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    Home > Recipes > Uncategorized

    Keto Lemon Thumbprint Cookies

    February 25, 2021 by bobbiskozykitchen Leave a Comment

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    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Doing so allows me to create more unique content and recipes for you.

    Get ready to fall in love with these Keto Lemon Thumbprint Cookies (Gluten-Free), where buttery shortbread meets bright, tangy lemon curd for the perfect sugar-free treat! Made with almond flour and filled with homemade keto lemon curd, these tender little cookies pack all the sunny citrus flavor you're craving with just 2 net carbs each. Whether you're hosting afternoon tea or just need a sweet, lemony pick-me-up, these easy-to-make cookies will have everyone asking for seconds!

    Close up of Keto Lemon Thumbprint Cookies on a marble cutting board.

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    In This Post
    • 🥘Keto Lemon Thumbprint Cookies Ingredient Notes
    • 🔪How to Make Keto Lemon Thumbprint Cookies
    • Storing Your Keto Lemon Thumbprint Cookies
    • 💭My Recipe Tips
    • FAQ about Keto Lemon Thumbprint Cookies
    • 🍽️Serving Suggestions
    • More Delicious Cookie Recipes...
    • Keto Lemon Thumbprint Cookies
    • Food safety

    Why You'll Love These Keto Lemon Thumbprint Cookies

    • Perfect Small-Batch Spring Treat: These delicate almond flour cookies yield exactly 12 perfectly portioned treats, ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth without tempting leftovers. Each tender cookie delivers the perfect balance of buttery shortbread and bright lemon curd, all while keeping carbs in check at just 2 net carbs each!
    • Quick and Simple to Make: No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients here! With just 7 basic keto pantry staples and about 20 minutes, you can create these impressive-looking cookies that taste like they came from a fancy bakery. The foolproof dough comes together easily, and the quick sugar-free lemon curd filling makes these cookies a breeze to prepare.
    • Versatile and Make-Ahead Friendly: Whether you're planning Easter dessert, hosting afternoon tea, or just craving something sweet and lemony, these gluten-free thumbprint cookies fit the bill perfectly. Make the lemon curd and cookie dough ahead of time, then assemble when ready to serve. They're elegant enough for special occasions but simple enough for everyday treats!

    Keto Lemon Thumbprint Cookies (Gluten-Free): A Taste of Sunshine in Every Bite! 🍋

    As we hit the end of February, my thoughts turn to springtime and all things lemony and bright! Maybe it's my wishful thinking trying to hurry the warm weather along (I'm so over being cold and wet!), or maybe it's the excitement about my new raised bed garden project. The Mr is building my beds soon, and I've got my grow lights, heating pads, and approximately eleventy-billion seed packets ready to transform my office corner into a mini greenhouse!

    But honestly? I think it's just that nothing says springtime quite like bright, tangy lemon treats. These keto lemon thumbprint cookies were born from that spring fever, transforming my popular keto chocolate thumbprint Christmas cookies into something fresh and sunny. Made with almond flour and filled with my quick sugar-free lemon curd, they're the perfect gluten-free spring or Easter treat!

    Don't you think lemon just tastes like sunshine? Call me weird, but no matter what the weather's doing outside, one bite of these tender, buttery cookies with their tangy lemon curd centers makes everything feel bright and sunny inside. That's just how I roll! 😊

    And let me tell you, between how easy the sugar-free lemon curd is to make and how quickly these keto lemon thumbprint cookies come together. There's absolutely no reason not to whip up a batch... or three! The only downside? They're so incredibly good you might find yourself wanting to hoard them all for yourself. Trust me, I've been tempted!

    But if you've got more willpower than I do (and honestly, who doesn't?), grab those keto-friendly ingredients and get baking! These are a quintessential spring dessert that'll make everyone smile - whether they're following a low-carb lifestyle or not. And when everyone's smiling? This girl is very happy indeed!

    🍽️✨ Don't forget to share your delightful creations with us on Instagram using #BobbisKozyKitchen for a chance to be featured in our newsletter! 📸

    🥘Keto Lemon Thumbprint Cookies Ingredient Notes

    Here, I explain the best ingredients for my Keto Lemon Thumbprint Cookies recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For the exact measurements, see the recipe card below.

