Santa's Whiskers Cookies are buttery cookies made with sweet cherries & pecans, then rolled in coconut for the classic look! Delicious slice and bake shortbread cookies made festive for Christmas!
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the softened butter until fluffy - about 30 seconds.
Add the sugar, milk, vanilla, and almond and beat again until combined and fluffy - about 1 minute. Scrape down sides and bottom of bowl to make sure it is well combined.
Add the flour all at once. With the mixer on low, mix until just combined.
Mix in the chopped nuts and mix, then the chopped cherries. Mix until just combined and the dough starts to come together. It will appear very crumbly.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently with your hands until it comes together well. Divide into 2 portions and form each into an 8 inch log.
Sprinkle the coconut on a piece of wax paper, and wrap each log in it until it is covered well.
Wrap each log in wax paper and chill for at least 4 hours (or even overnight).
When ready to bake, slice into ½ inch thick slices. Place 1 inch a part on a parchment lined cookie sheet.
Bake at 350 degrees for 12-14 minutes or until the edges and bottoms are just beginning to brown.
Cool for 1 minute on the cookie sheet and then move to a cooling rack to cool completely.