Name: Keto Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups blanched almond flour; 1/2 cup golden erythritol (or your favorite brown sugar substitute); 1/4 cup coconut flour; 1 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk; 2 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 tbsp powdered erythritol (for the filling); Optional: extra powdered erythritol for dusting

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 44 reviews

If you are searching for a festive, flavorful treat that fits perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle, look no further than this irresistible Keto Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a brilliant blend of warm spices and creamy sweetness, wrapped in a tender, buttery shell that melts in your mouth. Each bite delivers that nostalgic gingerbread charm but without the carbs, making it a perfect holiday indulgence or anytime snack for those embracing keto. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can delight your taste buds and satisfy your sweet tooth guilt-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eleven bowls and containers with baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface with gold veins. At the top left, there is a large glass jar filled with light-colored flour. Next to it on the right, a white bowl holds golden brown sugar. Below the jar, a small clear bowl contains dark brown cocoa powder, while next to it a small white plate is heaped with coarse white salt. To the right of the salt plate, a clear bowl contains three spices: brown cumin seeds, white granulated salt, and reddish cinnamon powder. Below, there is a white bowl with a single raw egg yolk, an unbroken brown egg on a small white plate in the center, and a white bowl with thick white cream on the right. At the bottom left, a white bowl contains a creamy white liquid. Toward the bottom center, a small white plate holds a dark brown thick liquid, and to the right, a small clear jar contains fine white sugar. The setup is clean and bright with a soft natural light highlighting the textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Keto Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe. From the nutty almond flour that provides great texture to the aromatic spices that bring warmth and depth, every component is essential for that classic gingerbread flavor and delightful cookie consistency.

2 cups blanched almond flour: Offers a low-carb, tender base that’s perfect for keto baking.
1/2 cup golden erythritol: A sweetener that mimics brown sugar’s caramel notes without carbs.
1/4 cup coconut flour: Adds structure and a subtle coconut flavor while keeping the dough cohesive.
1 tsp ground ginger: Brings the signature kick of gingerbread spice.
1 tsp ground cinnamon: Offers warmth and sweetness that complements ginger magnificently.
1/4 tsp ground cloves: Adds a subtle, earthy depth to the spice mix.
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg: Enhances the aroma and complexity of the cookie spices.
1/4 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly with a tender crumb.
1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides richness and moisture for a buttery chew.
1 large egg: Binds the dough together and contributes to a soft texture.
2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, fragrant undertone.
2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk: Gives just enough liquid to make the dough pliable.
2 oz cream cheese, softened: The star of the luscious filling that contrasts beautifully with the spice.
1 tbsp powdered erythritol: Sweetens and smooths the filling without carbs.
Optional: extra powdered erythritol for dusting: Adds a delicate, snowy finish to your cookies for that extra special touch.

How to Make Keto Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your almond flour, golden erythritol, coconut flour, and the warming spices—ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Add baking soda and salt to help with texture and flavor balance. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures all those cozy gingerbread flavors are evenly distributed throughout your dough, giving each cookie that signature taste.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and almond milk until everything is smooth and well combined. This mixture will add moisture, richness, and a hint of vanilla sweetness to your cookies, making them tender yet sturdy enough to hold their shape.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour your wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and gently stir with a spatula until the dough comes together into a soft, pliable ball. This dough might be slightly sticky but should hold well for shaping. This step is where the magic happens—turning simple ingredients into the perfect gingerbread cookie base.

Step 4: Scoop and Shape

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Then, press your thumb or the back of a small spoon into the center of each ball to create the classic thumbprint indentation. This little hollow is where the creamy filling will shine after baking.

Step 5: Bake

Place your tray in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for edges that are just set and bottoms beginning to take on a lovely golden hue. Baking the cookies gently preserves their tender texture while allowing just a touch of crispness—a perfect balance.

Step 6: Make the Filling

While the cookies cool, whip up the luscious filling by beating softened cream cheese and powdered erythritol until smooth and creamy. This simple filling adds a tangy-sweet contrast that complements the spiced dough beautifully, turning each cookie into a multi-dimensional delight.

Step 7: Fill the Cookies

Once your cookies are completely cool, spoon or pipe the cream cheese filling into each thumbprint well. Filling them after baking ensures the cream cheese keeps its rich, smooth texture and doesn’t melt away in the oven. This step is where your cookies truly transform into little celebrations of flavor.

Step 8: Dust and Serve

For an extra festive touch, lightly dust the filled cookies with additional powdered erythritol. This not only elevates the appearance with a delicate snow-like finish but also adds a subtle sparkle to your already scrumptious gingerbread creations. Now, your Keto Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is ready to be shared and enjoyed!

How to Serve Keto Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

A white plate holds a group of round cookies, each with a warm golden-brown color and a slightly cracked texture on the surface. Every cookie has a small, smooth hollow in the center that is a slightly deeper shade, creating a distinct round indentation. The cookies are stacked closely together, creating a layered effect with some overlapping others. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with thin golden streaks visible around its edges. The lighting emphasizes the rough texture and the soft crumbly look of the cookies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Though the cookies shine on their own, adding a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or finely sliced candied ginger can introduce a delightful crunch and enhance their festive appeal. A light drizzle of sugar-free dark chocolate can also add a hint of decadence when you want to impress guests or treat yourself.

Side Dishes

Pair your thumbprint cookies with a warm cup of spiced chai tea or a creamy unsweetened latte for a cozy treat. Keto-friendly hot cocoa works wonderfully too, offering a rich companion that magnifies the gingerbread spices while keeping your carb count low and your comfort levels high.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties or gift-giving, arrange these cookies on decorative trays lined with festive parchment paper and tie a little ribbon around stacks for a personal touch. Serving them alongside a small jar of homemade sugar-free jam or a festive cream cheese dip can also elevate their charm and encourage everyone to take seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Keto Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay tender and delicious for about 3-4 days, making them perfect for enjoying over several days of holiday festivities or casual snack times.

Freezing

You can freeze these thumbprint cookies either before or after filling. To freeze before filling, scoop and shape the dough on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. For baked cookies, freeze them fully cooled and filled, layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Properly stored, they last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating

Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes. If you like them slightly warm, gently heat in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cookies too soft or melt the filling unevenly. Warm cookies bring out the full aroma of the gingerbread spices beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use a different sweetener instead of erythritol?

Absolutely! You can swap golden erythritol and powdered erythritol with other keto-friendly sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia blends. Just be mindful of sweetness levels and texture differences, as some sweeteners can affect the dough’s consistency or the filling’s creaminess.

What if I don’t have almond flour? Can I use coconut flour only?

Almond flour is essential for the texture and nutty flavor in this recipe. Coconut flour alone would absorb a lot more liquid and make the dough crumbly. If needed, you can experiment with a combination, but stick close to the original measurements for best results.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes! To keep these cookies dairy-free, substitute the butter with coconut oil and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the filling. The texture might vary slightly but the flavor and festive spirit will remain intact.

How long do these cookies last after baking?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these thumbprint cookies will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freezing is recommended to keep them tasting like fresh-baked treats.

Can I add other flavors to the filling?

Certainly! Adding a drop of peppermint extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the cream cheese filling creates fun variations. You could also mix in some chopped nuts or sugar-free jam for a fruity twist. Feel free to get creative while staying within keto-friendly boundaries.

Final Thoughts

This Keto Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone seeking that perfect balance of festive flavor and keto-friendly goodness. With its warm spices, creamy filling, and simple preparation, it’s a treat that feels indulgent yet keeps you on track. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give these cookies a try—they’re sure to become a treasured favorite in your baking repertoire, bringing joy and deliciousness to any occasion.