Coconut Christmas Cookies

Number 1, I know I've been missing in action on my blog.  Number 2, I know coconut and Christmas don't quite go hand in hand but what the heck.  I think any sweets and Christmas go together!  I also thought why not go ahead and try blogging again today.  If it makes you feel good, than do it.  These little gems are a cross between butter cookies and macaroons. So please, eat the cookie.  Better yet, have two!

Mario saw some coconut cookies in a magazine and asked me to make them. Sooo being the good wife I am I decided to make my own version ;)  This recipe is adapted from my mommas Gooey Chocolate Cookies that I have made a couple versions of so far.  The base is a cake mix, so it's pretty easy and has just a few ingredients.  I love that. We are big coconut lovers over here. 

Ingredients
1 box French Vanilla cake mix
1 package softened cream cheese
1 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
1 stick softened butter
1 cup flaked coconut
1 egg

Cream butter and cream cheese in stand mixer. Add in egg and extract, mix on med high speed until smooth.  Then add cake mix and whip together.  Lastly incorporate coconut flakes.  Chill dough in fridge for about 2 hours. Spoon onto Silpat cookie sheet. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 15 minutes depending on your oven.  Cool cookies on a rack then enjoy!  Store in airtight container.

Thanksgiving is just a few short days away and I am so excited!  We are going up to Arlington and celebrating with the hubsters side of the family.  There will be turkey and all the fixings, lasagna, and my macaroni and cheese.  I'm debating sharing that calorie fest recipe seeing as a lot of my friends are healthy work out mamas!  They would shoot me down ;)

Thank you for reading, and I hope you all have a blessed holiday week!