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    Home / Recipes / Cookies

    Keto Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Jul 7, 2020 · 296 Comments

    179.8K shares
    Jump to Recipe
    keto cream cheese cookies
    cream cheese cookies pinterest image
    low carb keto cream cheese cookies recipe

    These wonderfully sweet and crispy keto cream cheese cookies are simple to make for a perfect holiday treat. You can press them into shapes, decorate them, or enjoy them plain!

    keto cream cheese cookies recipe
    Article Index
    • Ingredients
    • Quick Tips
    • Instructions
    • ️ Serving Suggestions
    • FAQs
    • Related recipes
    • Recipe

    Something about cookies and the holidays goes together so well. Maybe it’s all of the cookie-decorating traditions or the fact that they’re Santa’s favorite snack. Either way, this is a great time of year to have plenty of keto cookie recipes on hand.

    I first created this recipe to decorate with my daughter for the holidays. We also love making my family’s traditional sugar cookie recipe, which calls for lard.

    The great thing about this cream cheese cookie recipe is that you probably already have all of the ingredients on hand. Plus, they only require a few steps before they’re ready to be sliced or pressed.

    They’re lightly sweet and crispy with golden-brown edges. I love the taste of them plain, but you can also decorate them if you want more sweetness.

    Whether you’re looking for a simple treat or planning for a day of cookie decorating, these cream cheese cookies are sure to be a big hit!

    Ingredients

    There are only a few simple ingredients needed to make these easy cream cheese cookies. Here's a bit more information about what I used.

    Butter

    Only use unsalted butter in these cookies. You really don't need any salt in them - all the flavors are already vibrant.

    Sweetener

    Any low-carb sugar substitute will work. Liquid stevia or granular sweeteners will dissolve well in the cookie dough. There's no need for a powdered erythritol blend.

    Cream Cheese

    Regular cream cheese with full-fat has more nutrients and flavor, so don't use low-fat.

    Flours

    To obtain that perfect crispy texture, I used both almond flour and coconut flour. Be very careful and measure it out exactly.

    Vanilla

    A little bit of vanilla extract makes the cookies taste like vanilla shortbread. But you can use almond extract or lemon extract to change up the flavor.

    Xanthan Gum

    I found that xanthan gum is the perfect binder and thickener in low-carb recipes. However, it's not essential for these baked cookies.

    Please note: Check out the recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients used to make this low-carb recipe.

    ingredients for cream cheese cookies

    Quick Tips

    • Cookies made from low-carb flours have a higher risk of crumbling. Adding xanthan gum binds the gluten free ingredients together better.
    • Using a cookie press helps to compress the dough, so the time needed to refrigerate the dough is not as long. If you’re using the slicing method, I recommend chilling the dough overnight or place it in the freezer for at least an hour.
    • Make sure you let the cookies fully cool after baking. The texture is best the next day if you refrigerate them overnight as well.
    • Add chocolate chips. Adding just a tad of chocolate really ups the flavor.

    Instructions

    Making this cream cheese dessert only requires a few steps. However, the dough does need to chill, so you’ll want to factor that into the time. 

    Make and chill the dough

    Start by creaming the butter and sweetener in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, then beat in cream cheese and eggs. Once well-combined, stir in the almond flour, coconut flour, and xanthan gum (if using), then mix in the vanilla.

    cream cheese cookie dough

    Form the dough into a ball and then refrigerate the dough for at least 4 hours or overnight. If you want colored cookies, add in your food coloring before you chill dough.

    Bake the cookies

    When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Squeeze the dough out of your cookie press directly onto a cookie sheet or roll it out into a cookie log and slice first. There's no need to use a cookie scoop or make dough balls!

    cutting and pressing cookie dough

    Bake until the cookies begin to brown (about 8-10 minutes for pressed cookies or 10-12 minutes for slices). Cook longer for crisper cookies and less for soft cookies.

