Name: Gluten Free Coconut Pecan Cookies
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp xanthan gum (or substitute 1 tbsp flaxseed and 2 tbsp water); 1 stick butter, softened; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/3 cup unsweetened coconut shreds, plus more for topping; 1/3 cup pecans, chopped; Powdered sugar, for dusting

The story, tips & photos

Gluten-free coconut pecan cookies dusted with powdered sugar in front of Christmas decorations

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and almost Happy New Year!

In the new year, in less than a month, my family of 3 will officially become a family of 4! Our son Roy will welcome his little brother Jace into this world. I'm excited, nervous, exhausted and joyous all at the same time. Oh, the ups and downs of pregnancy emotions!

This big belly comes with its many benefits and drawbacks. I'm creating life in there! How amazing is that? Cravings and eating are acceptable at the most random times, and that's probably how I grew an extra chin or two. Bending can get very interesting. Who knew putting on socks could get so awkward? But what I mostly enjoy is that I always get the last piece of cake or cookie, without debate.

Speaking of cookies, these Gluten-Free Coconut Pecan Cookies are scrumptious and so easy to make, there's just no reason NOT to make them!

I baked these in an attempt to make a somewhat healthy dessert, but not so fast. I totally added a cup of sugar instead of 1/2 cup. Realistically, this was just me trying to function on pregnancy brain.

Gluten-free flour, butter, brown sugar and chopped pecans in a mixing bowl

Tips for baking gluten-free coconut pecan cookies

One thing to know about gluten-free baking is that baked goods made with wheat flour depend on gluten for structure, so those made with gluten-free flour need a thickener to keep them from crumbling. For this reason, gluten-free baking recipes usually call for xanthan gum to replace the elasticity and texture of gluten. I didn't have this ingredient, so I looked for substitutions. I used a tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with two tablespoons of water instead. You can also use a tablespoon of chia seeds mixed with three tablespoons of water.

Gluten-free coconut pecan cookie dough mixed with a fork

How to make gluten-free coconut pecan cookies

All you have to do is mix all the ingredients in this recipe with a fork, then roll the dough into small balls and place them on a lightly greased baking sheet.

Balls of gluten-free coconut pecan cookie dough on a baking sheet

These cookies are ready in 13 to 15 minutes.

Freshly baked gluten-free coconut pecan cookies on a baking sheet

I love the subtle coconut taste of the unsweetened coconut shreds and the powdered sugar on top of these cookies.

Plate of gluten-free coconut pecan cookies topped with coconut and powdered sugar

Excuse the belly! ☝️

Luckily, my husband has been avoiding sweets lately, so I don't have to worry about these cookies disappearing on me. The last cookie will surely be mine. I hope you make these and enjoy them as much as we did. Happy Holidays!

Gluten Free Coconut Pecan Cookies