A truly chewy keto cookie recipe! The low carb, sugar-free ginger cookie of your dreams, I am not kidding. In partnership with Bob’s Red Mill.
You know, I am really really good at keto baking. As immodest as that may seem, I am just going to put that out there. I have a knack for it, an intuitive understanding of how my low carb ingredients will behave. Sometimes I am wrong and they defy me, but not very often anymore. And it’s always a true joy to see other people make my recipes and have success too. I like to flatter myself that I am on the cutting edge here, experimenting and pushing the envelope, testing out new ideas and really changing the landscape of baking in general. I want to really find out what I can do with ingredients like almond flour and coconut flour, how far I can bend them to my will.
All that said, I am well aware that I stand to learn many things from other people. Sometimes a reader will pass on a tip and I will be intrigued enough to try it out. And then my mind is blown and my little brain starts churning like a crazed hamster on the wheel. Oh the sweet possibilities! A whole new avenue of baking experimentation has opened up and I am definitely going to stroll down it. And enjoy every second.
So, the secret to making truly chewy low carb cookies? Of course, I use my trusty Bob’s Red Mill almond flour as the base, because it makes the best low carb cookies by far. I always know that they will come out with great flavour and great texture. But in addition to that, I added a few tablespoons of grassfed gelatin. And that changed the texture completely. They were soft without being cake-y, and they had a distinct chewiness – just like a real ginger molasses cookie. It was a tip that I picked up on my Facebook page when a reader left it in the comments, and I figured it was worth a shot. And I was truly impressed. Some cookies should be crispy, some should be soft, and some should be chewy. Until now, I’ve never been able to achieve that chewy quality. It totally changes the low carb cookie game!
Now my keto cookie making obsession might be worse than it already was. As you can see from the photos here, I first intended this to be a holiday recipe. But things got away on me and I had so many other great recipes to share. So it’s a post-Christmas cookie. Because Chewy Ginger Cookies have no season…they are always welcome!
You also need to check out these Coconut Flour Cookies from my friend Erin of Texanerin Baking!
A truly chewy keto cookie recipe! The low carb, sugar-free ginger cookie of your dreams, I am not kidding.
- 2 cups almond flour
- 2 tbsp grassfed gelatin
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1 cup granular Swerve sweetener
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 tsp Yacon syrup optional
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Preheat the oven to 325F and line two baking sheets with parchment or silicone liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, gelatin, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and cloves.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter, almond butter and sweetener until smooth. Beat in the eggs, Yacon, and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Add the almond flour mixture and continue to beat until the dough comes together.
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Roll into 1 inch balls and place a few inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake 5 minutes, then remove from the oven and gently press down a bit (to encourage them to spread). Return to the oven and bake another 7 minutes or so, until just barely golden brown. They will still be very soft.
- Remove and let cool completely on the pan.
Many thanks to Bob’s Red Mill for partnering with me to bring you this recipe.
Penny Reveile says
What are other uses for the grass fed gelatin? I need to rationalize the cost. Otherwise, at 2 tsp per recipe…That’s a lottza cookies! Seriously, lotza cookies with this recipe may not be a bad thing!?
Nancy says
I stir it into my morning coffee or tea… literally, I stir with one hand and pour it in with the other so it mixes in without clumping! It is good for joints, nails, hair, skin…
Jan says
I’ve used Great Lakes Collagen (green label) in my coffee, but not the red label gelatin. Does it thicken? Not sure I’d like that in my coffee. lol
These cookies are getting today! I love ginger cookies and I actually have ALL the ingredients!
Nancy says
P.S. The recipe actually uses 2 Tablespoons of GF Gelatin…
I also use it to make homemade gummies and jello…
Nancy says
P.S.S. I went to the company’s website and used their store locator, which led me to it at a health food store near me, at only $15 a cannister…
Loretta says
I priced Knox Gelatin from the grocery store vs Great Lakes Gelatin from Amazon. Great Lakes is a much better buy and also sourced from grass fed beef. Also, make yourself some wonderful gum drops ( or bears) and they make a great nibble when you just have to have something sweet.
Carolyn says
Gummies, Jello, fat bombs and a number of other recipes that are going into my upcoming Easy Keto Desserts cookbook!
Kate says
Put in your protein shake.
lynnie Feavel says
I use the gelatin in homemade gummies all the time…I make them at least twice a month…very nutritious….
