Cranberry Noëls

Cranberry Noëls
Makes about 5 dozen

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or rum
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped pecans
3/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

1. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, 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.

2. 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.

3. Preheat oven to 375°. Using a sharp knife, cut logs into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Transfer to ungreased baking sheets, about 1 1/2 inches apart. Bake until edges are golden, about 12 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool. Store up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.

Kara Kuster
Chicago, IL