Today’s recipe for Suite of Sweets for Sweethearts is Coconut Chocolate Chip Oatie Cookies—or Coconut Chocolate Chip Raisin Oatie Cookies if you have a raisin-lovin’ family member like I do, Mr. GFE. This recipe is reader inspired, and these cookies are gluten free and dairy free like my recent version of Brown Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies.
In a comment on that post, gfe reader Ada commented that she’d made them and declared them “the best chocolate chip cookies either of us have ever eaten.” Oh, that made my day!
Then she noted that she had “added a little shredded coconut with the chocolate chip measurement.” I decided right then and there that I would be adding shredded coconut the next time I made chocolate chip cookies.
The next time the mood struck me to make chocolate chip cookies, I didn’t have any gluten-free all-purpose flour on hand. That was fine because I wanted to make a more nutrient-dense cookie. I decided to use oat flour as Mr. GFE is a big oatmeal raisin cookie fan.
Admittedly, I decided to add much more in the way of chocolate chips than raisins, and truth be told, I only added raisins to the last bit of the batter to make Coconut Chocolate Chip Oatie Cookies that included raisins for him. Yes, I am the baker and I can exercise that control. Hehe.
Honestly, Mr. GFE doesn’t eat too many sweets so it would not make sense for me to add raisins to all the cookies and then have to pick them out later. But no matter what your personal preference, these are hearty and delicious cookies!
The following giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to all who participated!
You’ll find the recipe at the bottom of this post, but I also have some sweet giveaways and offers to share with you today!
Renee at MadeOn Skin Care Products is giving away a free lip balm with any order today, February 11, only. I absolutely love Renee’s products and have written about them before (here and here). They’ve been getting my lips, elbows, hands, and feet through the dry winter for sure! If you’ve been delaying ordering, now might be the perfect time!
Caveman Cookies are another favorite product of mine. (Unfortunately, this product is no longer available.) It almost seems unfair to call them a “product” as they are simple, but delicious cookies made of fruit, nuts, and honey only. I’ve written about them before as well (here and here). I like to purchase them before road trips and have picked up some when I’ve seen them on travel before. Cavemen Cookies is offering 20% off for Valentine’s Day through February 14. That’s a stock-up price! Enter the code Valentine over at Caveman Cookies to get the discount.
Of the wonderful items left over from the holidays that I still need to give away, the one that complements today’s SSS recipe best is Hallie Klecker’s new cookbook, Super Healthy Cookies: 50 Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Recipes for Delicious and Nutritious Treats. Hallie blogs over at Daily Bites and is also the author of The Pure Kitchen (which I reviewed here; Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookie recipe included) and the new e-book on Kindle, Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free: A Whole Food Starter Guide and Cookbook (this book is no longer available), which she co-authored with Alisa Fleming. You may well already know Alisa, too. Alisa is the founder of the “go-to” site, Go Dairy Free and author of the resource book/cookbook by the same name, and her newer cookbook, Eat Dairy Free.
Let’s talk about Hallie’s cookies. As I said, it was a healthy cookie recipe that I made from Hallie’s first book and she has shared many wonderful and super healthy cookies on her blog. So the topic and success of her latest cookbook shouldn’t come as any surprise to any of her readers.
I confess that I have not yet made any of the 50 cookie recipes from Hallie’s cookbook, but I’m eyeing two recipes first and foremost … the Peanut Butter Freezer Fudge Cups and Two-Bite Baklava Cookies. There are lots of whole grain recipes in this cookbook, but 23 recipes in this cookbook are grain free. All are dairy free and refined sugar free, and you will find a good number of vegan options, too.
Here are a few other reviews of Super Healthy Cookies from other folks whose opinions we trust.
Adventures of a Gluten-Free Mom (includes Hallie’s recipe for grain-free, paleo/primal friendly Almond Pecan Cookies)
Go Dairy Free (includes photos of recipes from the book)
~ But I’m not content to just offer this cookbook as the giveaway. I have more catching up to do than that! The second part of this giveaway is Alisa’s Go Dairy Free resource book/cookbook. This is a book that shares so much eye-opening info and gives folks the “tools” and recipes to go dairy free joyfully. I shared a review of Alisa’s book here. But here’s a listing of the chapters:
* Understanding Dairy & Dairy-Free From a Health Perspective
* Eating Away From Home
* Grocery Shopping & Preparing Your Kitchen
* All You Ever Wanted to Know About Dairy Substitutes
* Time to Eat! – Recipes & Recommendations
* More Recommended Resources
My favorite recipe from this book? Orange Cheesy Sauce … that cheesy taste is something one really, really misses when going dairy free and this sauce can be used in many of those recipes that call for cheese, like mac ‘n cheese.
