Santa's Whiskers

60 servings Intermediate
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Santa's Whiskers
The red cherries and coconut colors are reminiscent of Old Saint Nick’s beard and suit. I baked these cookies for my children and now for the grandkids - a festive slice-and-bake cookie with maraschino cherries, pecans, and flaked coconut rolled around the edges.

Ingredients

60 servings
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla or rum extract
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 3/4 cup maraschino cherries, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
  • 3/4 cup flaked coconut

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Blend in the milk and vanilla or rum extract.
  2. Stir in flour, finely chopped cherries, and the pecans until well combined.
  3. Divide dough in half. Mold each half into a log 2 inches in diameter and 8 inches long. Roll each log in the flaked coconut to coat completely. Wrap in wax paper and chill overnight (or at least 4 hours) until firm.
  4. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  5. Slice chilled dough rolls into 1/4 inch thick rounds and place on ungreased cookie sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.
  6. Bake at 375 degrees for 12 minutes or till the edges are golden. Let cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my dough too soft to roll into logs?

A: Make sure your butter is at room temperature when creaming (not melted), and chill the dough longer before shaping. If it's still too soft, work with half the dough at a time and keep the other half refrigerated.

Q: Can I skip the overnight chill?

A: The dough needs at least 4 hours to firm up enough to slice cleanly. Overnight is ideal for best results and convenience - you can bake fresh cookies in the morning.

Tips and Techniques

Pat the cherries very dry with paper towels before chopping to prevent the dough from getting too wet. For cleaner slices, wipe your knife blade between cuts. These freeze beautifully - make the logs ahead and slice and bake as needed during the holidays.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • maraschino cherries: dried cranberries, finely chopped
  • pecans: walnuts or almonds, finely chopped
  • rum extract: vanilla extract or almond extract

Equipment Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer (optional but helpful)
  • Wax paper
  • Cookie sheet
  • Sharp knife for slicing