    • Quick Microwave Low-Carb Lemon Curd: This creates the perfect tangy, creamy center for these cookies. Substitution: Store-bought sugar-free lemon curd can be used if you can find it, but homemade tastes so much better!
    • Wholesome Yum Superfine Almond Flour: Provides the perfect tender, shortbread-like texture for our cookies. Substitution: Other brands of superfine blanched almond flour work well, but avoid almond meal as it will make cookies grainy.
    • Besti Brown Monk Fruit Sweetener: Adds sweetness and a subtle warmth to the cookie base. Substitution: Any brown sugar substitute will work, though flavors may vary slightly.
    • Xanthan Gum: Helps bind the cookies and create the perfect texture since we're not using regular flour. Substitution: No direct substitution; it's essential for the proper cookie texture.
    • Pink Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness. Substitution: Regular sea salt works perfectly fine.
    • Unsalted Grass-Fed Butter: Creates that rich, buttery shortbread flavor and texture. Substitution: Regular unsalted butter works well too. Must be softened for proper mixing.
    • Madagascar Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cookie base. Substitution: Any pure vanilla extract will work, or use vanilla bean paste for extra flavor.

    The printable recipe card at the bottom of the page contains a detailed list of measurements and instructions.

    🔪How to Make Keto Lemon Thumbprint Cookies

    I have included a few step-by-step photos to help you visualize the recipe. The recipe card below provides the full instructions, including amounts and temperatures.

    Overhead view of a large glass mixing bowl containing almond flour, salt, brown sweetener, xanthan gum, and grass-fed unsalted butter, with a measuring spoon of vanilla extract being held over the bowl.

    Whisk the almond flour, brown sweetener, xanthan gum, sea salt, butter, and vanilla together until a smooth dough forms.

    Overhead view of a white female presenting hand holding an unbaked keto thumbprint cookie above a glass mixing bowl containing the remaining cookie dough.

    Roll an even tablespoon of dough into a ball, make an indent in each with your thumb, and place them on a baking sheet.

    Overhead view of a white cookie spatula holding a keto thumbprint cookie before the lemon curd is added.

    Bake in the oven for 10 minutes and let them cool for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

    A white hand holding a keto lemon thumbprint cookie above a metal cooling rack that holds the remining cookies from the batch.

    Spoon a teaspoon of the lemon curd into each cookie.

    Storing Your Keto Lemon Thumbprint Cookies

    Storage Instructions:

    1. Unfilled Cookies:
      • Cool completely before storing
      • Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
      • Store with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking
      • Can be frozen for up to 3 months
    2. Filled Cookies:
      • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
      • Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking
      • The lemon curd may soften the cookies slightly over time
      • Not recommended for freezing once filled
    3. Lemon Curd Storage:
      • Store extra lemon curd separately in the refrigerator
      • Keeps for up to 1 week in an airtight container
      • Can be frozen for up to 3 months

    Make-Ahead Options:

    1. Make cookie dough and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking
    2. Bake cookies and store them unfilled until ready to serve
    3. Fill cookies just before serving for the best texture

    Pro Tips:

    • For best results, assemble cookies within a few hours of serving
    • Allow refrigerated cookies to come to room temperature before serving
    • Consider storing cookies and lemon curd separately and assembling them as needed
    • Always ensure containers are completely sealed to maintain freshness
    Close up photo of someone holding a Keto Lemon Thumbprint Cookies in their hand with more cookies and lemons in the background.

    💭My Recipe Tips

    1. Perfect Your Thumbprints Make your indents in two stages - first before baking, then gently reshape while the cookies are still warm if needed. Using the back of a rounded teaspoon can create more uniform indents than thumbs.

    2. Room Temperature Butter Matters Your butter should be perfectly softened - not melted, not cold. It should easily indent when pressed but still hold its shape. This ensures your dough comes together smoothly without overworking.

    3. Don't Skip the Cooling Time Be patient! These cookies need to cool completely before filling with lemon curd. Warm cookies will cause the curd to become runny and could make the cookies break apart.

    4. Master Your Measurements When measuring almond flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level off - don't scoop directly from the bag. Compacted flour can make your cookies too dense.

    5. Filling Finesse Don't overfill your cookies with lemon curd. About a teaspoon is perfect - any more, and it might overflow. A small piping bag or zipper bag with the corner snipped makes filling neat and easy.

    6. Size Matters Keep your cookie dough balls consistent in size (about 1 tablespoon each) for even baking. This small-batch recipe makes exactly 12 cookies when portioned correctly.

    7. Watch Your Edges These cookies should be just barely golden at the edges when done. Overbaking can make them dry and crumbly, so keep an eye on them during those final minutes!

