Keto Cream Cheese Pecan Cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 18 cookies
Difficulty: Medium
Cuisine: Keto / Low-Carb / Dessert
Category: Cookies / Snack / Sweet Treat

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Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

• 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup powdered erythritol or preferred keto-friendly sweetener

• 1 large egg, at room temperature

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1 1/4 cups almond flour

• 1/4 cup coconut flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans, plus extra for topping

• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon for a warm flavor

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Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls (2–3)

• Electric mixer or hand whisk

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Cooling rack

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven (Intensity: Very Easy, Time: 5 min)

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Tip: Preheating is important because keto cookies can spread quickly if baked in a cold oven.

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Step 2: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese (Intensity: Medium, Time: 3 min)

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and cream cheese.

2. Beat with an electric mixer or hand whisk until smooth and creamy.

3. Gradually add powdered erythritol and continue mixing until fully incorporated.

Tip: Softened butter and cream cheese create a smoother cookie texture. Cold ingredients may result in clumpy dough.

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Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla (Intensity: Easy, Time: 1 min)

1. Beat in the egg until fully combined.

2. Add vanilla extract and mix until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.

Tip: Room temperature eggs prevent the dough from curdling and help achieve a soft, tender cookie.

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Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients (Intensity: Medium, Time: 3 min)

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, salt, and optional cinnamon.

2. Stir until fully combined to ensure even distribution of flour and leavening agents.

Tip: Sifting is optional but helps prevent clumps and ensures a smoother dough.

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Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients (Intensity: Medium, Time: 2 min)

1. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula.

2. Mix gently until just combined; overmixing can make the cookies dense.

3. Fold in chopped pecans for texture and flavor.

Tip: Using a spatula instead of a whisk prevents overworking the dough and keeps cookies tender.

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Step 6: Shape Cookies (Intensity: Medium, Time: 2 min)

1. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop 1–2 tablespoon portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.

2. Flatten slightly with the back of the spoon or your fingers for even baking.

3. Top each cookie with a small pecan piece if desired for visual appeal.

Tip: Keto cookies don’t spread as much as traditional cookies, so flattening helps them bake evenly.

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Step 7: Bake Cookies (Intensity: Medium, Time: 12–15 min)

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

2. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Tip: Cooling is important for structure; keto cookies can be soft when hot but firm up as they cool.

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Step 8: Serve and Enjoy (Intensity: Very Easy, Time: 2 min)

1. Once cooled, serve cookies immediately or store for later.

2. Optional: Sprinkle with extra powdered erythritol or a pinch of cinnamon for garnish.

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Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy as a low-carb dessert after dinner.

• Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a keto-friendly snack.

• Serve at holiday gatherings for a guilt-free sweet treat.

• Use as a base for mini keto ice cream sandwiches.

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Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks; cookies may become slightly firmer.

• Freezing: Place cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Nutrition Information (Per Cookie, Approximate)

Note: Nutrition may vary slightly depending on the brands of almond flour, sweetener, and cream cheese used.

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Cooking Intensities Recap

• Preheat Oven: Very Easy – 5 minutes, minimal effort.

• Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: Medium – 3 minutes, requires proper mixing.

• Add Egg and Vanilla: Easy – 1 minute, simple combination.

• Mix Dry Ingredients: Medium – 3 minutes, whisking for even distribution.

• Combine Wet and Dry: Medium – 2 minutes, gentle folding needed.

• Shape Cookies: Medium – 2 minutes, forming even portions.

• Bake Cookies: Medium – 12–15 minutes, active monitoring recommended.

• Serve & Enjoy: Very Easy – 2 minutes, minimal effort.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Keto-Friendly: Low net carbs, ideal for low-carb or keto diets.

• Soft and Chewy: Cream cheese creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Nutty Flavor: Pecans add crunch and richness, complementing the creamy dough.

• Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for beginners and advanced bakers alike.

• Versatile: Great as a snack, dessert, or holiday treat.

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Tips for Perfect Keto Cream Cheese Pecan Cookies

1. Use Softened Ingredients: Butter and cream cheese should be at room temperature to prevent clumps.

2. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten in almond flour, which can make cookies dense.

3. Flatten Slightly: Keto doughs are dense and don’t spread like traditional cookies; flattening ensures even baking.

4. Watch the Bake Time: Cookies can go from golden to overbaked quickly. Check at 12 minutes.

5. Cool Properly: Cookies firm up as they cool; transferring too early can make them fall apart.

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Optional Variations

1. Chocolate Chip Version: Add 1/4 cup sugar-free chocolate chips to the dough.

2. Cinnamon-Pecan: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.

3. Walnut Substitution: Replace pecans with walnuts for a slightly different nutty taste.

4. Mini Cookies: Make smaller, bite-sized cookies for easier portion control.

5. Gluten-Free Friendly: This recipe is naturally gluten-free thanks to almond and coconut flour.

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These Keto Cream Cheese Pecan Cookies offer the perfect balance of creamy, nutty, and sweet, all while remaining low-carb and keto-friendly. The soft, chewy texture combined with the rich flavor of pecans makes them a satisfying dessert or snack for anyone following a keto lifestyle—or anyone who simply loves a rich, tender cookie.