This Keto Sugar Cookies Recipe has a soft and chewy center, a slightly crisp edge, holds its shape well, and has a choice of a sweet buttercream frosting or an icing that sets. No one would ever guess they're Keto, Paleo, Gluten-Free, And Dairy-Free!
Note- This recipe was slightly updated in December 2021 to use powdered sweetener instead of the granulated variety. Using the powdered variety drastically decreases (I would even say eliminates!) the cooling-like aftertaste erythritol can sometimes lend.
I am in LOVE with this keto sugar cookies recipe!!! Here's why I love them so much:
- they are not bland in any way! Even though I love them with frosting, you can totally eat them without and still thoroughly enjoy them
- they are soft, tender, and buttery with a slight crunch on the edge
- and lastly, they can be made ahead of time
Watch the YouTube video!
See how easy this recipe is to make on my YouTube video! Watch the full video here: Sugar Cookies YouTube Video
2 versions
I have 2 versions of this keto sugar cookies recipe:
VERSION ONE: The first version is similar to the beautiful soft Lofthouse sugar cookies sold at most grocery stores with colorful frosting, sprinkles, and sold in a clear plastic container.
They are big, soft and tender, but also have a slight crunch on the edge. They can be rolled into shapes, however, they do slightly spread.
If you stick to basic shapes, though, such as a circle, heart, star, candy cane, etc... they'll be fine.
VERSION TWO: The second version is more of a typical cut-out sugar cookie. They hold their shape well while having a soft and chewy center and a slightly crisp edge.
What's the difference between the 2 keto sugar cookies recipes? ¾ tsp. xanthan gum, that's it!
It's only one small ingredient but it drastically changes the texture of cookies from a big, soft and tender cookie to one that holds its shape with crispy edges and a soft and chewy center.
💭 Top tips
I do have a few tricks to get a perfect sugar cookie:
- Don't over bake them! If you over bake them they will be crunchy and not soft and tender in the middle. You want to pull them out of the oven when the edges are just barely starting to brown and the center looks under baked. They will seem very soft when you first pull them out of the oven, but they will set up nicely once they cool.
- Allow the dough to rest in the fridge or freezer until thoroughly chilled. If the dough isn't chilled, it will be very hard to roll out and work with. Chilling also keeps the butter cold and prevents the cookies from spreading. If your dough starts to warm after you've rolled it a time or two, you can pop it in the freezer for just a bit to get it cold again.
- Don't roll them out too thin. If you roll them out too thin they will easily over-bake and become crunchy. They need to be around ¼ inch thick, or even just a tad thicker when you roll them out to get a nice, soft, tender center.
- Don't frost them until they've completely cooled. If you frost them too soon the frosting will melt off!
The sweetener
For the sweetener, you need to use an erythritol-based sweetener for the cookies to hold a shape, I recommend a Powdered Monk Fruit Erythritol Blend.
The powdered variety gives the cookies a better texture and reduces (I would even say eliminates!) the cooling-like aftertaste that erythritol can sometimes lend.
For the frosting and glaze, any keto powdered sweetener will work. Again, however, erythritol-based sweeteners will leave a cooling-like aftertaste. Plus they don't always completely dissolve.
Because of this, I recommend powdered allulose or a powdered monk fruit allulose blend.
Both of these are paleo & keto-friendly, taste like sugar with NO aftertaste, and create beautiful, smooth frostings and glazes.
Allulose is 70% as sweet as other sweeteners, though, so for every 1 cup of sweetener, you'll need 1 ⅓ cups of allulose. The monk fruit allulose blend replaces the sugar cup for cup.
The icing sets after about 12 hours, but will initially be fairly soft and not great for intricate designs.
*NOTE-As a special gift to my readers, I've teamed up with BESTI SWEETENERS to give you guys 10% off!!! Simply enter the code "CRAVEABLE" at checkout.
🔪 Instructions
Start by creaming together slightly softened (not melted!) butter and the powdered sweetener. Non-dairy butter, such as Earth Balance, will work fine if you're dairy-free.
Beat in some vanilla, an egg, almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, xanthan gum (if using), and salt until the dough comes together.
Then, place it in a baggie or wrap it in plastic wrap. Let chill in the freezer for around an hour or the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled.
If the dough isn't chilled, it will be very hard to roll out and work with.
Chilling also keeps the butter cold and prevents the cookies from spreading. If your dough starts to warm, you can pop it in the freezer for just a bit to get it cold again.
Rolling out the dough
Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper. Then, cover with plastic wrap and roll out until about ¼ inch thick or slightly thicker. Use cookie cutters to cut into shapes.
Be careful not to roll them too thin! If you roll them out too thin they will easily over-bake and become crunchy.
They need to be around ¼ inch thick. Maybe even just a tad thicker when you roll them out to get a nice, soft, tender center.
Remove the excess dough from around the shapes and very carefully transfer to a parchment-lined cookie sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Repeat with remaining dough until all cookies are cut out.
How to bake sugar cookies
Bake at 350 degrees for 8-11 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to brown.
If you overbake them they will be crunchy and not soft and tender in the middle.
You want to pull them out of the oven when the edges are just barely starting to brown and the center looks underbaked.
The keto sugar cookies will seem very soft when you first pull them out of the oven, but they will set up nicely once they cool.
Once cooled, eat as-is or frost and decorate as desired.
Looking for more dessert recipes?
Or Gluten-Free Palate's Gluten-Free Pie Crust Recipe looks delicious too!
If you’ve tried this Keto Sugar Cookies Recipe please let me know in the comments below!
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📖 Recipe
Keto Sugar Cookies Recipe {Paleo & Gluten-Free}
Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ Cup Blanched Almond Flour - very finely ground
- 1 tablespoon Coconut Flour
- ⅛ teaspoon Sea Salt
- ½ tsp. Baking Powder
- ¾ teaspoon Xanthan Gum
- ¼ Cup Butter (can use non-dairy) - slightly softened but not melted
- ¾ Cup Powdered Monk Fruit Erythritol Blended Keto Sweetener - see notes below
- 1 Large Egg - room temperature
- 1 tsp. Pure Vanilla
Buttercream Frosting:
- ½ recipe Keto Buttercream Frosting
- Sprinkles, Food Coloring, And Decorations As Desired
Icing That Sets:
- 1 ¼ Cup Powdered Monk Fruit/Allulose Sweetener
- 1 pinch Sea Salt - optional, helps cut the sweetness
- ½ teaspoon Pure Vanilla
- 3-6 Tbsp. Room Temperature Water - or as needed
- Sprinkles, Food Coloring, And Decorations As Desired
Instructions
- Cream together the softened butter and sweetener until soft and creamy, around 2 minutes.
- Add the egg and mix well. Then, add in the vanilla.
- Add the almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, salt, and xanthan gum. Mix until dough comes together
- Transfer to a plastic baggie or wrap in plastic wrap and place in freezer 45 minutes to an hour or the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until dough is thoroughly chilled.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Baking Option #1:Roll the dough into Tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the baking sheet. Flatten with your palm to ¼ inch thick (they will not spread much during baking), keeping them at least an inch apart.Baking Options #2:Place the dough on a large piece of parchment paper and cover with plastic wrap. Use a rolling pin to roll dough around ¼ inch thick or slightly thicker. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes then remove the excess dough. Carefully transfer the cookies to a parchment-lined baking sheet, placing them about 1 to 2 inches apart. If the dough starts to warm up and gets hard to work with, pop it in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes to firm up. Any cookie dough you tore away from the cutout, you can form a ball with it and roll out again to make more cookies.
- Bake 8-11 minutes, or until the edge of the cookies just barely start to brown but still look soft in the center.
- Allow to cool 5 to 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. Frost using the linked buttercream frosting or icing recipe. Decorate as desired.
Icing:
- *Note- This icing sets after about 12 hours, but will initially be fairly soft and is not great for intricate designs.
- Using a fork, stir the sweetener, sea salt, vanilla, and 2 Tbsps of water together in a medium bowl. It will be very thick and difficult to stir. Switch to a whisk and whisk in 1 Tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches the right consistency. The icing should be smooth and creamy, yet still on the thicker side. If you lift the whisk and let the icing drizzle back into the bowl, the ribbon of icing will hold shape for a few seconds before melting back into the icing. That's you know it’s the right consistency. If it's too thick add water as needed to thin or if you get it too thin add more powdered sweetener to thicken. If not used right away, cover and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- If desired, stir in food coloring. Then frost the cookies with a butter knife or pipe using a squeeze bottle or Wilton Piping tip #4.
Add Your Own Notes
Video
Notes
- See how easy this recipe is to make on my YouTube video! Watch the full video here: Sugar Cookies YouTube Video
- Nutritional information includes the icing.
- I personally prefer the buttercream because the icing is a bit too sweet for me, but use whichever you prefer!
- Don't overbake! If you overbake them they will be crunchy and not soft and tender in the middle. You want to pull them out of the oven when the edges are just barely starting to brown and the center looks underbaked. They will seem very soft when you first pull them out of the oven, but they will set up nicely once they cool.
- Allow the dough to rest in the fridge or freezer until thoroughly chilled. If the dough isn't chilled, it will be very hard to roll out and work with. Chilling also keeps the butter cold and prevents the cookies from spreading. If your dough starts to warm after you've rolled it a time or two, you can pop it in the freezer for just a bit to get it cold again.
- Don't roll them out too thin. If you roll them out too thin they will easily over-bake and become crunchy. They need to be around ¼ inch thick, or even just a tad thicker when you roll them out to get a nice, soft, tender center.
- Don't frost them until they've completely cooled. If you frost them too soon the frosting will melt off!
- For grain-free baking powder, combine 1 part baking soda with 2 parts cream of tartar and 2 parts potato, arrowroot, or tapioca flour
- Leftover cookies can be stored at room temperature, loosely covered, for 3 to 5 days, or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- To bring the butter to room temperature, I love this tutorial from Sally’s Baking Addiction on how to soften butter quickly for perfectly softened butter.
- For the sweetener in the cookies, you need to use an erythritol-based sweetener for the cookies to hold a shape, I recommend a Powdered Monk Fruit Erythritol Blend. This ingredient was updated in December 2021 by replacing the granulated variety with the powdered variety. Using the powdered variety reduces (I would even say eliminates!) the cooling-like aftertaste that erythritol can sometimes lend. If you only have the granulated variety, simply blend it in an extremely dry blender, then measure after blending.
- For the sweetener in the icing, I recommend powdered allulose or a powdered monk fruit allulose blend because erythritol-based sweeteners tend to leave a stronger cooling-like aftertaste in frostings than other recipes and they don't always fully dissolve. Keep in mind that pure allulose is 70% as sweet as other sweeteners, though, so for every 1 cup of sweetener, you'll need 1 ⅓ cups of allulose. The monk fruit allulose blend replaces the sugar cup for cup.
- As a special gift to my readers, I've teamed up with BESTI SWEETENERS to give you guys 10% off!!! Simply enter the code "CRAVEABLE" at checkout.
- If you prefer big, soft Lofthouse-style sugar cookies instead of cut-out cookies, simply leave out the xanthan gum!
Nutrition
NET CARBS = Total Carbs - Fiber
Nutritional information is approximate and may vary. Sugar alcohols are included in the total carbs and fiber.
Looking for more information on the keto diet? Check out my
Sierra Wilson says
I’m late to the party, but was wondering if I could ask that the coconut flour be substituted for anything? I have a child with a coconut allergy and can’t have it in that house! Do you have any suggestions?
Cassidy Stauffer says
Hi Sierra, I'm sorry to hear about your child's coconut allergy.
While I haven't tested these and can't say for sure, I have a few ideas. It won't be as low carb, but you could try replacing it with 2 to 3 Tablespoons of starch, such as tapioca or arrowroot. You could also try 2 - 3 Tablespoons of flaxseeds (golden for a lighter-colored cookie) or maybe 1/4 cup more of almond flour. When making them, try to get them to the texture of the batter in the video. If you add too much flour, you can add a small amount of water to help with the texture.
Again, I haven't tested any of these so it's just a guess, sorry!! If you try them please come back and let me know how they turned out!
XO,
Cassidy
Tracy Johnson says
Hi. I just got done making the dough. It’s very crumbly. I followed all the instructions. Is this normal?
Cassidy Stauffer says
Hi Tracy,
The dough will seem crumbly when you're mixing it, but when you scoop it out and transfer it to baggie or plastic wrap, it should come together nicely. I hope this helps!
