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Keto Shortbread Cookies Recipe

By Dr. Eric Berg DC

12/23/2024

Keto Shortbread Cookies Recipe

butter cookies

Total Time: 30 minutes

Serves: 8

Per serving: 117 calories, 3 g protein, 1 g carbohydrates, 11 g fat

Ingredients

1 cup almond flour

3½ Tbsp erythritol, powdered

⅛ Tbsp salt

3 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened and cubed

½ tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F / 177 degrees C.

  2. In medium bowl, mix almond flour, erythritol, and salt.

  3. Add butter and vanilla, then blend using hands or stand mixer until dough forms into ball.

  4. Roll dough into eight one-inch balls and arrange them on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  5. Flatten each ball with palm of your hand to about ½ to ¼ inch thickness. 

  6. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until golden brown around edges but still soft in center.

  7. Let cookies slightly cool before serving.


Recipe tips:

  • Be sure to remove the cookies from the oven before they turn brown to prevent them from getting too crispy.

  • Arrange cookies on a parchment paper sheet, leaving an inch of space between each cookie to avoid spreading into each other while baking.

  • Add sugar-free mini chocolate chips to the shortbread dough for a deliciously indulgent twist on classic shortbread cookies.

  • Drizzle low-carb icing sugar made by combining powdered erythritol and heavy cream over the cooled cookies for a sweeter treat.

  • Incorporate baking soda into the cookie dough mixture for a slightly fluffier consistency.

  • Vanilla bean paste can be used instead of vanilla extract for a more intense flavor.

  • Avoid using salted butter in your shortbread cookie recipes, as it can alter the taste and texture of the final product.

  • Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes with the dough before baking.

Keto Short Bread Cookies Recipe

Get ready to indulge in the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of these Keto Shortbread Cookies.


Made with almond flour, erythritol, and a hint of vanilla, these low-carb treats are delicious and suitable for those following a low-carb keto diet. 


Moreover, they’re incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.


Why you’ll love this Keto Shortbread Cookies recipe


Keto Shortbread Cookies are the perfect guilt-free delight for anyone who loves buttery cookies but wants to avoid sugars and carbs.


In contrast to traditional shortbread cookies, this keto version is designed to keep blood sugar levels stable. Sweetened with erythritol, a natural low-carb sweetener, these cookies offer a guilt-free indulgence without the sugar spikes associated with classic recipes.


What's more, almond flour, the base of these confections, is packed with healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins, making it a nutritious wheat flour alternative. 


Another key ingredient is unsalted butter, an essential source of healthy fats vital for maintaining ketosis.


Research published in Plos One suggests that butter has no overall effect on heart disease or diabetes, making it a beneficial addition to a low-carb diet. 


Beyond the health benefits, this shortbread recipe is incredibly versatile as you can add cinnamon for cozy fall flavors or dip them in sugar-free melted chocolate for a decadent treat.


These cookies are bound to impress, whether enjoyed as a delightful dessert after a meal paired with a cup of rich black coffee or served at a special gathering. Their buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them a perfect addition to any occasion, sure to leave guests craving more.


Best of all, making shortbread cookies is easy. With just five simple ingredients and 30 minutes of your time, you can quickly whip up a batch of these delectable morsels. 


Almond flour

What makes this shortbread cookie recipe keto?


A classic shortbread recipe typically uses wheat flour and white sugar. However, these ingredients are high in carbohydrates, contributing to blood sugar imbalances, weight gain, and metabolic issues. 


In contrast, this perfect Shortbread Cookie recipe replaces those ingredients with keto-friendly almond flour and erythritol.


With a glycemic index (GI) of less than one compared to wheat flour's GI of 71, almond flour helps maintain stable insulin levels and prevents blood sugar fluctuations linked to cravings and energy crashes.


"Erythritol is a sugar alternative that has almost no impact on blood glucose levels," explains Dr. Berg. "This is because erythritol is minimally metabolized by the body, making it a popular sweetener for those following a low-carb diet."


Each serving of these Keto Shortbread Cookies contains only one gram of net carbs, meaning you can enjoy these scrumptious treats without worrying about getting kicked out of ketosis.


Woman baking cookies

Storing and serving tips


To preserve the freshness of your homemade Shortbread Cookies, store them in an airtight container or a sealable bag and refrigerate for up to a week.


Before serving, let the cookies come to room temperature to allow them to soften slightly. This step not only enhances their rich, buttery flavor but also improves their melt-in-your-mouth texture, making each bite even more enjoyable.