Note that this book is not strictly gluten free, but it’s easy to skip over the few baking recipes that do contain gluten or substitute gluten-free flours. And Alisa does note gluten-free options many times. Over the last several years Alisa has become a gluten-free guru as well. Hooray! That leads me to the last part of the giveaway …
~ The third part of this giveaway is Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free: A Whole Food Starter Guide and Cookbook. (Update: This book is no longer available.) This ebook (which you can read on Kindle or on your computer), co-written by Hallie and Alisa, is really an amazing starter guide for living gluten free and dairy free using whole foods, just like it says. Now that’s a big topic to cover so one would think that a veritable tome would be required versus a concise e-book, but no, Alisa and Hallie manage to pack all this info with recipes and meal plans to boot into an easy-to-read (and “quick read”) and extremely helpful ebook. This book will benefit many!
Here’s a quick look at what you’ll find inside:
- Essential definitions of dairy and gluten
- A guide to “raiding” and “reloading” your kitchen with wholesome foods
- Lists of dairy and gluten ingredients for quick reference
- Shopping lists for healthy pantry items, proteins, produce, and more
- An in-depth ingredient primer
- Tips for dining out while living a dairy-free, gluten-free lifestyle
- 5 seven-day meal plans (including grain-free and vegetarian/vegan plans)
- 75 healthy dairy-free, gluten-free recipes
Coconut Chocolate Chip Oatie Cookies Recipe
Adding coconut and oat flour to chocolate chip cookies results in hearty and delicious Coconut Chocolate Chip Oatie Cookies! If you have a raisin lover in your family, you can even add raisins to the mix if you like. Typical egg substitutions (e.g., flax gel eggs, chia gel eggs, commercial egg replacer) *should* work, but I haven't yet tried them. These cookies do not really spread, so you do not have to leave much space between them when you drop them onto baking sheets. You might be able to use different vegetable oil, but I love these cookies when made with rich extra virgin olive oil. If you use unsweetened coconut, you will probably need to add a tad more oil and perhaps even more sweetener.Gluten-Free Coconut Chocolate Chip Oatie Cookies (Raisins Optional)
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Originally published February 11, 2013; updated September 5, 2022.
Katrina says
The single most important benefit of being GF for my celiac kids is that they are healthy and well nourished!
Shirley says
Katrina–That’s an fantastic benefit for sure! 🙂
Shirley
Janelle F. says
One benefit, actually two, I have experienced from going gluten-free has been that my stomach doesn’t bother me & I don’t feel bloated.
Shirley says
Janelle–Those are life-changing benefits. Happy to hear it! 🙂
Shirley
Alyssa says
I am loving on these simple cookies that I call Coconut Nut Butter Cookies. It is 1 cup of shredded coconut, 1 cup of brown sugar (I only use 1/2 a cup at most), 1 cup of nut butter (your choice) and 1 egg. Mix and scoop. Cook at 350 for 15-18 minutes. Amazing!!
Living dairy free has been more challenging than gluten free because the side effects of eating dairy are less intense. I must say, the cheese is the toughest for me to resist!
The biggest benefit of being gluten and dairy free are my energy levels, physical stamina and overall healthy feeling. I’m so happy I made the changes I did in my diet!
Shirley says
Alyssa–Those cookies sound divine! My coconut loving family will love them for sure. Is that your recipe?
I agree on dairy and cheese, but the benefits are indeed huge! Thanks for sharing all!
Shirley
Sheilah Miller says
Puddings are my biggest challenge living dairy free.
Shirley says
Sheilah–Dairy-free pudding does have to be homemade, but there are many great gluten-free, dairy-free pudding recipes. And dairy-free milk can be used to make many existing dairy-full recipes dairy free. I love pudding myself! 🙂
Shirley
KarenW says
Biggest benefit to me since going gluten free is eating more fresh vegetables and fruits.
Shirley says
KarenW–That is a benefit that many of us cite. I eat so many more fresh veggies and fruits now than I ever did before. 🙂
Shirley
Sarah || Celiac in the City says
Hi Shirley — WOWSA! What a great post FULL of fun and prizes, yay! You’re too kind. 🙂
I actually got to test a couple recipes for Hallie’s book and it is on my “want it” list! And the others look lovely as well. (so do those cookies, yum!)
