If you’re on a keto diet but miss the classic taste of sugar cookies, this Keto Sugar Cookies recipe is the perfect solution. These cookies are soft, buttery, and lightly sweetened—all while being completely low-carb and sugar-free. They are ideal for holidays, special occasions, or just a guilt-free snack.
Unlike traditional sugar cookies, which are loaded with refined flour and sugar, our version uses keto-friendly ingredients to keep you in ketosis while still satisfying your sweet tooth. Plus, they’re easy to customize with different flavors, frostings, and decorations.
Ingredients for Keto Sugar Cookies
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour (finely ground for the best texture)
- 1/4 cup coconut flour (adds structure and prevents a too-soft texture)
- 1/2 cup granulated keto sweetener (like erythritol, allulose, or monk fruit blend)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for a fresh taste)
Optional Frosting Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered keto sweetener
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (adjust for desired consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut flour, sweetener, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents clumping.
3. Cream Butter and Sweetener
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sweetener with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). This step helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
4. Add Egg and Flavoring
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until well combined.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a thick dough forms.
6. Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass.
7. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will be soft when removed from the oven but will firm up as they cool.
8. Cool Completely
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.
9. Optional: Make the Frosting
If desired, whip together cream cheese, powdered sweetener, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth. Spread or pipe onto cooled cookies.
Tips for Perfect Keto Sugar Cookies
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too sticky, refrigerate for 15–20 minutes before shaping.
- Use Powdered Sweetener for Frosting: A granular sweetener may create a grainy texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Keto cookies firm up as they cool, so remove them from the oven when they appear slightly underbaked.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with coconut oil and cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
- Enhance the Flavor: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or almond extract for extra depth.
Variations & Customizations
1. Chocolate Chip Keto Sugar Cookies
Fold in sugar-free chocolate chips for a fun twist on this classic recipe.
2. Holiday-Themed Cookies
Use cookie cutters for fun shapes and top with keto-friendly sprinkles or colored frosting.
3. Lemon Keto Cookies
Add extra lemon zest and juice for a refreshing citrus flavor.
4. Keto Snickerdoodle Cookies
Roll the dough balls in a mix of cinnamon and sweetener before baking.
How to Store & Freeze Keto Sugar Cookies
Storing
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If frosted, refrigerate them to maintain freshness.
Freezing
- Unbaked Dough: Freeze shaped dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes.
- Baked Cookies: Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
Final Thoughts
These Keto Sugar Cookies offer all the sweetness and nostalgia of traditional cookies without the carbs. Whether you’re following a ketogenic lifestyle or just cutting back on sugar, this recipe provides a delicious, foolproof way to enjoy a classic treat guilt-free.
Keto Sugar Cookies Recipe
Description
Enjoy these soft, buttery Keto Sugar Cookies, made with almond flour and a touch of vanilla for the perfect low-carb treat. These cookies are gluten-free, sugar-free, and easy to make, perfect for holiday baking or an everyday dessert without the guilt!
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
For the Frosting (Optional):
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
-
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
-
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered erythritol until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Shape the Cookies
-
Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie, roll into a ball, and flatten slightly on the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
Bake to Perfection
-
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting (Optional)
-
In a small bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered erythritol, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth. Spread or pipe onto the cooled cookies.
Note
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.
- Sweetener Options: Swap erythritol for monk fruit sweetener or allulose if preferred.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut oil instead of butter and dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting.
- Variations: Add lemon zest for a citrusy twist or cinnamon for a spiced version.