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April 9, 2020

Lemon Sugar Cookies – Keto Sugar-Free

This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Soft and pillowy keto sugar cookies with a delicious sugar-free lemon frosting. A sneak peek recipe out of The Ultimate Guide to Keto Baking!

Close up shot of keto lemon cookies with lemon cream cheese frosting

Can you call it a sugar cookie if it doesn’t actually contain any sugar?

More importantly, do we even care? If it tastes and feels like a delicious frosted sugar cookie, why are we complaining?

No complaints here, and I wager that my fellow lemon lovers will have their mouths too full of these keto lemon cookies to complain much either!

Watch my video in the recipe card to see just how easy these delicious cookies are to make.

Frosted sugar cookies on a white plate with some unfrosted cookies in the background.

Keto Baking Guidebook

This is actually a recipe from my new (ish) cookbook, The Ultimate Guide to Keto Baking. It’s a book of which I am immensely proud.

I am such a diehard chocolate lover that I often forget just how delicious lemon dessert recipes can be. When I first made these keto lemon cookies, I was delighted by how good they were and I told myself I would remember how much I loved lemon desserts.

But of course I forgot. When I made them for the video, once again I was blown away by how good they were. I won’t forget again!

This cookbook is filled with all sorts of delightful recipes – lemon, chocolate, savory, sweet, if you can bake it, I created a recipe for it. It’s the most comprehensive cookbook on keto baking out there!

Tips for Keto Frosted Lemon Cookies

So how do you make sugar cookies without using any sugar? Great question!

Using keto friendly sweeteners

There is a dizzying array of keto sweeteners on the market these days, and not all of them work in the same way. This means that they can affect the consistency and flavor of your cookies.

You will definitely want a sweetener that has “bulk” for both the cookies. Bulk refers to a sweetener that has significant volume, similar to sugar. So stevia and monk fruit extract won’t really work here.

But any erythritol based sweeteners, as well as BochaSweet or allulose should be fine. I personally prefer Swerve in these, as both BochaSweet and allulose can make them a little softer and more cake-y.

For the frosting, a powdered sweetener such as Swerve Confectioners works best. You could use a liquid sweetener but will need to reduce the added liquids to make sure it doesn’t end up too soft and goopy.

Lemon extract or lemon juice?

I used lemon extract in the cookies, along with some lemon zest. Using lemon juice would throw off the wet to dry ratio too much. I really like the lemon extract from Simply Organic.

However, in the frosting, I used fresh lemon juice. You could use some lemon extract in its place, but would need to increase the cream to thin out the frosting to a spreadable consistency.

Natural yellow food coloring

You don’t have to color your frosting, but a light yellow makes the cookies look even more lemony and inviting. The brand I use is an all-natural vegetable powder from Color Kitchen.

Use a very light hand when adding it. You can add a bit, beat that in, and add a bit more. I find that using too much makes for an overly bright, almost neon color.

Keto lemon sugar cookies in a stack on a white plate with a blue vase of flowers in the background.

How to store keto lemon cookies

These cookies aren’t overly moist, so they last well on the counter for 3 or 4 days. Store in an airtight container. If you think they will be around longer than that, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

If you want to store the cookies even longer, they can easily be frozen. I recommend freezing the cookies separate from the frosting so they don’t get all smeared.

You can either make the lemon frosting fresh when you thaw the cookies, or you can freeze that in a separate container. Let it come to room temperature and beat it a bit to soften and make it creamy again. Then spread on the cookies and enjoy!

Ready to make these delicious frosted sugar cookies?

Two lemon sugar cookies with a cup of tea in a blue pattered cup. A vase with tulips in the background.

More keto lemon dessert ideas

  • Keto Lemon Cheesecake Bars
  • Keto Lemon Poppyseed Cake
  • Sugar-Free Lemon Curd
  • Keto Lemon Cream Pie
  • Lemon Blueberry Mug Cake
  • Lemon Magic Custard Cake
5 from 15 votes
Close up shot of keto lemon cookies with lemon cream cheese frosting
Print
Frosted Lemon Sugar Cookies
Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
18 mins
Total Time
48 mins
 

Soft and pillowy keto sugar cookies with a delicious sugar-free lemon frosting. A sneak peek recipe out of The Ultimate Guide to Keto Baking!

