Keto Cookies: The Best Tasty, Guilt-Free Treats

Cookies are a classic dessert, but they are usually loaded with sugar and carbs. Luckily, there are many keto-friendly alternatives that are just as delicious as their traditional counterparts. These cookies are made with low-carb and sugar-free ingredients, such as almond flour, coconut flour, and sugar substitutes like erythritol or stevia. They can be soft and chewy or crisp and crunchy, depending on your preference. Some recipes even include additional ingredients like nuts or peanut butter for extra flavour and texture. So, if you're looking for a sweet treat that won't kick you out of ketosis, keto cookies are the perfect option!

Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies

These keto chocolate chip cookies are a delicious, low-carb treat. They are easy to make and require simple ingredients. The cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips and pecans. The recipe yields about 10 cookies, each with only one net carb.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar-free sweetener
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sugar-free chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 egg

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar-free sweetener until fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract. Slowly mix in the dry ingredients, followed by the chocolate chips.

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out the cookie dough and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten the dough slightly and space the cookies about 1 inch apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden brown.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-4 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut oil for butter.
• To make the cookies chewier, add 2-3 teaspoons of gelatin to the dry ingredients.
• For a crispier texture, replace the cream with more butter and flatten the cookies before baking.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keto Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup peanut butter or nut butter of choice
• 1 tablespoon milk of choice
• 2/3 cup finely ground almond flour or alternative flour (pecan, sunflower, cashew, or coconut flour)
• 3 tablespoons powdered erythritol, powdered monk fruit erythritol blend, or powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Chocolate chips or chunks for dipping

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, milk, almond flour, erythritol, baking soda, and salt. Mix well until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little more milk. Taste the dough and adjust sweetness or saltiness to your preference.

Roll the dough into balls, then flatten them into thick cookies using a spoon or fork. You can also use a cookie scoop to form the cookies.

Bake the cookies for 10 minutes on the center rack of the oven. The cookies should still be slightly underbaked when you remove them. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet, as they will firm up as they cool.

For an extra indulgent treat, dip one end of each cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with flaked sea salt. Place the dipped cookies on a waxed paper-lined tray and refrigerate until the chocolate sets.

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for soft and chewy cookies, or in a glass container for crispy cookies. They can also be frozen and enjoyed later.

Tips and Variations:

• You can use any type of nut butter you prefer, such as almond, sunflower, cashew, or macadamia nut butter.
• If you're not on a low-carb or ketogenic diet, regular powdered sugar can be used instead of erythritol.
• For a vegan option, use a plant-based milk alternative, such as almond or soy milk.
• To make the cookies egg-free, simply omit the egg and adjust the amount of milk to achieve the desired dough consistency.
• For a more indulgent treat, add mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the dough before baking.

Keto Cookies Texture and Taste

The texture and taste of keto cookies differ from traditional cookies due to the use of alternative ingredients. The natural sweeteners may result in a bitter or mild aftertaste, while the use of almond or coconut flour can introduce a nutty or coconut flavour. The texture may be crumbly, softer, or denser compared to traditional cookies.

For example, the Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies from The Wicked Noodle have a texture similar to that of a regular chocolate chip cookie or freshly baked cookies from Tollhouse. The Bakery Style Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies from The Best Keto Recipes are perfectly crisp on the outside and gooey in the centre. The Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies from KetoFocus have a texture and cookie crumb similar to that of a regular chocolate chip cookie. The Low Carb Chocolate Chip Cookies from Sugar Free Londoner are soft and fragile when fresh out of the oven but firm up as they cool down. The Keto Coconut Cookies from Delish are super easy to make and without any flour, you can feel good about eating way more than just one.

Keto Cookie Ingredients

Keto cookies are made with high-fat and low-carb ingredients, typically containing fewer than 5 grams of net carbs per serving. The ingredients differ from traditional cookies—using almond or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour, and sweeteners like stevia or erythritol instead of cane sugar. Here are some common keto cookie ingredients:

Almond Flour

Almond flour is a popular keto-friendly alternative to all-purpose flour. It's made from ground almonds and has a nutty flavor. It's also gluten-free and low in carbs, making it a good option for keto cookies.

Coconut Flour

Coconut flour is another keto-friendly flour made from ground coconut meat. It's high in fiber and absorbs more liquid than other flours, so it's important to use the right amount in recipes.

Erythritol

Erythritol is a natural sweetener that looks and tastes similar to sugar but has almost no calories and doesn't affect blood sugar levels. It's often used in keto baking as a sugar substitute.

Stevia

Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the stevia plant. It's much sweeter than sugar, so a little goes a long way. It's commonly used in keto recipes to add sweetness without the carbs.

Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips

Sugar-free chocolate chips are a must for keto chocolate chip cookies. Look for brands that use sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol. You can also make your own by melting sugar-free chocolate and piping it into chip shapes on parchment paper.

Butter

Butter is a source of healthy fats and is often used in keto baking. It adds richness and moisture to cookies. Make sure to use real butter, not margarine, for the best results.

Eggs

Eggs are a common ingredient in keto cookies, acting as a binding agent and providing structure. They also add moisture and help the cookies rise.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a good option for dairy-free keto cookies. It has a high smoke point and a subtle coconut flavor, which can enhance the taste of the cookies.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream is sometimes used in keto cookies to add richness and moisture. It's high in fat and low in carbs, making it a keto-friendly ingredient.

Baking Powder and Baking Soda

Baking powder and baking soda are leavening agents that help keto cookies rise and give them a light, fluffy texture. They also contribute to the distinct flavor of cookies.

Keto Cookie Baking Tips

Ingredients

Keto cookies are made with alternative ingredients to traditional cookies, such as almond or coconut flour, erythritol or stevia instead of cane sugar, and butter or coconut oil instead of vegetable oil. The ingredients used will depend on the type of keto cookie you are making.

Texture and Taste

Keto cookies may have a different texture and taste compared to traditional cookies. The natural sweeteners may result in a bitter or mild aftertaste, and the use of almond or coconut flour might introduce a nutty or coconut flavour. The texture may be crumbly, softer, or denser.

Baking

The method for making keto cookies is similar to that of traditional cookies. However, it is important to note that keto cookies may spread more than traditional cookies, so it is recommended to refrigerate the dough before baking and to use butter instead of margarine. It is also important not to overbake keto cookies, as they will continue to bake and harden as they cool.

Storage

Keto cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Variations

There are many variations of keto cookies that can be made, such as chocolate chip, peanut butter, snickerdoodle, and more. Additionally, keto cookies can be made dairy-free by substituting coconut oil for butter.

Frequently asked questions