I had way too many frozen bananas, so have been playing with a peanut butter banana breakfast cookie recipe — yes, cookies for breakfast, of the healthy variety.
Have a great week!
Shirley says
Hey Sarah–Thanks, dear! I’m sorry you didn’t win Hallie’s book, but I do appreciate you sharing your firsthand feedback. I like the idea of that recipe you’re playing with. It might come in handy for an event I’m planning down the road. 😉
Happy Monday!
Shirley
Suzanne says
I’ve been looking for a gluten free baklava recipe for YEARS, so I’d love to win the healthy cookie recipe book. So far, the cookie I make that is somehwat healthy is raw, with just 3 ingredients: dates, cocoa powder, and nuts – yum!
Shirley says
Hi Suzanne–Sorry you didn’t win this time. There are a few baklava recipes online and I’m working on a “cheater’s” one myself, but the real deal gf baklava comes from Dimitrios Douros. I’ve personally had his baklava and it’s awesome. You can see his step-by-step YouTube video of him baking baklava here. And your raw cookies sound great! What are the proportions?
Thanks,
Shirley
Suzanne says
It’s based on chocolate covered katie’s fudge babies. I use 30g walnuts, 80g dates and 5g cocoa powder. Roll them in balls for “truffles” or flatten them for “cookies”.
Thank you so much for the Dimitrios Douros baklava youtube video link. It was very informative. Now I’m wanting baklava even more! (I look forward to your cheater’s version”.)
Suzanne
Lily says
My favorite healthy cookie right now is from detoxinista.com, it’s so simple — almond flour, ghee, honey and vanilla or almond extract. I just love how simple it is, and the texture and flavor make it very versatile.
Shirley says
Thanks, Lily! Now you can make that recipe many times with your almond flour win from the other giveaway. I’ll go look for it now. 🙂
Shirley
Emily says
For Christmas, I “healthified” and de-glutened Seven Layer Bars. They were delicious!
Shirley says
Emily–I love “healthified” and “de-glutened” indulgent treats! I’ve done that with the Magic Bars and they’re very similar to Seven Layer Bars. 😉
Shirley
Kris says
The biggest benefit for me of going gluten free (after finding out thru DNA testing that I had inheritied a gluten intolerant gene from each of my parents) is that i am finally able to have normal bowel movements after being constipated my whole life. It is like a miracle…Also through DNA testing found that my daughter has a celiac gene from her father, and we never would have known.
Shirley says
Kris–Thanks for taking the time to comment! Those are huge benefits for sure. I spent my life before going gluten free being told that my BMs were “normal” for me. I agree that it is like a miracle when that is no longer an issue. And my son shares my same gluten issues. It’s important to know and save our children from lives of misery.
Shirley
Vicky says
We’re all raisin-lovin’ over here and your cookies look delicious!
The single biggest positive impact to my life from living gluten free has to be meeting so many wonderful, friendly and interesting people on the internet who are kindly sharing their expertise with the rest of us and offering so much support!
Thank you for sharing your recipe and for the opportunity to win one of these lovely books!
Vicky x
Shirley says
Vicky–I have to agree with you on all the amazing folks I have met since going gluten free, with you being one of the stars in that group! One day we’ll meet in person I’m sure of it! I’m glad that you did get to win one of Kelly’s books in a later giveaway. 😉
Shirley
Vicky says
I just found the email for this reply in my spam! How sweet of you and of course I feel the same! I was hoping we would be visiting Canada when you are in Mississauga this year but unfortunately due to flight costs we are unable to visit on those dates 🙁 But yes, one day we will meet, I’m sure of that 🙂 BTW I’m loving the book, thank you once more x
Shirley says
Hey Vicky–No worries! And thank you! 🙂 Sometimes it takes a few missed opportunities for the perfect one to come up, so we must keep the faith. 😉 Yippee on your book from Kelly! Can’t wait to see some variations from you in the future. Maybe during the warm summer? 🙂
xo,
Shirley
April says
I think my biggest challenge is probably cheese… like so many others. 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!
Shirley says
Ah, cheese … yes. Sometimes Daiya works for me, sometimes Majestic Garlic Spread works, sometimes nutritional yeast works … sometimes none of those work. 😉 Thanks for being a loyal gfe reader and entering the giveaway. Better luck next time. 🙂 I hope you’ve been enjoying your calendar from The Whole Gang from your last win!
