Santa's Whiskers Cookies

My mom got this recipe from a friend many years ago. She always added the pecans, so I never tried them as a kid due to my allergy. A few years ago I requested that she make some without nuts so I could try them. I had been missing out all these years! These cookies consist of a buttery cookie base, and the chopped candied cherries give them a chewiness, which is nicely complemented by the crunchy coconut exterior. Plus, aren't they so festive?! These cookies have now become a part of my Christmas baking tradition!

Hope you have a wonderful holiday season!  Here is a picture of Ava with Santa from this weekend :-)

And a happier one after the bearded man was out of sight:

Santa's Whiskers Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup butter

1 cup sugar

2 Tbsp. milk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups flour

3/4 cup finely chopped red and green candied cherries (about 1/2 of small container of each)

1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

3/4 cup coconut

Directions:

1. Cream butter, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.  

2. Add flour, cherries, and pecans (if using).

3. Form into 2 rolls each 2 inches in diameter and 8 inches long.  Roll in coconut.  

4. Wrap in waxed paper.  Chill several hours.  

5. Slice 1/4" thick, place on ungreased cookie sheet.  

6. Bake at 375F for 10 - 12 minutes.  

Makes 5 dozen.

Source: my mom's friend