Description
This sturdy yet tender cookie recipe captures the nostalgia of classic holiday baking without the added sugar. Enhanced with a hint of almond extract for a bakery-style finish, this version is designed to be a delicious low-carb alternative while remaining perfect for decorating.
Ingredients
Base Cookie Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups superfine almond flour (approx. 252g)
- 1/2 cup granular erythritol sweetener (e.g., Swerve) (approx. 96g)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (approx. 85g)
- 2 tbsp coconut flour (approx. 14g)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (2.5 ml)
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (2.5 ml)
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
Sugar-Free Royal Icing
- 1/2 cup powdered erythritol sweetener (approx. 60g)
- 1/2 cup powdered allulose or xylitol blend (approx. 60g)
- 1 tbsp egg white powder (approx. 8g)
- 2 to 4 tbsp water, room temperature (30-60 ml)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (2.5 ml)
- Natural food coloring (optional)
Instructions
Cream the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granular sweetener together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the texture is light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
Add Wet Ingredients: Add the room-temperature egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture. Beat until fully incorporated and smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, and sea salt to break up any lumps.
Form the Dough: Slowly add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a cohesive, thick dough forms.
Roll the Dough: Lay out a large sheet of parchment paper on your counter. Place the dough in the center and pat it into a disk. Cover with a second sheet of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough to an even 1/3-inch thickness between the papers.
Cut and Chill: Peel off the top layer of parchment. Use cookie cutters to cut your desired shapes. Carefully lift the cutouts with an offset spatula and place them on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or fresh parchment. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 30 minutes. (This step ensures the cookies hold their sharp edges while baking). Re-roll scraps to make additional cookies.
Preheat: While the cookies chill, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Bake: Bake the chilled cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. They are done when the edges just begin to turn a golden brown.
Cool: Remove from the oven. The cookies will be very soft; let them cool completely on the baking sheet. They will firm up significantly as they reach room temperature.
Prepare Icing: In a clean bowl, whisk together the powdered sweeteners and egg white powder. Gradually whisk in water, one tablespoon at a time, until the icing flows off the whisk in smooth ribbons. Stir in the vanilla. Divide and color as desired, then pipe onto cooled cookies.
Notes
- Flavor Twist: The addition of almond extract gives these cookies a “wedding cake” flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the almond flour base.
- Handling Tip: If the dough becomes too sticky to handle after re-rolling scraps, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes before cutting again.
- Allergy Alert: This recipe contains Tree Nuts (Almonds, Coconut), Eggs, and Dairy.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Facts (1 decorated cookie): Calories: 185 kcal | Total Fat: 16 g (Saturated Fat: 4.5 g) | Cholesterol: 35 mg | Sodium: 95 mg | Total Carbs: 5.3 g (Fiber: 2.7 g, Sugars: 0.8 g) | Net Carbs: 2.6 g | Protein: 5.5 g
These values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.
