Santa's Whiskers Cookies are buttery, soft, and full of holiday cheer! They're a fun, colorful treat that's perfect for cookie trays or Santa's plate!
This is the kind of nostalgic Christmas cookie recipe that's been passed around for generations-and once you try it, you'll see why. My version just makes it a little easier and just as tasty!
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Why make this for your cookie try
Santa's Whiskers Cookies check every box for the holiday season-they're festive, easy to make ahead, and freeze beautifully! The red and green candied fruit make these cookies pop with Christmas color, while the coconut edges give them a snowy finish that's both playful and pretty.
What you'll need: ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card below for the ingredient measurements.
Cake Mix Santas Whiskers Cookies
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounce box white cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract for a twist
- ¾ cup finely chopped candied fruit I used a mix of candied red cherries, golden pineapple and green cherries.
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut for rolling
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until a soft dough forms. (It'll be a little sticky but manageable.)
- Stir in chopped cherries and pecans.
- Divide the dough in half.
- Roll each log in shredded coconut, pressing lightly so the coconut sticks like Santa's beard in a snowstorm.
- Wrap each log in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1-2 hours. This helps with clean slicing and keeps the cookies from spreading too much.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Slice chilled dough into ¼-inch rounds and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just golden and the centers are set. Cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
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Nutrition
Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
Absolutely! This dough is made for prepping in advance. Just shape into logs, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for up to 3 days-or freeze for up to 3 months.
Traditional recipes call for red and green candied cherries, but you can mix it up with dried cranberries or chopped maraschino cherries if you prefer.
The coconut gives these cookies their whimsical "whiskers," but if someone in your crew isn't a fan, you can leave it off-they'll still be delicious!
Deb's top tips
Want to know how to get evenly sliced sliced cookies? Chill the dough thoroughly and use a serrated knife with a gentle sawing motion to slice the log. This helps keep each cookie nice and round.
More Christmas cookies
If you love easy Christmas cookie recipes like these Santa's Whiskers Cookies, be sure to check out a few more holiday favorites! My Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with tart berries and creamy white chocolate-an irresistible combo. For something sweet and minty, try my White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge-it's a no-bake treat that practically melts in your mouth.
And don't miss my Toffee Saltine Cracker Recipe (aka Christmas Crack!)-it's crunchy, buttery, and dangerously addictive. These festive treats are all simple to make and guaranteed to spread a little holiday cheer!
And if you're planning a big baking day, don't miss my Christmas Cookie Recipes Round-Up-it's packed with festive favorites that are easy to make and perfect for sharing!
Wrapping it up
Whether you're baking up memories or starting a new holiday tradition, Santa's Whiskers Cookies are a festive favorite that'll keep your cookie plate merry and bright. They're colorful, make-ahead friendly, and always a hit with kids and grownups alike.
Don't forget to pin this recipe for later and share it with your holiday baking crew-Santa would definitely approve!
Susan Thomas says
These are PERFECT! Thank you SO MUCH For taking the time to share! I used to do Christmas in July when I taught Summer School and the kids loved it. We did Christmas food; read Christmas books and watched a Charlie Brown Christmas!🎄🎅🏻🤶🧑🎄
Debra Clark says
That's awesome Susan, what fun memories!! Christmas in July is so fun and brings a little something to summertime! Thanks for supporting the blog!!
Shasha says
Alright Deb, I see what you and MARY doing. You both trying to get me to get married quick🤣. I showed my guy this cookie and he already requesting for me to try to make these for him when I get back. I already got a list🤦🏽♀️. My favorite cookie is still hands down oatmeal raisin🫶🏽
Debra Clark says
That's right Shasha, you know the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, LOL! (Hey it worked for me 😆) Seriously though, your man will be a happy guy when you make these goodies! Thanks for supporting the blog!!
Laurie L Kearnes says
These look awesome, and I have never heard of Santa's whiskers cookies before. Can't wait to try them. I won the prize yesterday so don't count my comment for the giveaway today. Thanks again!
Debra Clark says
I can't wait for you to try them Laurie, they are soft and tender and really good! Congrats!!
Jean M. says
These cookies look and sound interesting. Makes me think bite size fruitcake which I love. Will have to give these a try. May have to eat them all myself but hey somebody has to!
Debra Clark says
It's a sacrifice Jean, LOL Funny, my Dad said he didn't like fruitcake, but he did like these cookies, so just maybe you'll find one or two other takers. Enjoy the recipe!
ColleenB.~Tx. says
Yum, Yum cookies.
For balance; a person Has to have a cookie in each hand. 🙂
Sherri Rochester says
I cannot wait to make these! They are beautiful with the little bits of fruit poking out everywhere. I can see these being a hit at our Ladies' tea and cookie swap. I love the idea of the pineapple in these.
Mrs. GrammaClaus is looking forward to making hot chocolate with these.
Carol G says
These do sound similar to a fruit cake, which I enjoy. Finding a good one is hard these days. I will have to try making these cookies this year. I think a nice cup of hot chocolate would go very nicely with the cookies. Maybe Santa would enjoy this on Christmas Eve.
Cat stevens says
I all out for the Christmas Whiskers cookies. Instead of the candied fruit, I was thinking of dried cherries or crandberries. Thank you Deb
Debra Clark says
Ooooh I love that idea—dried cherries or cranberries would be so good in these! That little tart chew with the buttery cookie? Yes, please! Let me know how they turn out—I bet they’ll be a new holiday favorite at your house Cat! 🎄🍒
Sue says
Interesting combination. It looks like it's a coconut macaroon cookie with both fruitcake and maybe a subtle hot cross bun flavor as well. I'm not a fruitcake fan (too heavy and dense), but just a small amount of candied fruit in this recipe might just work. It does look Christmas-like.
Debra Clark says
I bet you'd like these Sue - unlike fruitcake, using a cake mix keeps the cookies light and fluffy! I took them to one of our family get-togethers and every one of them disappeared. 😋
RON SARVIS says
Fruit Cake Cookies.
Debra Clark says
You could call them that!