Santas Whiskers Cookie Recipe

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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!

Close-up of cookies cooling on a wire rack, surrounded by red and green decorations and a "Milk for Santa" container in the background.

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Why make this for your cookie try
What you’ll need: ingredients
Cake Mix Santas Whiskers Cookies
Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)
Deb’s top tips
More Christmas cookies
Wrapping it up

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.

Labeled ingredients for cookie recipe arranged on a countertop, including eggs, candied fruit, pecans, white cake mix, shredded coconut, butter, and vanilla extract. Holiday greenery and a plaid towel add festive touches.

What you’ll need: ingredients

Please refer to the printable recipe card below for the ingredient measurements.

A close-up of golden holiday cookies piled on a cooling rack, showing toasted edges, coconut coating, and red and green candied cherry pieces.

5 from 6 votes

Cake Mix Santas Whiskers Cookies

These easy slice-and-bake cookies start with a white cake mix and are loaded with festive red and green candied fruit, and rolled in coconut for that classic “whiskers” look.

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Prep Time10

Cook Time10

Refrigerate2

Total Time2 20

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: cookies

Calories: 109kcal

Author: Deb Clark

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

Stack of baked cookies with coconut edges and colorful cherry pieces on a white plate, with more cookies cooling in the background and festive decor nearby.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)

Can I make Santa’s Whiskers Cookies ahead of time?

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.

Do I have to use candied cherries?

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.

Can I skip the coconut?

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.

Overhead view of a cooling rack filled with cookies, golden brown with bright bits of candied fruit and toasted coconut.

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!