Eggnog Cookies (gluten-free, vegan)

Yes, yet another cookie recipe. I am still baking holiday cookies around here. I have been making batches and freezing a dozen here and there so that I have a nice gluten-free mix for Christmas and New Year's celebrations. I like the perfection of the small and dainty cookie-treat. If you have self-control you can have one (or maybe even two) and feel like you are getting a treat without too much indulgence or calories. Plus, these cookies have reduced sweetener and a special holiday ingredient that I just LOVE. 

Yes, I am weak in the knees for So Delicious' Coconut Nog this season. I was given a sample earlier this fall and couldn't wait till my local store started stocking it, and now, they have it on-sale for the month of December! Yep, you can bet I stocked up a a few to have over the holidays. When you can't have a lot of other gluten-dairy-filled holiday treats, you have to find ones you like and make those even more special. 

Like nog. Yes, you will know what I am talking about after you try some, trust me! Plus, it is the inspiration behind these yummy Christmas cookies. So if you can spare a little for these cookies (and maybe share with Santa!) you can enjoy the rest. Delish!  

Around the holidays, you've got to have a plan if you know it is best for you to stay on the gluten and dairy-free path. When you have a plan, with options of your own, you are less likely to cheat, or worse yet, feel awful about yourself and your body by enjoying nothing. So, when you are able to make a plan, have a treat of your own and even share those treats with others, you feel more acceptance and joy about your 'gluten-free issue'. People used to ask me why I couldn't eat sugar, or what kind of weird diet I was on even during the holidays. I learned that you can't expect others to 'get' your thing about gluten. You have to be understanding of others, and just do the best you can to make a plan and feel good about your choices. After all, you and I both know that gluten isn't a 'diet', it's a lifestyle. It is for your health, your future. It isn't a trend or something cool to do and feel great for a while. For me, it is a necessity. I am literally one sick dog if I have gluten, and can't function like a normal human being. I know that. So cheating is not an option for me anymore. Cheating is the worst. So, to overcome this temptation and find joy, I bake. 

 'Egg' Nog Christmas Cookie Recipe (gluten-free, vegan)

1 1/2 cups of sweet sorghum flour
1/2 cup of organic millet flour
1/2 cup of tapioca flour
1/2 ts. of baking powder
1/2 ts. of baking soda
1/2 ts. of sea salt
2 TB of chia seed meal
1/2 cup of coconut palm sugar
1/2 ts. of ground cinnamon
1/2 ts. of ground nutmeg
dash of ground cardemon
1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce  (I use homemade)
1/3 cup of room temperature organic coconut oil (or vegan butter)
3/4 cup of So Delicious Coconut Nog (or other vegan nog of choice)
15-20 drops of NuNaturals liquid pure vanilla stevia

Mix all of the dry ingredients together first in a large mixing bowl. Then add the coconut oil, applesauce stevia and nog. Mix well with a spoon and then use your hands to mix really well. The batter will be wet, but let it sit just a minute and it will be more pliable. Then roll out small TB-sized balls and press them down on a cookie sheet. I always use parchment paper to avoid sticking. Then press down the cookies just a touch and sprinkle with some ground nutmeg over each cookie. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 10-12 minutes. Do not over bake, because they will be dry, so stay around 10-12 minutes and they will be perfect. This recipe makes 2-3 dozen cookies depending on how large you make them. 

Some Notes:

-You can most likely sub any GF flour mix for 2 1/2 cups of flour. I have not tried this out personally, but sorghum and millet are a good base of a lot of mixes, so if you have a flour blend that you prefer...you can sub and use 2 1/4 cups of flour and add the last 1/4 cup slowly to too make sure you still have a wet and pliable dough. 

-You can make a simple icing for these cookies if you prefer: 1/3 cup of coconut nog, 2-3 cups of powdered sugar or powder coconut sugar, and 1/3 cup of vegan butter

-Serve cookies with more nog to really enjoy the flavors. The sprinkle of nutmeg on top is just the perfect touch, but if you want to make more "sweet" you can add a sprinkle of powdered sugar as well.

Much love and light to you as we prepare our hearts and home in this advent season. 

Hope you have a blessed day!