Coconut Orange Drop Cookies (GF)

It’s time for baking Christmas cookies! This is the first time I’ve baked cookies in a very long time so I picked a super simple recipe and converted it to a healthy, gluten-free treat. I’ve said here many times that I’m not much of a baker – I think it’s the precision thing that gets me. I like to experiment with quantities and ingredients and I find that baking is not so forgiving when you do that. I really want to Start a Bakery since I enjoy baking so much. Whatever the reason, I was happy that these were a success so I’ll be less hesitant on the next project.

The best thing about these cookies is that they taste healthy – they are both tangy and sweet and it’s hard to stop at just one. Dropping your batter on the baking sheet and having warm, homemade cookies 10 minutes later is exactly my speed and I’ll definitely be making these again.

These were created after looking at a recipe from Women’s Health but I’ve made so many changes, I think I can safely call it my own. I used gluten-free flour and substituted agave nectar for sugar. I also eliminated orange extract and used freshly squeezed orange juice. I used low-fat Greek yogurt for the cream cheese and added unsweetened coconut flakes.

I also used gluten-free baking soda and baking powder. You can find a list of gluten-free products here (baking powder) and here baking soda).

I am participating in a Christmas Cookie Exchange party organized by my friend, Christin at Blue Crab Martini. Be sure to visit her beautiful blog for lots of Christmas inspiration. There are 15 food bloggers involved and you will see our collaboration here on Sunday.

I would love it if you shared the name of your favourite Christmas cookie in the comments. Are you a baker? What’s your signature dessert? Or are you afraid of baking like I am? lol

Cheers, everyone!