    Let the cookies cool

    After resting on the baking sheet for 10 to 15 minutes, transfer the cookies to a cooling rack. Make sure you allow the cookies to cool completely to prevent crumbling. Cool on the counter, then refrigerate in an airtight container.

    cooling baked cookies

    I also prefer to bake these keto cookies directly on the cookie sheets, without a silicone mat or parchment paper. They turn out crispier that way. However, it's best to grease the pan to prevent them from sticking.

    ️ Serving Suggestions

    What you serve with these cream cheese cookies depends on when you eat them. They are the perfect late-night snack with a keto chocolate pudding.

    If you just want a small treat, then brew a cup of bulletproof coffee and nibble away.

    Of course, you can never go wrong with a bowl of delicious keto ice cream!

    FAQs

    Here are some questions people often ask about making keto cream cheese cookies. If you don't see your question in this list, please leave it in the comments.

    How many carbs are in keto cream cheese cookies?

    The net carbs per cookie will depend on how many cookies you create from the dough.

    I used a tablespoon scoop and a cookie press, which will yield more cookies than slicing. I was able to get 75 cookies from this dough, which came to half a net carb per cookie.

    If you bake large cookies, you’ll need to recalculate the net carbs. However, as long as you get 40-50 cookies from the dough, these will be less than 1 net carb per cookie.

    Can I use a different type of flour or sweetener?

    I’ve had a few readers ask about substituting flours and sweeteners in this low-carb cookies recipe. You are welcome to substitute flours, but the texture may turn out differently.

    However, sweeteners can be substituted without any difference.

    How do these keto cream cheese cookies taste?

    As I mentioned earlier, these cookies are lightly sweet without being overly so. Since moving to a keto diet, I find I don’t need as much sweetness. These cookies are perfect for me.

    If you want your cream cheese keto cookies to have a bit more sweetness, they are a great base to decorate with icing or cream cheese frosting. The flavor is really so versatile.

    You’ll also taste a slight hint of cream cheese flavor. I find that the cheese helps counter the cooling effect of erythritol and is very mild and pleasant.

    What are some recipe variations I can make?

    These cream cheese cookies are so versatile. There are plenty of variations to try!

    For a different flavor, try substituting the vanilla extract for lemon or orange extract. Or, add butter extract to enhance the buttery flavor.

    Some readers have mentioned adding nuts like pecans or dipping the finished cookies in low-carb chocolate for an indulgent treat.

    I also think the almond-flavored icing that I use in my ricotta cheese cookies recipe would make a great frosting. Again, feel free to play around with the extracts.

    They can also be turned into thumbprint cookies by making an indentation with your thumb before baking. Then you can fill them with keto jam or chocolate!

    If you come up with your own variation, be sure to let me know in the comments!

    cream cheese cookies on holiday platter

    These lovely little cookies are the perfect thing to add to your holiday cookie tray! They are a great alternative to sugar cookies to give away as a DIY gift.

    Crumbly and only slightly sweet, you are going to love these keto cream cheese cookies. That's why I recommend making a double batch!

    Related recipes

    Looking for more low-carb, sugar-free cookie recipes to make this holiday season? Check out a few of these other favorites:

    • Low Carb Peanut Butter Cookies With Coconut Flour are only 2 net carbs per cookie and a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth on keto.
    • Soft Gluten Free Ginger Cookies are perfect for anyone that loves ginger. They’ll remind you of gingersnaps without the crispiness.
    • Coconut Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies will satisfy your craving for this classic recipe. Maybe even leave a few out for Santa!
    • Hazelnut Flour Keto Cookies are light and fluffy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and only call for 5 ingredients to make.
    • Brown Butter Coconut Cookies are loaded with dried coconut chips, packed with butter flavor, and completely gluten free.

    Follow us on FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, and INSTAGRAM for even more tasty keto-friendly recipes!

