Keto Cream Cheese Pecan Cookies: A Low-Carb Delight

If you’re following a ketogenic lifestyle and craving something sweet, these Keto Cream Cheese Pecan Cookies are a fantastic choice. These cookies are rich, buttery, and packed with flavor, making them an indulgent yet guilt-free treat. With the combination of cream cheese and pecans, they are not only low in carbohydrates but also provide a satisfying texture that you’ll love. Let’s explore this recipe in detail, including ingredients, preparation steps, nutritional information, and helpful tips.

Ingredients

To create these delicious Keto Cream Cheese Pecan Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup coconut flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered erythritol (or your preferred keto sweetener)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (or any nuts of your choice)

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Nutritional Information (per cookie)

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies. Below is the estimated nutritional breakdown per cookie:

  • Calories: 120
  • Total Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Net Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Weight Watchers SmartPoints: 3 points per cookie

(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

  1. Prepare Your Workspace: Start by collecting all your ingredients and kitchen tools. Having everything ready will help streamline the cooking process.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it’s hot enough to bake your cookies evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the Cookie Dough

  1. Mix Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add Sweetener: Gradually add 1/2 cup of powdered erythritol to the mixture. Continue to beat until well combined and fluffy. This will add sweetness without the carbs.
  3. Incorporate the Egg: Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat the mixture until everything is well combined and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of almond flour, 1/4 cup of coconut flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until evenly mixed.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

  1. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your cookies.

Step 6: Add Pecans

  1. Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans (or your choice of nuts) into the cookie dough. This adds a delightful crunch and flavor to your cookies.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

  1. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make for easy cleanup.
  2. Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The dough will spread slightly as it bakes.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

  1. Bake in the Oven: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

  1. Let Cool on Baking Sheet: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
  2. Transfer to Cooling Rack: Carefully transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely. This step helps maintain their texture.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Enjoy Your Cookies: Once cooled, your Keto Cream Cheese Pecan Cookies are ready to enjoy! These cookies are perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.

Step 11: Storage

  1. Store Leftovers: If you have any leftover cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Tips for Success

  • Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure that your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. This will create a smoother batter.
  • Check Sweetness: Taste the dough before baking to adjust the sweetness according to your preference. You can add more erythritol if desired.
  • Nut Alternatives: Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even sugar-free chocolate chips for variety.
  • Experiment with Flavor: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or almond extract to the dough for additional flavor variations.
  • Monitor Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking the cookies at the 12-minute mark to prevent overbaking.

Conclusion

These Keto Cream Cheese Pecan Cookies are not only easy to make but also satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping you within your low-carb goals. With just 3 SmartPoints per cookie, they are a delicious and guilt-free indulgence.

Whether you enjoy them as a mid-afternoon snack, dessert, or a sweet treat during the holidays, these cookies are sure to impress. Indulge in the creamy texture and nutty flavor without the carbs, and enjoy every bite of this delightful treat! Happy baking!