just enough to look snowy and festive without overpowering the flavors. Sometimes a thin drizzle of melted white chocolate over the top adds a lovely elegant touch.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced tea, hot cocoa, or a classic glass of milk. For a holiday spread, I often serve them alongside fresh fruit and a cheese board for guests who like mixing sweet and savory.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting or parties, I arrange the cookies in a festive tin layered with colorful tissue paper and a sprig of rosemary for a piney aroma. You can also stack them into rows tied with red ribbon for an adorable edible gift bundle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually stay fresh and tasty for up to a week—though in my house, they rarely last that long!

Freezing

I highly recommend freezing the dough logs before baking. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, slice, and bake as usual. This way, you can bake fresh cookies any time during the holiday season.

Reheating

Leftover cookies taste amazing reheated! A few seconds in a microwave or a quick warm-up in the oven at 300°F can revive their softness and crunch. Just watch carefully to avoid over-drying.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use dried cherries instead of candied cherries?

Absolutely! Dried cherries work too, but since they are less sweet and more chewy, you might want to chop them finely and consider adding a tiny bit more sugar or a drizzle of honey to balance the flavor.

How long should I chill the dough rolls?

Ideally, chill the dough for at least 4 hours or overnight. This gives the dough a chance to firm up, making it easier to slice thinly and keeping the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes! Replace butter with a good quality plant-based margarine and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat. For the topping, ensure the coconut flakes don’t have any additives. The texture might be a bit different but still delicious.

Why do I need to roll the dough in coconut before chilling?

Rolling the dough logs in coconut before chilling helps the flakes stick to the dough, giving the cookies their signature ‘whiskers’ look after baking. It also adds a lovely texture contrast that’s part of the cookie’s charm.

Final Thoughts

Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe is one I’ve proudly baked for years—it’s warm, inviting, and a little nostalgic, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a holiday staple in your kitchen too. So grab those ingredients, have fun baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!