Jessica says
You’re my go-to for keto baking, girl! Thank you. Love the book, too.
Vmm says
I just tried this on the first after seeing it on keto connect! I love it!
I also added it to my caramel sauce for candies pecans and for a basic caramel pecan bar (by adding a bit of pecans and ground coconut for various layers topped with a few Lily’s chips to melt. Mmm. Lazy-girls baking but it quenched my desire and was tight on for macros! For the caramel stuff, it helped take away any grittiness… And made it look like more real homemade caramels! If you tinker with the amounts, I bet a chewy homemade caramel could be achieved!
Kate says
Were you referring to the gelatin or the yacoun syrup in this reply? Thanks
vmm says
oops, sorry if that was vague. the gelatin:)
Melissa Leach says
What does the Yacon syrup contribute that would be missing if omitted? Is there a good substitution?
Carolyn says
The “molasses” colour and flavour is what the Yacon does. You can leave it out or you can use real molasses. at only 2 teaspoons, it adds only about 0.5g of carbs per serving.
Melissa Leach says
Thanks, Carolyn!
Karen says
With regard to, “I am really really good at keto baking…” As I tell the hubs, “it ain’t bragging if you can do it !!” Your Baking Bad Assery never ceases to amaze. =))
Carolyn says
LOL! Thanks.
Becky Gardiner says
Could I use simple Knox unflavored gelatin instead since I already have it in my cabinet? If so, would it be the same measurement? I know I really need to order some Great Lakes Gelatin….wish it was in a store near me.
Carolyn says
I am not sure. I think it’s worth a try. I would use 2 envelopes of it…it’s less than the Great Lakes one but it gels more.
Derrick says
Hi,
I read elsewhere that a starting point for Knox (pork) vs Great Lakes (beef) is 1 tsp Knox ~= 1.25 tsp Great Lakes.
As such, 4.80/4.75 tsp of Knox might work! Too late to try tons get; one night this week for sure!
Pam Mattox says
These cookies were delicious! Much more real tasting than many other low carb recipes I’ve tried. Definitely keeping this recipe! Thanks!
Carolyn says
Oh yay, thanks!
Anne O says
Wow! Sensational! Another winner Carolyn….I subbed molasses for Yukon syrup. I froze 2/3 the dough in 1 balls Cuz 40 yummy cookies at My disposal won’t work with my goals! Thanks again!
Carolyn says
I have some frozen balls too! I did that at Christmas and I made half of them to take away on a vacation. They need a bit more “encouragement” to spread properly (i.e when you push them down with a glass) but they totally work that way.
Brigitte says
If you put them in the oven frozen, put them in directly, so no pre-heating. They thaw when the oven warms.
Michelle says
Delicious cookies, but you already know that! ☺️
I didn’t have any granular Swerve on hand and was anxious to try these out so I used straight Erythritol instead. The cookies have that cool taste to them. Would using the Swerve have avoided that coolness?
I’m guessing I shouldn’t have been so impatient haha
Carolyn says
Some people still experience that with Swerve but I don’t which is why it’s my go-to sweetener.
Kate says
How about a chewy chocolate chip cookie recipe in the future? That would be great.
Betsy Rome says
To substitute for the Yacon syrup, could I use Sukrin gold fiber syrup? I also have molasses extract, could I use a combination of the 2? Thanks, love your recipes!
Carolyn says
Sure, sounds good!
Jen Schoenbein says
Very cool! I just attempted this myself a couple of weeks ago with my holiday baking. I settled on using almond butter which wasn’t terribly far off on texture. Hubby said it had a bit of an oatmeal cookies chewiness so I will continue to investigate that route as well. Can’t wait to try these! Thanks!
Jen
eva says
Yum! I just made these with real molasses, sukrin gold and a bit more ginger. They really are chewy! My carb-loving husband is very happy with them too. Thanks Carolyn for another winner!!
Betsy Stokes says
Can’t wait to try this recipe! Do you use ginger already ground, or do you use it fresh?
Carolyn says
Ground ginger.
Betsy Stokes says
There’s a 100% gluten-free restaurant here in Alabama (two locations) called Mason Dixon, which has a couple low-carb desserts, and their cookies are delightfully chewy! I have been trying to figure out how they do it. Maybe gelatin is the key!