You can also place them in a toaster oven for three minutes to give them a warm, crispy edge and crumbly texture.


Alternatively, you can freeze these Keto Shortbread Cookies for up to three months, making them ideal for meal prep or as a quick dessert option on busy days.


To thaw, simply move the desired number of cookies from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow them to defrost overnight. 


Feel free to get creative with toppings, such as adding a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of sugar-free chocolate syrup, or a handful of chopped nuts for added crunch. 


You can also experiment with a dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey flavor or top them with a dollop of sugar-free whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.


Keto chocolate chip cookies

More keto cookies you’ll love


Enjoy a mouthwatering array of keto cookies to satisfy your cravings without derailing your low-carb diet.


From rich chocolate treats to buttery delights, each recipe is crafted to please your taste buds while adhering to Healthy Keto®.


Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with sugar-free chocolate chips.


Made from almond flour and sweetened with erythritol, these cookies boast a fraction of the carbs found in traditional chocolate chip cookies.


Keto Peanut Butter Cookies

With just four ingredients, these Keto Peanut Butter Cookies are easy to make and incredibly delicious, and their decadent, nutty flavor will keep you coming back for more. 


Keto-friendly Chewy Ginger Cookies

If you're craving a spicy, chewy cookie, bake these Keto-friendly Chewy Ginger Cookies.


Combining ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a warm and comforting flavor profile, while the almond flour keeps them keto-approved and gluten-free.


Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies

Keto-Friendly Pumpkin Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Keto-Friendly Pumpkin Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect fall treat.


Crafted with pumpkin puree, warm spices, and sugar-free chocolate chips, these tasty delights will surely become a seasonal favorite in your household.


Keto-Friendly Almond Butter Cookies

For a yummy dessert that's both nutty and subtly sweet, serve these Keto-Friendly Almond Butter Cookies.


Made with almond butter, coconut flour, and erythritol, these delightful morsels offer a mouthwatering low-carb option that's also gluten-free.


Keto “Oatmeal” Chocolate Chip Cookies

Whenever you're in the mood for classic cookies, enjoy these Keto “Oatmeal” Chocolate Chip Cookies as a delightful and guilt-free alternative.


Baked with shredded coconut instead of oats, these confections are so chewy and scrumptious you'd never notice they’re grain-free.


Lemon cookies

Keto Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Savor the flavors of sunshine all year round with these Keto Lemon Ricotta Cookies.


With just the right amount of lemon zest and juice, they're a bright and refreshing treat for any occasion.


Cream Cheese Keto Cookies

It's hard to beat the creamy goodness of these Cream Cheese Keto Cookies.


Almond flour, cream cheese, and erythritol are blended to create a mouthwatering confection 

that boasts a delightful texture and flavor. Serve them with green tea or fresh berries for an elegant dessert.


Keto Snickerdoodles

If you love a cinnamon and sugar combo, these Keto Snickerdoodles are a must-try.


These treats are crafted with coconut flour and monk fruit sweetener, replacing traditional flour and sugar to maintain a low-carb profile while still satisfying your sweet tooth.


Woman eating cookie

Final thoughts


These easy-to-make Keto Shortbread Cookies are made with five simple low-carb ingredients, including almond flour, erythritol, and butter.


Serve them on their own or dip them in a cup of sugar-free hot chocolate, rich black coffee, or fragrant green tea for a perfectly balanced treat. 



FAQ


1. Are Keto Shortbread Cookies gluten-free?

Yes, these Keto Shortbread Cookies are gluten-free as they’re made with almond flour instead of traditional wheat flour.


2. Is shortbread high in carbs?

One classic brown sugar shortbread cookie, made from wheat flour and brown sugar, typically contains around five grams of carbohydrates. 


In contrast, these Keto Shortbread Cookies contain just one gram of net carbs per serving, making them a perfect low-carb alternative for anyone following a keto diet.


3. What’s the difference between a butter cookie and a shortbread cookie?

The main difference between butter and shortbread cookies is the ratio of ingredients. Butter cookies use more sugar and eggs for a softer, slightly sweeter texture, while shortbread has a higher butter-to-flour ratio, creating a crumbly, rich texture without leavening agents.


4. What cookies can I make on keto?

There are endless keto-friendly cookie options, including Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies, Peanut Butter Cookies, Ginger Cookies, Lemon Ricotta Cookies, and Snickerdoodles. 


Each of these treats is crafted with low-carb flour and sugar-free sweeteners, ensuring they remain keto-friendly while still delivering delicious flavors.

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