If youโve been searching for a festive treat that feels indulgent but fits perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle, Keto Pecan Pie Cookies absolutely deliver the goods! Every bite combines the buttery, nutty richness of a classic pecan pie with the soft, chewy nostalgia of a freshly baked cookie โ all without the sugar crash. These blissful bites are as fun to make as they are to eat, and theyโll quickly become your go-to sweet for the holidays, parties, or quiet afternoons at home.
Ingredients Youโll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Keto Pecan Pie Cookies comes from familiar ingredients, each bringing its own delicious touch to the table. Together, they create cookies with the perfect blend of sweet, buttery, and nutty flavors that melt in your mouth. Letโs take a closer look at what youโll need and why each item matters.
- Almond flour: This gluten-free flour is the backbone of the cookie, keeping carbs in check while providing a soft, tender crumb.
- Butter: Adds indulgent richness and that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture โ use it soft, but not melted, for best results.
- Pecans: The star of the show! Toasted and chopped, pecans make every bite full of that unmistakable pie flavor.
- Low-carb sweetener (like erythritol or monk fruit): Delivers just the right amount of sweetness without spiking blood sugar.
- Egg yolk: Binds everything together and contributes to a classic, tender cookie interior.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the rich flavors and gives the cookies their cozy, bakery-fresh aroma.
- Salt: Just a pinch intensifies flavors and perfectly balances the sweetness.
How to Make Keto Pecan Pie Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by beating the softened butter together with your chosen low-carb sweetener until the mixture is whipped and creamy. This step gives the finished Keto Pecan Pie Cookies their signature fluffiness. Then, add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until everything looks silky and smooth. Gradually fold in almond flour and salt until a soft but sturdy dough forms โ donโt overmix or your cookies might turn dense.
Step 2: Shape and Chill the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each. Now, create a little nest in the center of each cookie by pressing your thumb gently into the dough. Pop the tray in the fridge for about 20 minutes โ this crucial chill time helps the cookies hold their shape and gives them their irresistible texture once baked.
Step 3: Make the Pecan Pie Filling
While your cookies chill, quickly toast and chop the pecans if you havenโt already. Combine the chopped pecans with a splash of melted butter and a sprinkle more of your sweetener. The mixture should be sticky but spoonable, mimicking the gooey essence of pecan pie. For an extra touch, you can add a drop of vanilla extract here too.
Step 4: Fill and Bake
Spoon about a teaspoon of the pecan mixture into each cookieโs thumbprint center, pressing gently to settle it in. Slide the tray into a preheated oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and bake for 12โ15 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Allow the Keto Pecan Pie Cookies to cool completely on the tray โ this helps them firm up for that perfect, chewy texture!
Step 5: Cool and Indulge
Once cooled, the cookies are ready for their close-up! Their golden edges, sweet pecan filling, and comforting aroma will tempt you to dive in. The hardest part is waiting until theyโre cool, but trust me, itโs worth it for the perfect bite.
How to Serve Keto Pecan Pie Cookies
Garnishes
A drizzle of melted sugar-free chocolate or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top makes these cookies even more crave-worthy and gives them a show-stopping finish! You can also press a whole pecan half into the center of each cookie for a classic bakery look.
Side Dishes
Pair your Keto Pecan Pie Cookies with a cup of strong black coffee, creamy cappuccino, or a glass of cold unsweetened almond milk for a balanced, comforting snack. They also make a stellar addition to a holiday cookie platter with other keto treats like chocolate-dipped strawberries or coconut macaroons.
Creative Ways to Present
Package these beauties in decorative tins with parchment paper for a homemade gift, or stack them on a tiered dessert stand for a festive afternoon tea. For parties, try skewering mini-cookie bites with fresh berries for sweet, keto-friendly dessert kabobs that are as fun to look at as they are to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, store your Keto Pecan Pie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The texture stays soft, chewy, and just as delicious as when they came out of the oven.
Freezing
These cookies are freezer-friendly! Arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment. Theyโll keep for up to 2 months โ just thaw at room temperature whenever youโre ready for a sweet pick-me-up.
Reheating
If you like your cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for 5โ10 seconds or heat in a low oven for a few minutes. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven aroma and slightly softens the filling.
FAQs
Can I use coconut flour instead of almond flour?
I wouldnโt recommend it for this recipe. Coconut flour absorbs much more liquid and results in a dry, crumbly cookie. Stick with almond flour for the best flavor and texture.
Whatโs the best low-carb sweetener for Keto Pecan Pie Cookies?
Both erythritol and monk fruit work beautifully โ just make sure youโre using a granulated form for the dough, and adjust to taste if your sweetener is more concentrated than sugar.
Do I have to chill the dough before baking?
Yes, chilling is key for preventing spread and helping your cookies keep their delightful thumbprint shape. Donโt skip this step if you want perfect Keto Pecan Pie Cookies!
How do I make the pecan filling even gooier?
If you want a more gooey, traditional filling, add a teaspoon of keto-friendly syrup (like allulose syrup) to the pecan mixture before filling the cookies.
Can I double or halve this recipe easily?
Absolutely! This recipe scales up or down without issue, so you can bake a big batch for a crowd or just a few for a cozy night in.
Final Thoughts
Even if youโre new to low-carb baking, these Keto Pecan Pie Cookies are wonderfully simple and entirely satisfying. They let you enjoy all the rich, nostalgic flavors of the classic pie in a cute, portable cookie. Give them a try โ you might just find yourself making them on repeat, one delicious batch at a time!
PrintKeto Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 cookies 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Keto
Description
Keto Pecan Pie Cookies are a delicious low-carb twist on the classic holiday treat. With a buttery shortbread base, sweet pecan pie-inspired filling, and rich, nutty flavor, these cookies let you indulge in the flavors of pecan pie without the sugar and carbs. They’re perfect for holiday platters, gifting, or satisfying any cookie craving on a keto or low-carb diet!
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/3 cup powdered erythritol (or preferred keto sweetener)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Pecan Pie Filling
- 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons allulose or brown erythritol (for more caramel flavor)
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, powdered erythritol, and salt. Add the softened butter, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up for easier shaping.
- Shape and Make Indents: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop the dough into 1-tablespoon portions and roll into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet and flatten gently with your palm. Use your thumb or a spoon to create an indent in the center of each cookie.
- Make the Pecan Filling: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the chopped pecans, sweetener, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Cook for about 1 minute, just until the mixture is bubbling and thickened slightly. Remove from heat and let cool for 2-3 minutes.
- Fill and Bake: Spoon about a teaspoon of the cooled pecan mixture into each cookie. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow cookies to cool on the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For an even deeper flavor, toast your pecans before chopping.
- Cookies will be soft when hot but will firm up as they cool.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
- Substitute almond flour with pecan flour for an extra nutty twist.
- Feel free to drizzle with keto-friendly chocolate for added decadence.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *