Keto Cream Cheese Cookies

These Keto Cream Cheese Cookies are a soft, fluffy, and light dessert with just 2g of net carbs per cookie. The texture is cake-like, and the flavor is a delightful balance of sweet and tangy cream cheese. This recipe is perfect for those on a keto diet and makes a great treat for any time of year, especially during the holidays!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients:

    • ¾ cup blanched almond flour

    • 1 ½ tbsp coconut flour

    • ½ cup granulated sweetener

    • 1 tsp baking powder

    • ⅛ tsp salt

  • Wet Ingredients:

    • 4 oz full-fat cream cheese (room temperature)

    • 1 large egg

    • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: Using a hand mixer or blender, cream the cream cheese and add one egg at a time. Make sure the mixture is smooth before adding the next egg. Add vanilla extract and set aside.

  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, sweetener, baking powder, and salt.

  3. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Mix the wet and dry ingredients together. If the dough is too dry, add a small splash of plant-based milk.

  4. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

  5. Shape and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a cookie scoop, place 11 dough balls on a baking sheet. Do not flatten them. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden. Allow the cookies to cool for at least 15 minutes.

  6. Optional Garnish: Dust with powdered sweetener for an extra touch of sweetness.

Nutrients

  • Calories: 85.5 per cookie

  • Fat: 7.4g

  • Saturated Fat: 2.4g

  • Cholesterol: 26.2mg

  • Sodium: 97.8mg

  • Carbohydrates: 2.6g

  • Fiber: 1.2g

  • Sugar: 0.8g

  • Protein: 3g

Why Keto Cream Cheese Cookies are Perfect for a Low-Carb Diet

On a ketogenic diet, the focus is on reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing healthy fats. While traditional cookies are often packed with sugar and flour, these Keto Cream Cheese Cookies are a perfect fit for a low-carb diet. The recipe uses almond flour and coconut flour as the base, both of which are excellent low-carb alternatives to traditional wheat flour.

The addition of cream cheese gives these cookies their unique texture and tangy flavor while also contributing to the fat content, making them more filling and satisfying. Because they are sweetened with a granulated low-carb sweetener, these cookies allow you to indulge without kicking you out of ketosis. At just 2g of net carbs per cookie, they offer a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth while staying on track with your diet.

The Key Ingredients in Keto Cream Cheese Cookies

The star ingredient in these cookies is, of course, the cream cheese. Full-fat cream cheese is a great choice because it adds a rich, tangy flavor and helps create the soft, cake-like texture that sets these cookies apart. The cream cheese is blended with an egg and vanilla extract to create a smooth, creamy dough.

The flours used in this recipe—almond flour and coconut flour—are excellent substitutes for regular flour in keto baking. Almond flour is made from finely ground almonds, while coconut flour is made from dried coconut meat. Both of these flours are low in carbohydrates and high in fiber, which helps support digestive health and keeps you feeling fuller for longer.

The sweetener in these cookies is a granulated low-carb sweetener, such as erythritol, monk fruit sweetener, or stevia. These sweeteners are natural alternatives to sugar and don’t cause spikes in blood sugar levels, making them perfect for keto recipes. The baking powder helps the dough rise slightly, giving the cookies their light, fluffy texture, and the pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

The Importance of Chilling the Dough

One of the most important steps in making Keto Cream Cheese Cookies is chilling the dough for at least 1 hour before baking. Chilling the dough helps the ingredients meld together, making the dough easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking. It also helps firm up the dough, ensuring the cookies hold their shape and don’t become too soft or runny when placed on the baking sheet.

Chilling the dough also allows the flours to absorb moisture, which improves the texture and consistency of the cookies. So, while it may seem tempting to skip this step, it’s highly recommended to give the dough time to chill in the refrigerator.

Shaping and Baking the Cookies

Shaping the dough into balls is the next step in the process. Using a cookie scoop ensures that each cookie is the same size, which helps them bake evenly. It’s important not to flatten the dough balls before baking, as they will naturally spread and flatten in the oven as they cook. This results in soft, cake-like cookies with a slightly chewy center.

The baking time for these cookies is around 15 minutes, and they should be golden brown when they’re ready. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid overbaking. These cookies bake quickly, so once they begin to brown, it’s time to take them out.

Optional Garnish for Extra Sweetness

For a little extra touch of sweetness, you can dust the top of the cookies with powdered low-carb sweetener once they’ve cooled. This gives them a finished, polished look and adds just a hint of sweetness without adding many carbs. You can also add a little lemon zest or a sprinkle of cinnamon to complement the cream cheese flavor, if desired.

The garnish is optional but can enhance the presentation and flavor of your cookies, making them even more irresistible.

Why These Cookies are a Great Option for Any Occasion

These Keto Cream Cheese Cookies are versatile enough to be served for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, as a treat for yourself, or as a snack to bring to a party, they are sure to impress. Their soft, cake-like texture makes them perfect for pairing with tea or coffee, and they can be enjoyed at any time of day, from breakfast to dessert.

For those who follow a keto diet, these cookies are a great way to enjoy a sweet treat without sacrificing health goals. But even those who aren’t on a low-carb diet will enjoy the delicate flavor and texture of these cookies, as they are just as satisfying as traditional baked goods.

Health Benefits of Keto Cream Cheese Cookies

These cookies offer a range of health benefits thanks to their carefully chosen ingredients. Almond flour and coconut flour are both nutrient-dense alternatives to traditional wheat flour, providing healthy fats, fiber, and protein. The low-carb sweeteners used in the recipe ensure that the cookies don’t spike blood sugar, making them a good option for those managing their blood sugar levels or following a ketogenic diet.

Cream cheese adds healthy fats to the recipe, which are essential for maintaining good health, especially on a low-carb or keto diet. It also provides a rich and tangy flavor that makes these cookies unique. The use of eggs in the dough adds protein and helps bind the ingredients together, while the small amount of maple syrup provides a natural sweetness without the need for refined sugars.

Conclusion

Keto Cream Cheese Cookies are a delicious, light, and indulgent treat that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle. With only 2g of net carbs per cookie, they offer a guilt-free way to enjoy a sweet, satisfying dessert. The soft, fluffy texture and sweet cream cheese flavor make these cookies a hit with anyone who tries them. They are perfect for keto dieters, those looking for gluten-free treats, or anyone who enjoys a healthier alternative to traditional baked goods.

The simplicity of this recipe, combined with the delicious result, makes it a staple for your keto baking repertoire. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a special treat for the holidays, Keto Cream Cheese Cookies are sure to become a favorite. So, grab your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy these irresistible, low-carb cookies in no time!

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