    Recipe

    cream cheese cookies on small white plate

    Keto Cream Cheese Cookies

    4.54 from 90 votes
    These wonderfully sweet and crispy keto cream cheese cookies are simple to make for a perfect holiday treat. You can press them into shapes, decorate them, or enjoy them plain!
    Prep Time:10 mins
    Cook Time:12 mins
    Total Time:22 mins
    Course: Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Print Pin Review Recipe Save Recipe View Collections
    Servings: 18 people
    Calories: 200

    Video

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup butter
    • ¾ cup low carb sugar substitute or other sugar substitute
    • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
    • 2 eggs original recipe had only one, but two works best
    • 2 cups almond flour
    • ½ cup coconut flour
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract see note
    • 1 teaspoon xanthan gum optional
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Cream the butter and sweetener until light and fluffy.
    • Beat in the cream cheese.
    • Add in the eggs.
    • Stir in the flours and xanthan gum (if using), then mix in the vanilla.
    • Chill dough for at least 4 hours .
    • Squeeze dough out of cookie press or roll out into a cookie log and slice.
    • Bake at 350F until cookies begin to brown (about 8-10 minutes for pressed cookie or 10-12 minutes for slices). Cook longer for crisper cookies.

    Notes

    Vanilla extract can be substituted in part or whole with other extracts like almond, lemon or orange to change the flavor.
    Note from reviewer: Decreased the butter by ⅓ and only used ⅔, ¾ cup of erythritol and half ½ cup of stevia. 1 tablespoon of Maple extract and a dash or 2 of cinnamon.
    Makes about 75 cookies, 4 cookies per serving

    Low Carb Sweeteners | Keto Sweetener Conversion Chart

    Nutrition

    Serving: 4cookies | Calories: 200 | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 120mg | Potassium: 15mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0g | Vitamin A: 415IU | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 0.6mg

    Additional Info

    Net Carbs: 2 g | % Carbs: 4.2 % | % Protein: 6.3 % | % Fat: 89.5 % | SmartPoints: 8
    Values
    Array
    (
        [serving_size] => 4
        [calories] => 200
        [carbohydrates] => 4
        [protein] => 3
        [fat] => 19
        [saturated_fat] => 8
        [cholesterol] => 43
        [sodium] => 120
        [potassium] => 15
        [fiber] => 2
        [sugar] => 0
        [vitamin_a] => 415
        [calcium] => 37
        [iron] => 0.6
        [serving_unit] => cookies
    )
    

    Notes on Nutritional Information

    Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts as it has been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.

    Copyright

    © LowCarbYum.com - Unauthorized use of this material without written permission is strictly prohibited unless for personal offline purposes. Single photos may be used, provided that full credit is given to LowCarbYum.com along with a link back to the original content.

    First published on December 21, 2015. Last updated on December 16, 2021, with new images and additional recipe information.

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    Related Posts

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      « Previous 1 … 4 5 6
    1. Elita in L.A.

      December 23, 2020 at 2:57 am

      4 stars
      I made these exactly as written, using almond extract instead of vanilla, and a cookie press to make various shapes. I baked the first batch 10 minutes which yielded darker bottoms, and a second batch baked for 8 minutes yielding a lighter, more appealing golden bottom. I let them cool completely before refrigerating them overnight. They did not crisp up, but rather the result was very similar to a Madeline type cookie in texture and flavor. There was no difference in texture based on baking time, but the lighter colored bottoms were just more appealing, especially because the rest of the cookie stays rather pale. I made jam prints out of some of them using a keto jam for the center prior to baking, they were delicious! I sprinkled the tops of others with granulated sweetener to emulate sugar cookies, but they never crisp up like a sugar cookie, so next time I'll skip that step. It's rare my kids gobble up keto sweets, but this one was a winner to them and to me, as long as you set your expectations for something more like a Madeline than a sugar cookie.

      Reply
    2. Mom23sings

      October 01, 2020 at 10:48 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely love these! Everyone in my family enjoys grabbing them off the pan, but I think letting them cool on the pan, and leaving them out for a few hours, helps them get a little crisper. My go-to keto cookie !!

      Reply
    3. Kriston Tomlinson

      August 15, 2020 at 12:08 pm

      Can you freeze any leftover cookies?

      Reply
      • Lisa MarcAurele

        August 15, 2020 at 9:57 pm

        Cookies can be frozen baked or unbaked for at least 3 months.

        Reply
    4. Kristal

      August 09, 2020 at 12:36 pm

      Do you have to use coconut flour for the cheesecake cookies

      Reply
      • Lisa MarcAurele

        August 09, 2020 at 2:04 pm

        Replacing with almond flour should work, but I'd recommend adding some xanthan gum or similar.

        Reply
        • Jennifer Friesen

          December 13, 2020 at 10:00 am

          First, I love your recipes.
          Second, I was wondering what adding xantham gum does? I notice it’s optional here. What are it’s advantages?
          Third and finally, I’ve been thinking a lot about cheese crisps, the crunchy baked cheese treats. I feel like shredded coconut, shredded mozzarella, and ... idk what but there has to be a delicious lacy, crispy sweet treat there somehow. Wondering if you know of a recipe like this?

        • Lisa MarcAurele

          December 13, 2020 at 11:05 am

          Adding xanthan gum helps bind the cookies together so they aren't crumbly. Otherwise, I recommend storing in the refrigerator and keeping chilled. I so have a cheese crisp snack where I've added nuts and a drizzling of chocolate here: https://lowcarbyum.com/cheese-crisps-recipe/

    5. Kar

      July 17, 2020 at 6:57 pm

      I have a problem when making any dessert. I don't like sweetners. I don't know what to use as a replacement. Any tips and tricks?

      Reply
      • Lisa MarcAurele

        July 18, 2020 at 7:37 am

        Unfortunately, desserts are sweet and need some kind of sweetener. So you can just enjoy something with natural sugar like berries. If you aren't watching carbs, natural sugars like coconut sugar and honey can be used.

        Reply
    6. Kelli

      April 04, 2020 at 10:35 am

      Question: Could you list the recipe if I want to cut this in half? Also, if I don't have xantham gum what can I use to substitute? I have corn starch. Thank you. These look great.

      Reply
      • Lisa MarcAurele

        April 04, 2020 at 11:16 am

        You can easily adjust the recipe to any number of servings you want by adjusting the serving number at the top of the recipe card.

        Reply
    7. Rachel

      March 31, 2020 at 8:12 am

      5 stars
      Awesome! I did the variations mentioned in the notes, reducing the butter, adding an egg, reducing the erythritol and adding 30 drops liquid stevia. Still a bit of cooling effect from the erythritol. Will make them again.

      Reply
    8. Patricia

      December 10, 2019 at 1:34 pm

      After reading all the reviews I made the following changes and was absolutely fantastic. I decreased the butter by 1/3 and only used 2/3, 3/4 cup of erythritol and half 1/2 cup of stevia. 1 tablespoon of Maple extract and a dash or 2 of cinnamon.

      Reply
      • Lisa MarcAurele

        December 11, 2019 at 7:26 am

        Thanks! Added it as a note to the recipe card.

        Reply
    9. Ann M Goulding

      December 09, 2019 at 7:59 pm

      I made these today, followed the recipe to a "t", new baking sheets, etc. They wouldn't come off of the cookie sheet without falling apart. I tried them longer but to no avail. I ended up dumping the entire rest of the dough after making 48 cookies. I did put them in the press after having them in the fridge for 4 hours. I was excited to try this recipe, but they didn't turn out. I guess that's the way the cookie crumbles. ROFL

      Reply
      • Lisa MarcAurele

        December 10, 2019 at 12:59 pm

        Although they come out crispier without, using parchment paper or silicone baking sheets will ensure the cookies come off effortlessly. You also need to wait until they are fully cooled before removing.

        Reply
      • Shirley

        December 30, 2019 at 4:49 am

        I bet they would have made a wonderful cheesecake crumb crust!

