Santa's Whiskers Cookies are a delightful treat that embodies the spirit of Christmas in every bite. These cookies are a festive fusion of flavors, featuring the sweetness of maraschino cherries and a hint of almond extract that will surely put you in a holiday mood. The crunchiness of the coconut gives it a unique texture that is simply irresistible. Combined with a drizzle of melted white chocolate on top, these cookies are the perfect treat for Santa and the whole family.
The ingredients for Santa's Whiskers Cookies are generally easy to find in your local supermarket. However, be sure not to miss the maraschino cherries and almond extract, which give these cookies their distinctive sweet and fruity flavor. The white chocolate baking bar is another key ingredient that you'll want to have on hand for the finishing touch on these festive cookies.
Santa's Whiskers Cookies Ingredients
Unsalted butter: This is the base of the cookie dough, providing richness and moisture.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps in browning the cookies.
Egg: Gives structure and helps bind the dough.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Almond extract: Imparts a sweet, nutty flavor to complement the cherries.
All purpose flour: The main dry ingredient that forms the structure of the cookies.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Maraschino cherries: Adds a pop of color and sweet, fruity flavor.
Coconut: Provides a unique texture and slight tropical flavor.
White chocolate baking bar: Used for the drizzle on top, adding a creamy, sweet finish.
One reader, Elton Kennedy says:
These Santa's Whiskers cookies are a holiday game-changer! The combination of cherries, coconut, and white chocolate is simply divine. The recipe is easy to follow, and the cookies turned out beautifully. They were a hit at my holiday party, and I'll definitely be making them again next year!
Techniques Required for Making Santa's Whiskers Cookies
How to prepare the cookie dough: Combine the butter and sugar, beat in the egg and extracts, then mix in the flour, salt, and cherries until a thick dough forms.
How to shape the cookie dough: Divide the dough into two portions, shape each into a log, and roll them in shredded coconut before chilling.
How to slice the cookie dough: Cut the chilled logs into equally thick cookies and place them on prepared baking sheets.
How to bake the cookies: Preheat the oven, then bake the cookies until they are brown around the edges.
How to drizzle with white chocolate: Melt the white chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies, then allow the chocolate to set before serving.
How To Make Santa’s Whiskers Cookies
Santa’s whiskers cookies with extra dense and buttery flavor from easy ingredients made more exciting with cherry and almond for a toasted coconut edge.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¾cupunsalted butter,(170 grams), softened to room temperature
- ⅔cupgranulated sugar,(133 grams)
- 1large egg,at room temperature
- 1tsppure vanilla extract
- ½tspalmond extract
- 2cupsall purpose flour,(250 grams), spoon & leveled
- ¼tspsalt
- ¾cupmaraschino cherries,(63 grams), finely chopped
- 1cupcoconut,(80 grams), sweetened shredded, for rolling
- 4onozewhite chocolate baking bar,and extra coconut, for topping, optional
Instructions
-
In a large bowl using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed until combined and creamy for about 2 minutes.
-
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract at high speed. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed, and continue to beat until fully combined.
-
At low speed, beat in the flour and salt until combined. The cookie dough will be thick and slightly sticky. Switch to low speed and beat in the cherries just until combined.
-
Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and, with floured hands, divide or cut into two. Shape each half into an 8-inch log, about 2½ inches in diameter.
-
Roll each log in the shredded coconut. Tightly wrap the logs in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours and up to 5 days. Chilling is mandatory for this cookie dough.
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
-
Slice each log into 12 equally thick cookies and place cookies on baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
-
Bake the cookies for 13 to 14 minutes or until brown around the edges.
-
Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
If desired, drizzle the cooled cookies with white chocolate. Melt the chopped white chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 15-second increments, stopping and stirring after each until completely smooth.