Shirley
April Grace Paik says
I’ve found that Miyoko Schinner’s book Artisan Vegan Cheeses has recipes that are to die for (in taste and in work!) But while they satisfy most of the time, sometimes they don’t quite work. I love your recipes and I’ve definitely been enjoying the calendar! Thank you for your many generous giveaways 🙂
Shirley says
April–Interesting on that book. Thanks for sharing with us. I’m so glad you’re enjoying your calendar and thank you for the kind words on gfe! 🙂
Shirley
Melissa says
What’s the single most positive outcome from living gluten and dairy-free? Simple – I feel better.
Shirley says
Melissa–Simple often says it best! I’m sorry you didn’t win this time, but thanks for participating and welcome to gfe! I hope to see you again and again here. 🙂
Shirley
Carolyn says
I love the flourless peanut butter cookie recipe. My biggest challenge has been going sugar free. Sugar is in the most unsuspecting things (like everything!
Shirley says
Carolyn–If we can eliminate sugar in our diets, we can rule the world. Seriously. Or just about anyway. I know I’d feel like I was if I could get rid of sugar 100%. 🙂
Shirley
Michaela says
My biggest challenge living dairy-free is when my husband and I go visit his family in Norway. So many dishes are made with milk, cream, sour cream… I end up cooking or eating a limited variety. Oh well. It’s worth it to see the fam!
Shirley says
Hi Michaela–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 Yes, some cultures really focus on dairy. Even in the U.S., that can be very true. You have a great positive focus though. It also helps to know that it’s only for a short time that you’re so limited. Thanks for commenting!
Shirley
Kelly says
When I went gluten-free, I no longer had Restless Leg Syndrome and no more IBS. I also went from a size 14 to a size 6.
Shirley says
Kelly–All those improvements are so awesome! Thank you for sharing with everyone. I really wish the word would get out on the RLS connection. So many suffer needlessly or take meds for that. 🙁 On your weight loss, do you think more whole foods and less processed was also a factor in your weight loss? Last, I’ve never welcomed you to gfe … welcome! 🙂
Shirley
Erin says
My biggest challenge is doing without cheese. It just makes everything taste better. I would love to win any of these great prizes, though!
Shirley says
Hey Erin–Good to see you again! Ah, cheese … sigh. Many of us feel that same way about cheese. Sorry you didn’t win, but hope you’ll keep reading and participating. 🙂
Shirley
Dana says
The biggest benefit to going GF is that I’ve tried so many new recipes – cant wait to try more!
Shirley says
Hi Dana–I’ve never officially welcomed you to gfe … I’m so glad to have you here! 🙂 That is definitely a benefit of living gf! Best of luck with future giveaways!
Shirley
Susan Christy says
I would like to win this for a co-worker who recently found out about her gluten intolerance. I don’t know her very well – have only worked together for a month – but I do know she is having a difficult time adjusting and the Starter Guide would be a huge help for her!
Shirley says
Hi Susan–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 This was such a kind thing to do for your co-worker. I’m sorry you didn’t win, but I hope you shared the info with her. There are so many amazing resources and sites to help folks get started now! I have printable tip sheets here on my Getting Started page.
Shirley
dawn says
Cheese would be my big challenge. I miss real cheese on pizza and in things. But I feel so much better without it.
Shirley says
Hi Dawn–Good to see you here again! Cheese is the nemesis for so most of us, but if/when we’re dairy free, we defintely do feel better without it.
Shirley
Jane says
Having been gluten-free, dairy-free, soy and corn-free for about 8 months now, my biggest challenge are friends and family. They seem to feel just one bite isn’t going to hurt me!! Its single greatest impact to my life is smiling and saying “I just don’t want to feel sick.” This has empowered me to be confident and fight for my health, plus sharing great recipes like cookies, pies and pancakes! They always exclaim…”this is gluten-free?” I then reply…”and dairy, and soy and corn-free!” Thank you for your help and cookbook giveaway opportunity.
Shirley says
Hey Jane–Welcome! May I suggest a series I did on that topic? They Just Don’t Understand Part I and Part II, although it sounds like you are doing great so what’s share in these posts might be old news to you and you might want to add a comment of encouragement or what has worked for you to one or both of these posts. 🙂 Sorry you didn’t win this time around, but I so appreciate your input!
Shirley
Alisa says
What an enticing post Shirley! Thank you for sharing my books in it and for all of the kind words – you are too sweet!