Michael Krupar says
I CAN’T wait to make these, either later today or tomorrow. I woke up this morning craving Ginger Snaps and these sound like they’e tame the craving.
Stacy Schneider says
Carolyn,
These are amazing! I am dairy free so used room temperature Ghee instead of butter and they are perfect!
THANK YOU! (yes, I AM shouting with joy!)
Shonna Hines says
These cookies have great flavor and amazing texture! Thank you for all you hard work creating these cookie recipes!
Barbara says
These sound delicious and am anxious to try them! I need to use a different sweetener than Swerve. When I use it, the baked good tastes cool and not pleasant. Any suggestions for a substitute?
Carolyn says
What do you prefer to use?
Kate says
The people on low carb friends are raving about a new sweetener called Bochasweeet. Not erithritol based so supposedly doesn’t have that cooling effect. The only downside appears to be the cost.
Shana says
What does it mean when you say “taste cool”?
Jen says
Made these today and they are DELISH! Thank you for yet another amazing recipe! ?
Corinne says
Can i use peanut butter instead of almond here?
Carolyn says
Yes, but expect a peanut flavour a bit. PB has much stronger flavour than almond butter.
Kathy says
This might be a really dumb question but can I substitute powdered collagen for the gelatin?
Carolyn says
You can…but you won’t get the same chewy result.
Carolyn says
Sure but you wouldn’t get the same chewy quality.
Jackie Martin says
I never ate ginger cookies ‘before’ so made theses not expecting much. Was I wrong! These are very good…I ate one out of the oven and thought hmmm, it’s pretty good. But then, the next day, boy did they develop their flavour and I love the crisp on the outside. Thanks!
Cyndi says
Just made these! They taste often,however the all spread out together and are super thin. Not sure what I did wrong
Cyndi says
Guess I should do spell check before I post. Lol. They taste great, but they spread out everywhere, almost runny.
Carolyn says
These do not come out runny so either you mismeasured something or it could be your almond flour. What brand?
Jen Myers says
Wondered if the serving size is one cookie? Wanted to watch the calories..
Carolyn says
The recipe states the serving size right at the top.
Beth says
So, is a serving one cookie? Serving size isn’t stated in the nutrition box.
Kim McRae says
Serving size is 2 cookies as stated in the recipe and in the nutrition facts
Ginny says
I’m searching for a paleo recipe to make chewy ginger cookies for my husband, who loves the ones from our local bakery Uprising Breads. These sound perfect . except for the almond flour. I’m allergic to almonds. do you have any suggestions for a non=nut substitute for almond flour?
Carolyn says
Yes, sunflower seed flour is the best substitute.
Brigitte says
Not living in the US so other ingredients here. Could I use xilitol for sweetener and if so the same amount or not. And I really dislike geletine, can I substitute for agar agar, because that’s what I have and I don’t have use for geletine.
Carolyn says
This is not a recipe for agar agar. Xylitol should work.
Sandie says
These are the best keto cookies I’ve tried. Even my husband loves them and he doesn’t usually like keto backed goods. Thank you for another great recipe.
Mimi Antonetti says
I pre-ordered your cookbook and was so happy when it arrived! I just made the Spinach and Mushroom Gratin and it was the bomb!! I can’t wait to make more of these recipes – thank you so much for making Keto easier!
Carolyn says
Glad to hear it, Mimi. I called that gratin a side dish but man…it could really be the whole meal!
michelle says
HI there, do you add the gelatin right out of the can or do you liquify first?
Thanks,Michelle
Carolyn says
As stated in the directions, just right out of the can.
Frances Ryals says
I can’t find the recipe for these cookies. Help!
Carolyn says
It’s not you. My site is having issues and we are trying to get it fixed ASAP.
Janey says
Hi Carolyn, These look amazing, but I am vegetarian so the gelatine is a no no for me, Any ideas about substitutes please? Really mising that chewy cookie texture 🙁 Any advice gratefully received thanks x
Carolyn says
It’s worth trying some sort of vegan gelatin replacement like agar agar. I don’t really know how those work.
Janey says
That’s a good idea, thanks Carolyn – will give it a try and report back 🙂 Really appreciate all your hard work and generosity – thank you!