        Reply
      • Yvette

        May 05, 2022 at 11:00 pm

        4 stars
        Excellent cookies! Sooo good. I love them the best when cooked for 20 minutes. It turns out really good that way.

        Reply
        • Lisa MarcAurele

          May 06, 2022 at 11:10 am

          Thanks for the tip on baking time!

    10. Karen

      December 07, 2019 at 10:54 am

      5 stars
      YUM!!! I read many comments and modified the recipe by using the full 8oz of cream cheese, and added pecans and cinnamon! They taste like pecan sandies!!

      Reply
    11. Tammy Cox

      December 05, 2019 at 12:41 pm

      Made them it's missing something. Maybe I'll add a thin layer of cream cheese keto icing✅. Any suggestions? SC Nurse Tammy❤️

      Reply
      • Lisa MarcAurele

        December 05, 2019 at 4:45 pm

        You can ice or glaze them if you'd like.

        Reply
    12. Opal

      November 30, 2019 at 5:52 pm

      How can I calculate values adding 73g of Bob's unsweetened coconut to this recipe?

      Reply
      • Lisa MarcAurele

        December 01, 2019 at 9:33 am

        You can use the free calculator at My Fitness Pal.

        Reply
    13. Natalie

      November 29, 2019 at 8:40 am

      Looks yummy and “easy” to make

      Reply
    14. Bonita

      November 27, 2019 at 9:46 am

      Could you use all almond flour, why 2 different flours. I dont use that much of those and would rather not have to buy a second product.

      Reply
      • Lisa MarcAurele

        November 27, 2019 at 11:33 am

        All almond flour works but I recommend adding in the xanthan gum if using all almond flour.

        Reply
        • Shirley

          December 30, 2019 at 4:55 am

          If you use all almond flour do you use the same amount of the almond flour plus the coconut flour added together?

          What does the xanthan gum do in the recipe?

          Thanks.

        • Lisa MarcAurele

          December 30, 2019 at 8:09 am

          Yes. I've made these replacing the coconut flour with the same amount of almond flour. When using all almond flour, I've found the cookies are less crumbly with xanthan gum added.

        • Brenda

          June 08, 2020 at 12:20 am

          It is a stabilizer in gluten free baking. It also helps baked good rise a bit. Almond flour and coconut flour take lots of liquids in any baking. If anyone’s first batch of cookies fall apart easily add more liquid, as in another egg, more cream cheese or more butter. I would go with more cream cheese just from the looks of the recipe. That’s a lot of very dry four with not much moister. I am gluten free due to allergies and have had to be for almost 12 years.

          I appreciate these keto recipes! Thank you!

    15. Crystal

      November 25, 2019 at 10:39 am

      Rather than using vanilla extract could I use lemon juice and zest?

      Reply
      • Lisa MarcAurele

        November 25, 2019 at 12:58 pm

        I'd add the lemon flavoring. The vanilla helps enhance the sweetness. However, you can try leaving it out.

        Reply
    16. Rhea Halloran

      November 07, 2019 at 9:40 am

      I want to try this recipe, but was wondering about coconut flour. My daughter is allergic to coconut. Can there be a substitue?

      Reply
      • Lisa MarcAurele

        November 07, 2019 at 1:36 pm

        You should be able to use all almond flour in the recipe, but the texture will be a bit harder and denser. I'd recommend using the xanthan gum.

        Reply
    17. Melanie

      September 12, 2019 at 11:43 pm

      Hi Lisa,
      Have you tried baking them without the sweeteners?
      I tried another recipe and found them too sweet and I don't like the cooling feeling of the erythritol.

      Reply
      • Lisa MarcAurele

        September 13, 2019 at 8:36 am

        It's worth a try but I haven't tried it. I'm really liking BochaSweet as an alternative to erythritol based sweeteners. It doesn't have that same cooling effect.

        Reply
    18. Michelle

      September 06, 2019 at 3:43 pm

      I had high hopes but really not very good, maybe it’s the almond flour.

      Reply
    « Previous 1 … 4 5 6

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