-
Drizzle on the cookies. Sprinkle with extra coconut, if desired. Allow chocolate to set completely in the refrigerator for 20 minutes or at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 443.62kcal
- Fat: 25.37g
- Saturated Fat: 15.72g
- Trans Fat: 0.23g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.78g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.89g
- Carbohydrates: 50.78g
- Fiber: 0.93g
- Sugar: 42.17g
- Protein: 4.85g
- Cholesterol: 34.90mg
- Sodium: 80.22mg
- Calcium: 121.81mg
- Potassium: 191.74mg
- Iron: 0.77mg
- Vitamin A: 57.10µg
- Vitamin C: 0.39mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting Santa's Whiskers Cookies
When incorporating the maraschino cherries into the cookie dough, make sure to pat them dry first. Excess liquid can alter the consistency of your dough, making it too wet and difficult to handle. This could also affect the baking time and the final texture of your cookies. So, gently pat the cherries with a paper towel before adding them to the dough to ensure the right consistency and a perfect bake.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Preparation: Gather all the ingredients and measure them out before starting. This will help streamline the process and prevent any last-minute scrambling for items.
Chilling: While the dough chills in the refrigerator, use that time to preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheets. This way, everything is ready to go once the dough is firm.
Slicing: Use a sharp knife to slice the cookie logs evenly and efficiently, ensuring uniform cookies that bake consistently.
Drizzling: Instead of individually drizzling each cookie with white chocolate, consider using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off for a quicker and more precise application.
Cleanup: As the cookies cool, take a few minutes to clean up the workspace and wash any dishes used during the preparation. This will help minimize post-baking cleanup time.
Substitute Ingredients For Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to the cookies, while also adding a hint of coconut flavor.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a 1:1 replacement for granulated sugar and adds a subtle caramel-like flavor to the cookies.
large egg - Substitute with flaxseed egg: To make a flaxseed egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes gel-like. This can replace the binding properties of a regular egg.
all purpose flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative to all-purpose flour, adding a nutty flavor and a slightly denser texture to the cookies.
maraschino cherries - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries can provide a similar sweet and tart flavor to the cookies, while adding a chewy texture and festive color.
coconut - Substitute with chopped nuts: Chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, can add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the cookies.
white chocolate baking bar - Substitute with vanilla baking chips: Vanilla baking chips can be used as a substitute for white chocolate, providing a similar creamy sweetness to the cookies.
Presentation Ideas for Santa's Whiskers Cookies
Elevate the cookie size: Instead of traditional small cookies, present a larger, more indulgent cookie to create a grand and impressive visual impact.
Incorporate artistic plating: Arrange the cookies on a pristine white plate with a minimalist approach, allowing the vibrant colors of the cherries and coconut to stand out against the white backdrop.
Introduce a touch of elegance with white chocolate drizzle: Drizzle the cookies with a delicate white chocolate pattern, adding a luxurious and sophisticated element to the presentation.
Create a symmetrical arrangement: Place the cookies in a circular pattern, ensuring each cookie is equidistant from the center, creating a visually appealing and balanced presentation.
Utilize fresh cherries as garnish: Introduce fresh cherries as a garnish, adding a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the presentation.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce edible flowers, such as pansies or violets, to add a whimsical and elegant touch to the plating, enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Present on a bed of coconut shavings: Serve the cookies on a bed of toasted coconut shavings, creating a textured and visually captivating presentation.
Accompany with a dollop of whipped cream: Serve the cookies with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side, adding a creamy and luxurious element to the overall presentation.
Utilize a glass serving platter: Present the cookies on a transparent glass serving platter, allowing the vibrant colors and intricate details of the cookies to shine through, creating a visually stunning display.
Incorporate a dusting of powdered sugar: Lightly dust the plate with a fine layer of powdered sugar to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Santa's Whiskers Cookies
- Hand mixer: A handheld electric mixer used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients. It's a versatile tool for making cookie dough, cake batter, and whipped cream.
- Paddle attachment: An attachment for a stand mixer used for mixing cookie dough and cake batter. It has a flat, paddle-shaped blade that scrapes the sides of the bowl as it mixes.
- Baking sheets: Flat metal sheets used for baking cookies, pastries, and other baked goods. They provide a flat surface for even baking and can be lined with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Parchment paper: A non-stick paper used for lining baking sheets and pans. It prevents baked goods from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
- Silicone baking mats: Reusable non-stick mats that can be placed on baking sheets for easy release of baked goods and quick cleanup.
- Wire rack: A metal rack used for cooling baked goods. It allows air to circulate around the baked items, preventing sogginess on the bottom.
- Double boiler: A set of two nested pans, where the bottom pan holds simmering water and the top pan holds the ingredients to be gently heated or melted. It's used for melting chocolate and making delicate sauces.