    FAQ about Keto Lemon Thumbprint Cookies

    My thumbprints disappeared while baking! What happened?

    This is totally normal! That's why we reshape them while they're still warm from the oven. Use the back of a rounded teaspoon to gently press the centers down again before they cool completely.

    Why do I need xanthan gum?

    Since we're using almond flour instead of regular flour, xanthan gum helps bind the cookies together and create that perfect shortbread texture. Without it, your cookies might be too crumbly.

    Help! My dough is too crumbly/wet. What should I do?

    The dough should hold together when pressed but not be sticky. If it's too crumbly, add softened butter 1 teaspoon at a time. If too wet, add almond flour 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency.

    🍽️Serving Suggestions

    1. Perfect Tea Time Pairings

    These delicate keto cookies are perfect with afternoon tea! Serve alongside a pot of Earl Grey or chamomile tea. For an extra special touch, add sugar-free whipped cream or keto lemon tea cakes to create a complete afternoon tea experience.

    2. Holiday Cookie Platters

    Create a beautiful spring or Easter dessert platter by pairing these lemon thumbprints with other keto cookies like chocolate chip, sugar cookies, or shortbread. The bright yellow centers make them a stunning centerpiece!

    3. Brunch Additions

    Add these to your keto brunch spread alongside sugar-free mimosas and savory dishes. They're light enough to serve as a brunch dessert but special enough to feel like a treat.

    4. Dessert Garnishes

    Use these as an elegant garnish for other keto desserts. Try them alongside sugar-free lemon mousse, cheesecake, or panna cotta for a coordinated citrus theme.

    5. Gift-Giving

    Package these cookies in pretty boxes or clear bags for spring gifts or party favors. Just remember to keep them refrigerated if they're filled with lemon curd!

    6. Simple Dessert Board

    Create a keto-friendly dessert board with these cookies as the star. Add sugar-free chocolate squares, berries, and keto nuts for a beautiful presentation.

    7. Beverage Pairings

    Serve with keto-friendly drinks like:

    • Sugar-free lemonade
    • Iced tea
    • Keto coffee drinks
    • Sugar-free champagne cocktails
    Photo of a Keto Lemon Thumbprint Cookies on a small white plate with a cookie stand full of them in the background.

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    • Close up of keto peanut butter cookies on a baking sheet.
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    Several keto lemon thumbprint cookies on a white marble counter.

    Keto Lemon Thumbprint Cookies

    Get ready to fall in love with these Keto Lemon Thumbprint Cookies (Gluten-Free), where buttery shortbread meets bright, tangy lemon curd for the perfect sugar-free treat!
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    Prep Time 14 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Cooling 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 cookies
    Calories 127 kcal

    Equipment

    • Large Mixing Bowl
    • measuring cups and spoons
    • Whisk
    • Baking sheet
    • Wire Cooling Rack

    Ingredients
      

    • 1/4 cup Sugar-Free Lemon Curd
    • 1 1/2 cups Wholesome Yum almond flour
    • 1/4 cup Besti Brown Sweetener
    • 1/2 tsp xanthan gum
    • A pinch pink sea salt
    • 1/4 cup unsalted grass-fed butter softened
    • 2 tsp real vanilla extract
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat your the to 350 degrees F.
    • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the almond flour, brown monk fruit, xanthan gum, and sea salt. Add the butter and vanilla and mix until a dough forms.
    • Roll an even tablespoon of dough into 12 balls and place them on a baking sheet. Make an indent in each with your thumb.
    • Bake in the oven for 10 minutes. When you remove them from the oven, you may need to push the indents back down a little with a spoon.
    • Let them cool for 5 minutes then transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.
    • Spoon a teaspoon of the lemon curd into each cookie.

    Disclaimer

    Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs will not be included as it has a glycemic index of 0 (meaning it does not spike blood sugar) and it’s not metabolized. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 127kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 8mgPotassium: 2mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 118IUCalcium: 1mgIron: 0.001mg
    Keyword Keto, Low Carb, Gluten-Free, cookies, vegetarian, lemon
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Food safety

    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

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    Welcome! It is so nice to meet you. My name is Bobbi. I am the Mom of 2 great kids, and Nana to 3 amazing littles. I share my home in the beautiful PNW with my husband Kevin, and 2 furbabies, a Pyrador named Sia, and a Boxer/GSD Mix named Hawk..

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