Sugar-Free Snowballs: A Keto Christmas Treat?

Sugar-free snowball cookies are a delicious treat, perfect for those following a keto diet. Also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, these bite-sized treats are a holiday classic. But are they truly keto-friendly? Let's take a closer look at the ingredients and preparation methods to determine if these cookies are suitable for a low-carb, high-fat keto diet.

What are sugar-free snowball cookies?

Sugar-free snowball cookies are a twist on the classic, old-fashioned cookies that are popular during the Christmas season. They are usually made with a combination of all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, butter, and chopped nuts. However, the sugar-free version typically uses almond flour or a combination of almond and coconut flour to make it gluten-free and keto-friendly.

The process of making sugar-free snowball cookies is similar to the traditional recipe. The dry ingredients, including the flour, powdered sugar substitute, and salt, are mixed together. Softened butter is then added and beaten until the mixture is light and fluffy. Chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, are folded into the dough. The dough is then chilled for about 30 minutes to an hour before being shaped into balls and baked. Once the cookies are cooled, they are rolled in powdered sugar substitute to give them a snowy appearance.

Sugar-free snowball cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture and are not too sweet, with most of the sweetness coming from the powdered sugar coating. They are a festive addition to any Christmas cookie tray and can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Ingredients and substitutions

The ingredients for keto snowball cookies are similar across the board, with some variations. The cookies are usually made with a combination of almond flour or coconut flour, butter or coconut oil, pecans or walnuts, and a sugar-free sweetener such as erythritol or xylitol. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the ingredients and possible substitutions:

• Almond flour: This is a common ingredient in keto baking and is used in many snowball cookie recipes. It gives the cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. However, some recipes call for a combination of almond flour and coconut flour, as coconut flour helps the cookies hold their shape better. If you are nut-free, you can replace the almond flour with sunflower seed flour.
• Coconut flour: As mentioned, coconut flour can be used in combination with almond flour or on its own. It gives the cookies a more "powder-like" consistency, making them melt in your mouth. If you want to replace coconut flour with almond flour, you will need about three times the amount of almond flour.
• Butter: Softened butter is typically used in snowball cookies, and it is important to cream it well with the sweetener for the best results. For a dairy-free option, you can use ghee (clarified butter) or coconut oil. However, keep in mind that coconut oil may not provide the same flavour as butter.
• Nuts: Pecans and walnuts are the most commonly used nuts in snowball cookies. If you prefer, you can also use other nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts. To ensure the best texture, the nuts should be finely chopped or ground.
• Sweetener: Sugar-free sweeteners like erythritol or xylitol are used to sweeten the cookies. It is important to use powdered sweeteners, as they give the cookies the traditional snowball look. You can powder your chosen sweetener in a blender or food processor. If you are using xylitol, be careful if you have pets, as it is highly toxic to them. Other sweetener options include allulose, monk fruit sweetener, and liquid stevia.
• Egg: Some recipes include an egg in the ingredients. This helps bind the dough and gives the cookies a more cohesive texture.
• Flavourings: Vanilla extract is a common ingredient in snowball cookies, providing a warm, familiar flavour. You can also experiment with other extracts like almond extract or spices like cinnamon or cardamom for a unique twist.

Step-by-step recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted grass-fed butter, softened (can be substituted with solid ghee or solid refined coconut oil)
• 2/3 cups powdered monk fruit sweetener or powdered low-carb sweetener of choice (can also be substituted with powdered coconut sugar for paleo snowball cookies)
• 1 2/3 cups superfine blanched almond flour, measured correctly using the spoon and sweep method
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Tiny pinch of fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon unsweetened almond milk, only if the dough seems dry (add more almond flour if the dough seems too wet)
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans (can be substituted with walnuts or hazelnuts)
• More powdered sweetener, sifted for coating, as needed

Instructions:

• Using a stand mixer, hand mixer, or a fork in a large bowl, cream together the butter (ghee or coconut oil) with the powdered sweetener until light and fluffy.
• Add the vanilla, almond flour, and salt. Mix until the dough forms a ball.
• Stir in the chopped pecans and mix again until combined. Use your hands to knead the dough until it forms a large dough ball.
• Add milk only if the dough seems dry and does not come together. Alternatively, add more almond flour, one tablespoon at a time, if the dough seems too wet.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into one tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared cookie sheet about two inches apart.
• Place the baking sheet with the rolled dough balls in the freezer for 15 minutes (to avoid spreading). Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F.
• Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes until the bottoms are golden, rotating the pans halfway through. Be careful not to over-bake.
• Remove from the oven and cool on the baking pan for about 3-4 minutes, or until you can handle them comfortably with your hands.
• While the cookies are still warm, roll them in the sifted powdered sweetener. Place the cookies on a cooling rack. Once the cookies have cooled completely, you can roll them in powdered sweetener again for an extra layer, if desired.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze for up to one month.

Tips:

• Measure your flour correctly using the spoon and sweep method.
• If the dough seems too dry, add more softened butter or milk, one teaspoon at a time.
• If the dough seems too wet, add more almond flour, one tablespoon at a time. Keep mixing and allow the dough to come together.

Storage and freezing

Sugar-free snowball cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a month in the freezer. If you want to freeze them, it is recommended to place them in a single layer inside the container.

To thaw the cookies, take them out of the container and spread them out so that they don't touch each other. This will help keep them from getting soggy.

Other keto Christmas cookies

If you're looking for keto Christmas cookies, there are plenty of options to choose from! Here are some delicious recipes to try:

• Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies: These cookies are surprisingly keto-friendly and have just the right amount of sweetness without any weird aftertaste.
• Gluten-Free Almond Thumbprints: The buttery, gluten-free base of these cookies pairs well with various fillings. Try them with raspberry, blackberry, or strawberry jam.
• Keto Gingerbread Cookies: These adorable and easy low-carb gingerbread cookies are perfect for the Christmas season. Cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg give them a nostalgic and festive flavour.
• Keto Snickerdoodles: These cookies maintain the right amount of chewiness and are blanketed with a sparkly cinnamon-sweetener mix.
• Magic Keto Cookies: These super-easy cookies are made without any flour, so you can indulge without feeling guilty! Just make sure your coconut oil and butter are at room temperature, not melted.
• Keto Walnut Snowballs: A perfect recipe to make with kids, these cookies are big on walnut flavour.
• Keto Peanut Butter Sandies: A clear winner for peanut butter lovers, these cookies have a crumbly texture thanks to the almond and coconut flour. The addition of crushed, toasted pecans takes them to the next level.
• Keto Gingerbread Men: A fun option for kids, these sweet keto gingerbread cookies are perfect for decorating.
• Keto Peanut Butter Blossoms: A classic peanut butter blossom recreated to be sugar-free, gluten-free, and low-carb.
• Keto Macadamia Nut Shortbread: Buttery keto shortbread with a touch of chocolate—a festive treat!
• Keto Butter Pecan Cookies: Buttery and crunchy, these cookies are a popular favourite.
• Keto Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies: A no-bake option for satisfying your sweet tooth.
• Keto Pecan Crescent Cookies: Crumbly pecan cookies with a simple glaze—irresistible!
• Keto White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies: A classic cookie with a twist, this can be frozen as raw dough and then baked when you're ready to enjoy them.

So, there you have it! A delicious list of keto Christmas cookies to try. Happy baking and happy holidays!

Frequently asked questions