- Microwave: A kitchen appliance used for quickly heating and melting ingredients. It's convenient for melting chocolate and butter in short increments.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Santa's Whiskers Cookies
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- To freeze the baked cookies, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the cookies at room temperature before serving.
- You can also freeze the unbaked cookie dough logs. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight, then slice and bake as directed in the recipe.
- If you've drizzled the cookies with white chocolate, make sure the chocolate has set completely before storing or freezing the cookies to prevent smudging.
- To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid storing the cookies in a humid environment or exposing them to direct sunlight.
Interesting Trivia About Santa's Whiskers Cookies
The Santa's Whiskers Cookies recipe is a delightful holiday treat that combines the flavors of cherries, coconut, and white chocolate. These cookies are a festive addition to any Christmas cookie platter and are sure to be a hit with friends and family. They are perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace. The combination of cherries and coconut gives these cookies a unique and delicious flavor, making them a standout among traditional holiday cookies. Plus, the addition of white chocolate drizzle adds a touch of elegance to these delightful treats.
Is Making Santa's Whiskers Cookies at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this Santa's Whiskers Cookies recipe is quite high. The ingredients are fairly common and affordable, making it a budget-friendly option for households. The use of butter, flour, and sugar are staple items found in most kitchens. The addition of maraschino cherries and coconut may slightly increase the cost, but they are not overly expensive. Overall, this recipe is a great choice for a household of 4 people, with an approximate cost of $10-$15. Verdict: 9/10
Are Santa's Whiskers Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?
This recipe for Santa's Whiskers Cookies is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- The cookies are high in butter and sugar, which are calorie-dense ingredients that can contribute to weight gain and other health issues when consumed in excess.
- The recipe uses all-purpose flour, which is refined and lacks the fiber and nutrients found in whole grain flours.
- Maraschino cherries are typically high in sugar and contain artificial colors and flavors.
- The cookies are dipped in white chocolate, adding more sugar and saturated fat to the recipe.
While these cookies can be enjoyed as an occasional treat, they should not be considered a healthy snack or a regular part of a balanced diet.
To make this recipe healthier, you could try the following modifications:
- Replace some of the butter with a healthier fat source, such as coconut oil or mashed avocado.
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- Swap the all-purpose flour for a whole grain variety, such as whole wheat pastry flour or oat flour, to increase the fiber content.
- Use fresh or frozen cherries instead of maraschino cherries to avoid added sugars and artificial ingredients.
- Drizzle the cookies with dark chocolate instead of white chocolate for a healthier option that is lower in sugar and higher in antioxidants.
- Reduce the amount of coconut or replace it with chopped nuts for a nutrient-dense topping.
Editor's Opinion on Santa's Whiskers Cookies Recipe
This Santa's Whiskers Cookies recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of cherries, coconut, and white chocolate creates a festive and indulgent treat. The incorporation of almond extract adds a subtle nuttiness, enhancing the overall flavor profile. The method of rolling the dough in coconut before slicing and baking adds a beautiful visual appeal and a delightful crunch. The addition of white chocolate drizzle provides a touch of elegance and sweetness. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful addition to any holiday baking repertoire, sure to impress friends and family with its unique and delicious taste.
Enhance Your Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Like Santa's Whiskers Cookies
Appetizers and Main Dishes to Serve with This Recipe
Why trust this Santa’s Whiskers Cookies Recipe:
This recipe is a delightful twist on a classic holiday treat, combining the sweetness of maraschino cherries with the tropical flavor of coconut. The addition of almond extract adds a rich, nutty undertone, while the drizzle of creamy white chocolate provides a decadent finish. With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, these cookies are sure to impress and delight your loved ones during the festive season. Trust in the harmonious blend of ingredients and the meticulous preparation to create a delightful holiday treat.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Easy Bunny Cake Recipe
Sugar-Free Chocolate Pecan Cookies Recipe
Healthy Sugar-Free Apple Cookies Recipe
Rice Cooker Fried Rice Recipe
Honey Glazed Salmon with Butter Lime Sauce Recipe
Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe
Kids’ Tiramisu Recipe
Dorito Taco Bake Recipe
Smothered Pork Chops in an Amazing Mushroom Gravy Recipe
Methi Paneer Recipe
Whiskey-Glazed Chicken And Shrimp With Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