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: frosted sugar cookies, keto lemon cookies
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 262 kcal
Ingredients
Cookies
  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 2/3 cup Swerve Sweetener
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1 large egg yolk room temperature
  • 2 tsp grated lemon zest
  • 3/4 tsp lemon extract
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
Lemon Frosting
  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 3 tbsp butter softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered Swerve Sweetener
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp grated lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 to 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
  • Natural food coloring
Instructions
Cookies
  1. Preheat the oven to 325F and line two cookie sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper.

  2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sweetener together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, egg yolk, lemon zest, and extracts and beat until well combined.

  3. Add the almond flour, baking powder, and salt and beat until the dough comes together.

  4. Roll the dough inot 1-inch balls an dplace on the prepared cookie sheets at least 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with the palm of your hand to about 1/2 inch thick.

  5. Bake 15 to 18 minutes, until just golden around the edges, switching the pans halfway through baking. The cookies will be very soft still, but will continue to firm up as they cool.

Lemon Frosting
  1. Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Beat in the sweetener and vanilla extract until well combined.

  2. Beat in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Add one tablespoon of cream and beat until smooth. If the frosting is still thick, beat in the additional cream.

  3. Beat in a bit of yellow food coloring at a time until a lemon-y yellow is acheived.

  4. Spread the frosting over the tops of the cooled cookies. Decorate with a bit of grated lemon zest.

  5. To make lemon sandwich cookies, spread about 1 tablespoon of the frosting on the bottom of one cookie and top with another cookie.

Recipe Video

Nutrition Facts
Frosted Lemon Sugar Cookies
Amount Per Serving (2 cookies (or 1 sandwich cookie))
Calories 262 Calories from Fat 216
% Daily Value*
Fat 24g37%
Carbohydrates 5.1g2%
Fiber 2g8%
Protein 5.5g11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Filed Under: Cookies, Low Carb

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Nutritional Disclaimer

Please note that I am not a medical or nutritional professional. I am simply recounting and sharing my own experiences on this blog. Nothing I express here should be taken as medical advice and you should consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program. I provide nutritional information for my recipes simply as a courtesy to my readers. It is calculated using MacGourmet software and I remove erythritol from the final carb count and net carb count, as it does not affect my own blood glucose levels. I do my best to be as accurate as possible but you should independently calculate nutritional information on your own before relying on them. I expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website.

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Comments

  1. Christine M says

    April 9, 2020 at 12:18 pm

    Another winner! I didnt have fresh lemons so I used 2 drops of doterra lemon essential oil. I read what you said about the other sweeteners making them more cake like, which is what my husband loves, and went with Gentle Sweet. Thank you for continuing to share your recipes. Looks like I need to buy another one of your books!

    Reply
    • Carolyn says

      April 9, 2020 at 12:54 pm

      Excellent!

      Reply
  2. Melanie says

    April 9, 2020 at 4:33 pm

    Making these now and so excited. Don’t see exactly where to add Vanilla extract into icing? Thinking step two, but also worried maybe it’s not suppose to be in there at all? I suppose it won’t hurt. Should I add it anywhere specific?

    Reply
    • Carolyn says

      April 9, 2020 at 5:10 pm

      Sorry, I must have missed it in the instructions. Along with any of the liquids is fine!

      Reply
  3. Michel says

    April 11, 2020 at 2:27 pm

    5 stars
    Would subbing pecan flour for the almond flour in this recipe work?

    Reply
    • Carolyn says

      April 11, 2020 at 5:22 pm

      I don’t think that’s a good replacement, personally. Pecans are much stronger in flavour and have a darker color. you can certainly try it, though.

      Reply
  4. Karla says

    April 11, 2020 at 4:21 pm

    5 stars
    This is the best keto/low carb cookie ever! Thank you !!!!

    Reply
    • Carolyn says

      April 11, 2020 at 5:21 pm

      So glad you like them!

      Reply
  5. Cindy says

    April 11, 2020 at 9:27 pm

    Hi!!! Question regarding the sweetener. Is there a brand you find that doesn’t leave the cooling effect in your mouth??? I’m having a hard time with the keto sweeteners. 😢😢

    Reply
    • Carolyn says

      April 12, 2020 at 11:23 am

      I can’t possibly answer that for you. Why? Because everyone experiences all sweeteners differently. I get NO cooling sensation from Swerve.