Tex says
I made these bad boys with sunflower seed flour & tahini for a nut-free version, and they turned out beautifully – I cannot believe the chew factor, Carolyn! Superb!
Laura says
These are, by far, my favorite keto cookies so far. The texture is perfect and the flavor is delicious. I used peanut butter and omitted the cloves just based on personal preference but they are still SO GOOD! Thank you! I can’t wait to make these again. 🙂
Anne Tenhunen says
Thank You so many wonderful recipes !
Can I use this same method for others cookies ? (Gelatin )
Do You have a good recipe for chewy chocolate cookies ?
Best regards from Finland
Anne T
Carolyn says
Hi Anne…I actually have a chewy chocolate cookie recipe but it will be in my upcoming cookbook, Easy Keto Desserts. 🙂
Suzan says
I’d like to use sunflower seed flour instead but it turns green when baked if there’s baking soda in the recipe. I heard that adding chocolate covers the green. How much chocolate or cocoa would I use? Do I add more sweetener too?
Thanks.
Cathy Krasnianski says
Very nice flavor, but I wouldn’t call them “Ginger” cookies, per se. They’re more of a spice cookie. Also I thought they needed a couple more minutes in the oven. Question: can these be kept at room temp, or should the cookies be kept in the fridge? Thanks, and keep the great recipes coming!!!
Carolyn says
Room temp.
Liz says
Could I use inulin powder instead of Yacon syrup as I can’t get it here in New Zealand. It is a prebiotic powder.
Tina says
Most definitely NOT “the low carb, sugar-free ginger cookie of my dreams.”
I’m sorry but these cookies are WAY too hyped up. I subbed the yacon for actual molasses, and halved the amount of ginger, but otherwise followed the recipe exactly, and they were just so disappointing.
Way too spicy and the texture was gritty. I understand most low carb cookies get that gritty from the almond flour (or at least the kind I use) but they weren’t appetizing at all. I had to toss the whole batch in the garbage. Waste of expensive ingredients. 🙁
Carolyn says
I am sorry you felt that way. What kind of almond flour are you using, though? That may be a HUGE issue here. Because made with fine almond flour, these aren’t the least bit gritty.
KM says
Wonderful texture. It wasn’t as much ginger flavor as I’d hoped for, so I am going to make a cream cheese topping with Swerve and ginger, and see if that helps. I will definitely make these again, but will increase the ginger. Thanks for this recipe.
Lulu says
Very good! Thank you!
I changed things up a bit though:
* only had 1tsp ginger left so I used it but also 2tsp cinnamon
* used 2tbsp regular gelatin and blackstrap molasses for yacon
* added 2 tbsp coconut flour and froze the dough for an hour
* rolled the 1″ balls in 4 tbsp xylitol and 4 tsp cinnamon
Then baked 5min, flattened, then 12 min more.
I love these as cinnamon cookies! Finally I’ll have a ‘fall’ cookie to make next season when all those spiced treats are around !
Jean Hufford says
Omg!!! You outdid yourself with this one! No one would ever ever know these are sugar free! I honestly think they are now my favorite keto cookie…so chewy and I love ginger! You are awesome Carolyn! I’m so thankful for you every single day!!!
Susan Pelter says
I made these a week or so ago and froze the dough…broke it out last night and baked them and they are DELICIOUS. The consistency is just incredible – mimics my old high-carb favorite Brer Rabbit Molasses Cookies to a T. Best low-carb cookies ever, and that’s saying something! I used half Just Like Brown Sugar to give the molasses taste and they were just fabulous. Next time I will add a little salt and a few drops of stevia, but these are addictive. I’m already thinking about how to make a chewy chocolate version!
Tracy James says
Can’t wait to try these! A few questions:
1) Is yacon syrup usually available at places like Whole Foods?
2) Do you think I should sift my almond flour to make sure it is “fine?”
3) All I have is Knox gelatin – I will order the Great Lakes but I want to make these TODAY! Y’all are crazy if you think I understood the conversion math in the above post, LOL. Can someone just tell me the exact measurement of Knox gelatin for this recipe?
Many thanks!
Carolyn says
Yacon is sometimes available at WF. What kind of almond flour do you have? I don’t sift mine and I use Bob’s. You can use the Knox…about 1 envelope. Maybe an envelope and a half?
Tracy James says
Thanks! I think mine is Bob’s too so I will try without sifting.