Cookies for Santa

Since Christmas is only a couple days away I decided to share a cookie recipe fittingly called Cranberry Noel, this recipe makes about 5 dozen, and can be stored up to 2 weeks in an airtight container. This cookie is one of the favorites of my great nieces, Danelle and Madison.

Cranberry Noel Cookies

375* oven

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 

1/2 cup sugar

2 Tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 1/2 cup flour

3/4 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup chopped pecans

3/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

In the bowl beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.  Add milk, vanilla and salt.  Beat until just combined. Gradually add flour, cranberries and pecans.  Mix on low speed until fully combined.

Divide dough in half.  Shape each half into 8-inch logs, about 2 inches in diameter.  Roll logs in coconut, pressing lightly to coat the outside of logs.  Wrap logs in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours. Using a sharp knife, cut logs into ¼ inch thick slices.  Transfer to ungreased baking sheets, about 1 ½ in. apart.  Bake until edges are golden, about 12 minutes.  Transfer to wire rack to cool.