      Reply
      • Ann says

        December 17, 2020 at 12:29 pm

        I like Monk fruit. No cooling effect. I don’t use Swerve for that very reason.

        Reply
        • Carolyn says

          December 17, 2020 at 4:13 pm

          No cooling affect for YOU. But we all experience these sweeteners differently. I get no cooling from Swerve and a strong aftertaste with monk fruit.

          Reply
    • Barb says

      April 15, 2020 at 5:53 pm

      5 stars
      Love this recipe! We love Lakanto sweetener, which is erythritol and monk fruit. In my opinion it does not have the cooling aftertaste – i really dont detect much aftertaste at all! We order ours from Amazon, as we haven’t found it in our local grocery stores.

      Reply
      • Melody Gibbs says

        June 13, 2020 at 7:50 am

        I have to agree with you Barb. I have used plain erythritol when I first started Keto then found Swerve which I liked very much. Then I found LaKanto monk fruit/erythritol and find this to be the best all the way around. I get mine at Costco. So happy they carry it!

        Reply
    • Deb says

      April 23, 2020 at 10:27 am

      Cindy, I also get a cooling sensation/after taste from Swerve but find I am find with Boca Sweet, Tagatose, or Alulose. I like the liquid stevia (cant do the powdered for some reason). Hope this helps and that one of them might work for you.

      Can’t rate the cookies yet as planning on making them this afternoon. They look devine.

      Reply
  6. Rosemarie Royce says

    April 13, 2020 at 12:00 pm

    5 stars
    You did it again! These are AMAZING! My cousin has a Meyer lemon tree. She gave us a ton of lemons that my husband and I zested and squeezed this weekend. Lots of portion sizes in the freezer to make all of your lemon stuff.

    We couldn’t stop eating these cookies. They are SOOOOOOOOOOO good.

    Reply
    • Carolyn says

      April 13, 2020 at 4:25 pm

      So delighted to hear it!

      Reply
  7. Karen says

    April 13, 2020 at 8:58 pm

    Any chance you might be able to give us an idea of the change in ratios if using lemon juice instead of lemon extract. I have an excellent supply of lemons. Thank you for your wonderful recipes.

    Reply
    • Carolyn says

      April 13, 2020 at 9:16 pm

      Afraid not. Ratios don’t really apply here… I didn’t measure it as a ratio to begin with. You will simply need to experiment.

      Reply
  8. Leann Nowak says

    April 16, 2020 at 9:42 am

    5 stars
    I am new to the “keto-ish” lifestyle. My biggest obstacle to this diet is staying away from sweets. Last night I printed out this recipe, put the butter, eggs, and cream cheese out on the counter to soften, and asked my 15 yr old daughter to make these cookies. They are AMAZING!!! She didn’t use the lemon flavoring or food coloring (we didn’t have either one on hand) but the cookies were still to die for. That pillowy icing – well, let’s just say I may or may not have grabbed a spoonful once or twice since last night just because it’s THAT GOOD! I am enjoying your website as I go through your posts and just purchased your cookbook. THANK YOU!!!

    Reply
    • Carolyn says

      April 16, 2020 at 6:14 pm

      So glad to hear it and so delighted your 15 year old made them!

      Reply
  9. Dawnj says

    April 20, 2020 at 7:39 pm

    5 stars
    Made these wonderful cookies yesterday fully intending to make them into cookie sandwiches. The rolling was easy using a small cookie scoop and then finishing rounding them between your hands. Perfect lemon taste in both cookie and frosting. So heavenly I wanted more of them to eat so iced them individually. What a treat the frosting is. “Luckily” there was enough frosting made for a small bowl in the fridge (in the back). 😉.
    Thank you, Carolyn!

    Reply
    • Carolyn says

      April 20, 2020 at 8:55 pm

      Glad you liked it!

      Reply
  10. Deb says

    April 25, 2020 at 8:45 am

    5 stars
    OUTSTANDING !!! Bought your baking book and had these tabbed as top of the list “to do” but hadn’t gotten to them until now. My mistake. Big mistake. Should not have waited.

