Introducing Santa’s Whiskers, a delightful holiday treat that combines the joy of baking with the festive spirit of Christmas 🎅🍪. These colorful cookies are perfect for those seeking a lighter option amidst the decadence of the season, boasting a delicate flavor profile that’s sure to please. Not only do they taste divine, but they also add a touch of holiday cheer to any dessert spread, with their vibrant hues courtesy of chopped cherries and the inviting aroma of toasted coconut 🥥.
Let’s dive into the recipe and uncover the secrets behind these delectable delights! With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a brief 12-minute stint in the oven, you’ll have a batch of Santa’s Whiskers ready to enjoy in under half an hour, making them ideal for busy bakers or last-minute gatherings.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the ingredients and instructions you’ll need to whip up a batch of these festive cookies:
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 12 minutes | 27 minutes |
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of butter
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of maraschino cherries, chopped
- 1/2 cup of flaked coconut
Instructions:
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Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add the Liquid Ingredients:
- Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
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Incorporate the Flour:
- Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, ensuring it is thoroughly mixed into the dough.
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Fold in the Cherries:
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Shape the Dough:
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a log, approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
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Coat with Coconut:
- Roll each dough log in the flaked coconut until they are well coated on all sides, pressing lightly to adhere the coconut to the dough.
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Chill the Dough:
- Wrap the coconut-coated dough logs in plastic wrap or waxed paper and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or until firm.
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Preheat the Oven:
- While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when the cookies are.
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Slice and Bake:
- Once chilled, remove the dough logs from the refrigerator and slice them into 1/4-inch rounds. Place the rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them slightly apart.
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Bake to Perfection:
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the cookies for approximately 12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges.
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Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, serve and enjoy the festive flavors of Santa’s Whiskers!
With a yield of 4 dozen cookies, this recipe is perfect for sharing with family and friends during holiday gatherings or as thoughtful homemade gifts 🎁. Each cookie boasts a light and airy texture, complemented by the sweet burst of cherries and the subtle crunch of toasted coconut, creating a delightful sensory experience with every bite.
Nutritionally, each serving of Santa’s Whiskers contains approximately 176.2 calories, with 10 grams of fat, 5.7 grams of saturated fat, 20.4 milligrams of cholesterol, 80 milligrams of sodium, 20.1 grams of carbohydrates, 0.7 grams of fiber, 9.5 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein. These values may vary slightly depending on factors such as ingredient brands and portion sizes.
So, this holiday season, add a touch of whimsy to your dessert table with Santa’s Whiskers cookies. Whether enjoyed with a warm cup of cocoa by the fireside or gifted to loved ones, these delightful treats are sure to spread joy and cheer to all who taste them. Happy baking, and may your holidays be merry and bright! 🎄✨