Shirley says
Thanks, Alisa! It was my pleasure. I am grateful to you for sponsoring this giveaway. I know the winners are thrilled! 🙂
Shirley
jessica says
I am really in need of these books! I have been gluten free for over 1 1/2 years and was feeling great for awhile and then started feeling awful again. Horrile digestive issues and esophigitis stricture..found out last week I am highly allergic to dairy and eggs, seriously..just when I got good baking gluten free now I have this thrown at me. I could use all the help I can get. 🙂
Suzanne H says
I love Eating Clean’s Almond Butter cookie recipe.
Michele says
It’s hard to pinpoint the biggest benefit I’ve experienced from going gluten free, but I’d say that my sleep has improved and my headaches have disappeared. Those two things have made my life so much better!
Arleen says
My current favorite is Danielle’s Real Deal Chocolate Chip cookies over at Against All Grain. But if these taste as good as they look, they’ll be a contender for #1!
Barb says
My favorite gluten free cookies recipe is no bake chocolate cookies. I am lactose intolerant and have been consuming lactose free milk and cheese but taking medicine when I consume regular milk products. The cookbooks would be helpful in switching to dairy free.
Heather says
My favorite healthier /Paleo cookie is Elana Amsterdam’s chocolate chip scones. So tasty!!!
Rebecca says
I love your blog and recipes! I like too that you venture into Paleo/Primal land without being overwhelming or “hardcore” about it. This is a journey for all of us, right? The best thing about going gluten free has been the energy levels. I would have never said that I lacked for energy before but my mental clarity and energy is higher than it ever was before. As it is all interconnected, I love sleeping through the nights too. Thank you for the great post and the offer!
Linda S says
One of my favorites is raw carrot cake cookie bites which are quick to make using raw carrots, nuts, dates, cinnamon, nutmeg & clove – process in food processor and voila – yummy and delicious! I switched to a whole foods diet, removing dairy, sugar & everything from a box and in six short months my cholesterol dropped 100 pts! (and my husband’s heart dr. said it can’t be done). I have more energy now than I know what to do with just by sticking with God’s healing foods and ditching ALL processed foods. My biggest challenge was ‘cheese’ but I’m over it. 🙂
Erin says
I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis almost 2 years ago. I had a blood allergy test done to see what food allergies/sensativities I might have to try and keep my immune system at bay. Since going both dairy and gluten free I’ve felt one million times better and the few times I’ve cheated (in the beginning) I’ve definitely noticed! I’ve also taken a lot of dairy and gluten out of my kids and husbands diet as well. I’m happy to have blogs like yours that have many recipes that replace some of the dairy and gluten filled ones I used to love! Thank you so much!
Marsha A says
The biggest benefit for going gluten free is knowing that my children are eating healthier.
Brandae says
I’d love this prize package – how fun! Anyway, I have experienced lots of health benefits to going gluten/dairy-free, but I just LOVE how I don’t live in a brain fog anymore. I’m constantly sleep-deprived from parenting my little ones, and I really appreciate the newfound energy I have from an improved and less inflammatory diet. Brandae
Dori says
I LOVE the Spunky Coconut’s chocolate chip cookie recipe-pure genius, and I don’t feel like eating 20 at a time like I used to eat Oreos : /
Thanks for the chance to win one of these awesome books!
cory says
the most positiv eimpact for me of living gluten/dairy free is it has opened up so many doors in terms of the foods i eat, the exploration i do with kinds of foods and hte recipes i create and it has really made me aware of my body and what i am putting into it!
Donna Strickler says
My current favorite cookie is your “flourless peanutbutter cookie” – I tried it for the first time several weeks ago, and I loved it, as did my husband and son! The biggest advantage of living gluten free is how much better I feel, and boy, when I’ve cheated, I can really tell a difference!
Thanks Shirley for always sharing such great recipes and info!
domestic diva says
The cookie book sounds fantastic! Our biggest challenge is finding things our whole family enjoys — we’re working on it.
Monique C. M. says
It’s hard to pin point ONE best result of living gluten-free. I feel infinitely better. Before, I felt like I was going steadily towards an early grave, now I just feel better and better.
Jeeun Kim says
Cheese is hard to give up altogether.
Lisa says
I think the biggest change in going GF was not having my back hurt all the time.
Carolyn says
Shirley, I have to tell you about this recipe and the changes I made to it out of necessity. First, I was exhausted when I decided to try it. I had all the ingredients out with the exception of the chocolate chips and raisins. I needed to get those out of the other refrigerator, but being tired, I decided to substitute white chocolate chips. When it came to the raisins, I didn’t have enough, so I threw in a handful of craisins along with the raisins. I didn’t know how they would turn out, but everybody loved them! Thanks for the recipe.