Keto butter spritz cookies are the perfect low-carb Christmas recipe, a kid-friendly and super-easy holiday treat the whole family will love. These cookies are a classic that many remember from childhood, sneaking them every time they ran by the plate at Grandma's house. If your family always has butter spritz cookies for Christmas, this keto version allows you to continue the tradition without the gluten and sugar.
What are Spritz Cookies?
Spritz cookies are a type of butter cookie that gets its unique shape from being pressed through perforated plates. The word "spritz" comes from the German word "spritzen," which means "to squirt," referring to how the dough is forced through the press. These cookies originated in Germany, where they were called “Spritzgeback” cookies.
So what exactly is the difference between a spritz cookie and a butter cookie? Well, on a basic level, spritz cookies have more eggs than a typical butter cookie, which helps them hold their shape. They are also a lot less crumbly than a butter cookie or shortbread.
Why Keto Spritz Cookies?
For those following a ketogenic or gluten-free diet, traditional spritz cookies are off-limits due to their high sugar and wheat flour content. This keto spritz cookie recipe offers a delicious alternative that allows you to enjoy this holiday favorite without derailing your dietary goals. Each cookie contains only 0.8g net carbs, making them a guilt-free treat.
Key Ingredients and Their Role
Let's take a look at the ingredients that make these keto spritz cookies possible:
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- Almond Flour: This gluten-free flour is the base of the recipe. It's made from ground almonds and provides a slightly nutty flavor and tender texture. Super-fine almond flour should work just as well, but you may need 2 tablespoons less.
- Butter: The high butter content is what gives these cookies their rich, buttery flavor and soft texture. It is important that your butter is room temperature. Take it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Powdered Sweetener: A keto-friendly powdered sweetener replaces the traditional sugar. Powdered erythritol, monk fruit sweetener, or confectioners swerve are all good options. The powdered sweetener has a much lighter texture and is ideal in these soft cookies. It also instantly dissolves into the cookie dough so that there is no grainy texture.
- Vanilla Extract: An absolute essential for flavor. Make sure you choose a sugar free one. Or almond extract - An optional nice added flavor.
- Xanthan Gum: This is an optional ingredient that helps to bind the dough and give the cookies a sturdier texture.
Essential Equipment
To make keto spritz cookies, you'll need a few key pieces of equipment:
- Cookie Press: This is the traditional tool for making spritz cookies. It allows you to easily create a variety of decorative shapes.
- Piping Bag: A sturdy piping bag with a star tip can be used as an alternative to a cookie press.
- Baking Sheets: You'll need two baking sheets lined with silicone baking mats or parchment paper.
- Mixer: A stand mixer or hand mixer is helpful for creaming together the butter and sweetener.
- Food Processor: An S blade food processor is the simplest and quickest solution for these cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here's how to make keto spritz cookies:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Cream the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sweetener until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Add the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, xanthan gum (if using), and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fill the cookie press or piping bag: Load the dough into a cookie press or piping bag fitted with a star tip.
- Press or pipe the cookies: Press or pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving at least an inch between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 7-9 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before serving.
Tips for Success
- Chill the dough: For the best results, chill the dough for about 5-10 minutes before pressing or piping. This will help the cookies hold their shape.
- Don't overbake: Be careful not to overbake the cookies, as they can become dry and crumbly.
- Use a non-stick baking sheet: Pipe or press the cookie dough directly onto a non-stick cookie sheet. I do not recommend using parchment paper or silicone mats for this recipe.
- Experiment with flavors: Add different extracts, such as almond or lemon, to customize the flavor of your cookies.
- Decorate: Decorate the cooled cookies with sugar-free sprinkles, melted chocolate, or keto-friendly candies.
Variations and Substitutions
- Chocolate Chip Butter Cookies: Add sugar-free chocolate chips such as Choczero or Lily's.
- Dairy-Free: Use a vegan butter or coconut oil as a substitute for butter.
- Egg-Free: The most basic sugar free butter cookies require just 4 ingredients - almond flour, powdered sweetener, vanilla and butter. You could roll this kind of dough into a log, chill it in the fridge or freezer and then slice.
- Coconut Flour: Not recommended. Coconut flour is more brittle than almond flour and the cookies would crumble without at least 1 full egg.
- Color the dough: Coloring the dough helps bring out the holiday spirit and we found about 20 drops of gel food coloring in about half the dough gave us a nice deep red for the cookies.
Storage Instructions
Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Information
Each keto spritz cookie contains approximately:
- Calories: (Calculate based on specific ingredients used)
- Net Carbs: 0.8g
- Fat: (Calculate based on specific ingredients used)
- Protein: (Calculate based on specific ingredients used)
Note: Nutritional information may vary based on the specific ingredients used. It is always best to calculate nutritional information independently.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
How many carbs are in a keto spritz cookies?
This keto spritz cookie recipe has 4g of carbs and 2g of fiber per serving. That comes to 2g net carbs for 2 cookies.
Can I freeze keto spritz cookies?
Yes! Since this recipe makes a large batch of cookies, about 90 cookies, you can easily store the extras in freezer. Once baked and cooled, place them in an airtight container between sheets of waxed paper. They will keep for up to 2 months.
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