-Cassidy
Ashley Lawson says
Could you use allulose as the sweetener in the cookies themselves?
Cassidy Stauffer says
Hi Ashley!
While allulose would probably taste good, the cookies will be really soft and spread a lot! The erythritol is what gives the cookies a slight crunch and makes them hold their shape. I recommend an erythritol/monk fruit blend to help reduce the aftertaste erythritol can sometimes lend. I hope this helps!!
UPDATE- I tested these with allulose, and as long as you don't omit the xanthan gum, yes, you can make them with allulose! Just know that they are a lot softer and more delicate than the erythritol version.
-Cassidy
Betsy says
I made these with lakantos monk fruit. I really like this brand, but with most things I bake they do have that “off” sugar flavor. These cookies are so good, but have that “off sugar flavor too. I did not frost them as I have yet to find a frosting that doesn’t have that weird flavor. I can’t use swerve, it makes me very sick. I did use a mix of white and golden in the cookie part as I like that tan look vs white. Any suggestions on what I can use to get past the “off” taste I experience. (I know it’s the sweetener as I can taste the same taste in icings and frostings.
Thanks
Cassidy Stauffer says
Hi Betsy!
Unfortunately, what you're tasting is the erythritol, and the erythritol is required for the cookies to set up properly. My only suggestion is to try different brands of monk fruit/erythritol blends, as some may have less of an aftertaste. I personally prefer BESTI sweeteners, but even if there's less of an aftertaste, you will probably still slightly taste it - sorry! As for the frosting, you can use powdered allulose or a powdered monk fruit/allulose blend and not get that "off" (cooling-like) taste - it might even cover up some of the erythritol flavor in the cookies! I wish I could've been more help, sorry!!!
UPDATE- After further testing, I've found that using powdered sweetener instead of the granulated variety greatly reduces (I would even say eliminates!) the cooling-like aftertaste! I've updated the recipe to reflect these changes 👍
-Cassidy
Jen says
Isn't egg considered dairy?
Cassidy Stauffer says
Hi Jen!
No eggs aren't considered dairy. Dairy is anything made from milk, which doesn't include eggs. Hope this helps!
-Cassidy
Tanna says
Hey there! I was wondering if the nutrition (18 carbs) is just for one cookie or all 18?? I know that this includes the frosting. Looking forward to trying them!
Cassidy Stauffer says
Hi Tanna! The nutrition info is for 1 cookie. However, since there are 17 grams of fiber that makes each cookie only have 1 net carb - which is what's counted when doing Keto. I hope this helps and you enjoy the cookies!!
-Cassidy
Rachael W. says
If you're doing a keto recipe, it's really important to post the nutrition. I was very excited to make these but when i scrolled down I saw no nutrition other than calorie count. This is so important for Keto people - you might want to start including that, otherwise i pass on the recipe normally. Thank god I found this post so I could know how many net carbs I was looking at.
Cassidy Stauffer says
Hi Rachael,
I have the full nutrition label at the bottom of each recipe card. However, you're not the first one who has had a hard time finding it so I included the carbs and fiber at the top of the recipe card along with the calories. I hope this helps and you enjoy the cookies!!!
-Cassidy
BG says
Nut allergy here. Suggestions for the almond flour please. The positive reviews have me so excited to try these.
Cassidy Stauffer says
Hi BG!
Almond flour is a very unique flour. The only nut-free replacement I know of is sunflower seed flour, but have never tried it myself. I think the only drawback of sunflower seed flour is that occasionally it can react with baking soda and turn baked goods green - but totally fine to eat!
Sorry I couldn't be of more help!
-Cassidy
kathrin says
Hi, I have tried powdered allulose but it never gets hard to work and design the cookies after they are fully cooled. Is there a trick to it? Even though I have the allulose almost too hard to work with it never completely hardens as regular powdered sugar does.
Cassidy Stauffer says
Oh no Kathrin, I'm sorry! I think I wasn't clear enough in my instructions, sorry!!!
When using allulose, it will be fairly soft when frosting the cookies. Then, after the frosted cookies set out 12 hours, then the frosting sets up. However, you're right. While it firms up and isn't runny, it doesn't get hard like traditional powdered sugar. It's fairly soft when initially frosting the cookies so doesn't work well for intricate designs.
If you're looking to do an intricate design, you'll need to use an erythritol-based sweetener, but it does leave an aftertaste. If you use an erythritol monk fruit blend it will help reduce the aftertaste, but will still be there. Erythritol is the only keto sweetener that really crisps up, but it does leave an aftertaste in frostings. 🙁
Did this answer your question?? Please let me know if you have any more questions! Also, I'll update the recipe card to help reduce the confusion about the frosting. Sorry again!
-Cassidy
Jesica Ronning says
These are AMAZING! I added zest from a small lemon in the batter as well. My whole family loves them!
Cassidy says
YAY Jesica, I'm so excited you liked them!! I'll have to try adding some lemon zest next time, thanks for the tip 🙂
-Cassidy
Kimberly says
I had pretty much given up on the keto cookie. I had just enough almond flour left to try this recipe. I made it with Swerve Granular and no xantham gum. The dough was wonderful to work with. I just rolled them into balls and made a thumbprint with the back of a measuring spoon and filled with jam. They smelled like cut out cookies I made as a little and my husband and I though finally, a winner! I plan to make a few batches of dough and freeze to bake when we want a treat. Thank you!!
Cassidy says
YAY Kimberly, I'm so excited you liked them!!! I keep some dough in my freezer too!
-Cassidy
Kimberly says
Cassidy, they're so good! You totally nailed this recipe. Have a very blessed New Year!
Cassidy says
Thank you so much Kimberly, I'm excited you liked them!!!!
-Cassidy
Jules Shepard says
Honestly these look just like the ones "mom used to make"! Sugar cookies are a Christmas must are they not? These look great!
Cassidy says
Thank you so much Jules!!!
Erin Dee says
These look so fun and festive! Love those crispy edges and soft centers!
Julia says
I’m making these today!!!! Yum
Cassidy says
YAY! Let me know how they turn out!!!
-Cassidy
Sarah says
Sugar cookies are a must this time of year! These look simply delicious.
Cassidy says
Thanks so much! ...Yeah, I've already made about 5 batches and have several more batches to make in the next few weeks 🙂
-Cassidy
Alexandria Parker says
Hi, my daughter has an egg allergy what would you suggest as a good egg replacer to use in this recipe?
Cassidy Stauffer says
Hi Alexandria!
I'm not very experienced with egg-free baking, but maybe a "flax-egg" or aquafaba would work? For a flax egg simply mix 1 Tbsp of ground flax with 3 Tbsp of warm water and set it aside to thicken (a few minutes), or aquafaba is 3 Tbsp of the liquid from a can of chickpeas that has been really well shaken (per egg). I personally would try aquafaba first, but without trying it myself I'm not sure how either one of them would turn out. Sorry I couldn't be of more help! If you try them without an egg please come back and let me know how they turned out!!!
-Cassidy
shelby says
I am so excited to try this recipe! Soft cookies (pre-keto) were my favorite. My Nanny always made soft cookies and frosted them when I was growing up and I'm so nostalgic about them because of that. I will be making these for Christmas Day to share with the loved ones in our home!
Cassidy says
Oh YAY Shelby!!! Please let me know what you think of them! I hope they are at least comparable to ou Nanny's 🙂
-Cassidy
jenna | the urben life says
These sound great! I would love to try making these with Bobs Red Mill egg replacer, I'm sure it would work out great 🙂 Looks so tasty.
Cassidy says
Thanks Jenna, I think an egg replacer would probably work too! If you give it a shot let me know if it worked and how they turned out!!!
-Cassidy
Naomi says
Just wanted to say that I have made these cookies over 2 dozen times over the last three years and they have never failed me. Anyone who tries them, loves them! Wishing you and your family a Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
Cassidy says
Aw, thank you SO much Naomi! I'm happy you like them 🙂 Have a great week!!!!!!
-Cassidy
r.mcnatt says
I tried these today and they are absolutely delish!
Alison says
Thank you SO much for posting this. This is my first Christmas being gluten and dairy free and I wasn't sure how I was going to make it without my sugar cookies. So THANK YOU! Your site has helped me out SO many times. 🙂
Jen says
I can't wait to try these with my kids over the Christmas holidays. They are going to freak out! I wonder if we could even use Christmas shaped cookie cutters... Thanks for sharing!