    I have made many (as in many many many) of your desserts and cookies but this is truly one of your very best. Was short on lemon so just did a vanilla cookie with lemon icing and zest on top. Loved it. Per your molassas cookie, I added 1/2 tsp of grass feed gelatin because I like my sugar cookies to have the chewiness. OMG One is the perfect after dinner treat. With the virus shelter in place, this was the highlight of my week….big smiles at our house. Thanks!

    Reply
  11. Amy says

    April 25, 2020 at 2:12 pm

    Did you use 2 drops of essential oil in lieu of the juice in the frosting or did you put it in the cookie? I have lemons, but not lemon extract…but I do have lemon essential oil from doterra. Thanks!

    Reply
  12. Jana says

    April 29, 2020 at 11:36 am

    5 stars
    Winner at our house too! I actually had the lemon extract in the cabinet from a previous recipe and both me and hubby are in love with this cookie! He said “they’re perfectly addictive!” — and he’s right! Not too sweet and just the perfect amount of lemony tartness. Another awesome recipe, Carolyn! THANK YOU!!

    Reply
  13. alisha says

    May 1, 2020 at 9:31 am

    5 stars
    I’ve been working on lowering my carbs and diminishing the cravings, but I still want a treat. This is a great fit for me.

    Reply
  14. Rachael Yerkes says

    May 1, 2020 at 9:42 am

    5 stars
    Love that these are keto friendly. Lemon is my favorite flavor right now and these cookies are delicious!

    Reply
  15. wilhelmina says

    May 1, 2020 at 9:59 am

    5 stars
    When cookies are this delicious, I don’t give a hoot what they are called! I just want a another batch!

    Reply
  16. sue says

    June 5, 2020 at 8:55 pm

    hope to make these tomorrow……………..can I used the powdered Swerve in the cookie dough? I know you specified powdered in the frosting, but the video said granulated for the cookie……. thank you for all of your help…..

    Reply
    • Carolyn says

      June 6, 2020 at 11:18 am

      Sure, that should work.

      Reply
  17. Tina says

    June 14, 2020 at 2:14 pm

    5 stars
    I made these today! They are delicious!!

    Reply
  18. Kirsty Hardiman says

    June 26, 2020 at 6:51 am

    Hi, what would be the carbs etc without the frosting?

    Reply
    • Carolyn says

      June 26, 2020 at 8:08 am

      I am not sure but you should be able to run the numbers yourself on an app like My Fitness Pal.

      Reply
  19. Dana Slaydon says

    July 5, 2020 at 12:28 pm

    This looks so good!!!!

    Reply
  20. Evelyn Marks says

    September 5, 2020 at 7:54 am

    Can I use unflavored gelitan in place of grass fed gelitan? Cannot find it.

    Reply
    • Carolyn says

      September 5, 2020 at 8:06 am

      If you mean Knox gelatin, yes but you would only need one envelope of it.

      Reply
      • Evelyn Marks says

        September 5, 2020 at 9:13 pm

        5 stars
        Turned out fantastic. Made the cream cheese icing and froze for ice cream sandwiches. FANTASTIC

        Reply
  21. Yo Mac says

    September 17, 2020 at 11:30 pm

    5 stars
    Thank you so much for his recipe. I am relatively new to Keto and staying away from the sweets is/was an issue. This cookie recipe is fantastic!

    Reply
  22. Jon says

    October 22, 2020 at 12:13 pm

    5 stars
    Loved these the first time I made them, and am now preparing to make them a 2nd time. Just as an aside, after letting them cool a bit, I frosted them, but left them on the cookie tray, then stuck them in the freezer overnight, before bagging them up for ‘permanent’ freezing. That got the frosting solid enough that I really didn’t make too much of a mess. Will be doing both this and the lemon cheesecake bars again in the next couple of weeks (though this time I plan to make the bars into an actual round cheesecake ….) Thanks again for the terrific recipes.

    Reply

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Carolyn PortraitLooking for the best low carb recipes? You've come to the right place! I'm Carolyn, a major carnivore and an unrepentant sweet tooth. Here you will find all you need to enjoy the low carb keto lifestyle to the fullest! Read more

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