These Low Carb Pecan Pie Cookies deliver all the rich, buttery flavors of classic pecan pie in a delicious bite-sized cookie. Featuring a soft almond flour cookie base and a gooey caramel pecan center, these cookies are perfect for anyone following a low-carb, keto, or sugar-free lifestyle. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and decadent nutty filling, they taste like a holiday treat while keeping carbs surprisingly low.
The buttery cookie shell surrounds a sticky caramel-like pecan topping made without refined sugar, creating a dessert that’s both satisfying and guilt-free. Whether you’re preparing holiday cookie trays, looking for a keto-friendly dessert, or simply craving pecan pie without the carbs, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.
Best of all, they’re easy to make, freezer-friendly, and packed with rich pecan flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Low carb and keto-friendly
- Completely sugar-free
- Soft, buttery texture
- Gooey caramel pecan filling
- Easy to make
- Perfect for holidays
- Gluten-free
- Freezer-friendly
- Only about 3 net carbs per cookie
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 12–14 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
- Yield: 18 cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
- 2 cups finely ground almond flour
- ¼ cup powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Gooey Caramel Pecan Filling
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- â…“ cup sugar-free brown sweetener
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- Pinch of salt
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Saucepan
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
- Cooling rack
How to Make Low Carb Pecan Pie Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a medium bowl combine:
- Almond flour
- Powdered sweetener
- Salt
- Baking powder
Whisk together.
In a separate bowl beat:
- Softened butter
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
Until smooth.
Add the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Refrigerate the dough for 15 minutes.
This makes shaping easier and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Step 4: Make the Sugar-Free Caramel Pecan Filling
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat combine:
- Butter
- Sugar-free brown sweetener
- Heavy cream
Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly.
The mixture should become smooth and caramel-like.
Remove from heat.
Stir in:
- Vanilla extract
- Chopped pecans
- Pinch of salt
Allow to cool slightly.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Roll dough into 18 equal balls.
Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Using your thumb or the back of a measuring spoon, create an indentation in the center of each cookie.
Step 6: Fill the Centers
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the caramel pecan mixture into each indentation.
Do not overfill.
Step 7: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes.
The edges should be lightly golden while the centers remain soft.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack.
The filling will continue setting as the cookies cool.
Step 9: Optional Finishing Touch
For extra indulgence, drizzle with:
- Sugar-free caramel sauce
- Melted sugar-free chocolate
Step 10: Serve
Enjoy immediately or store for later.
The cookies become even more flavorful after a few hours.
Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Cookies
Use Fine Almond Flour
Fine almond flour creates a softer, more delicate cookie texture.
Avoid almond meal.
Don’t Overbake
These cookies should remain soft.
They will firm up as they cool.
Let the Filling Cool Slightly
Hot filling may spread too much during baking.
Use Fresh Pecans
Fresh pecans provide the best flavor and crunch.
Chill the Dough
Cold dough helps prevent excessive spreading.
Variations
Chocolate Pecan Pie Cookies
Add:
- Sugar-free chocolate chips
To the filling.
Maple Pecan Cookies
Add:
- ½ teaspoon maple extract
For classic pecan pie flavor.
Coconut Pecan Cookies
Mix:
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Into the filling.
Bourbon Pecan Cookies
Add:
- ½ teaspoon bourbon extract
For a sophisticated flavor.
Cinnamon Pecan Cookies
Add:
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
To the cookie dough.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair beautifully with:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Keto hot chocolate
- Sugar-free vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
They also make excellent additions to holiday dessert platters.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator
Store for up to 1 week.
The filling stays wonderfully chewy.
Freezer
Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Almond Meal
Almond meal produces a coarser texture.
Fine almond flour works best.
Overfilling the Cookies
Too much filling can spill over during baking.
Overbaking
Cookies should be lightly golden, not brown.
Skipping the Cooling Time
The filling needs time to set properly.
Using Granulated Sweetener in the Dough
Powdered sweetener creates a smoother texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these cookies keto-friendly?
Yes. They are low in carbohydrates and suitable for most keto meal plans.
Are they gluten-free?
Yes. Almond flour naturally contains no gluten.
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes. Walnuts create a delicious variation.
Which sweetener works best?
Monk fruit sweetener or erythritol-based sweeteners work well.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes. Use dairy-free butter and coconut cream.
How many net carbs are in each cookie?
Approximately 3 net carbs per cookie, depending on ingredients used.
Nutritional Information
Per Cookie (Based on 18 Cookies)
- Calories: 165
- Protein: 4g
- Total Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 4g
- Net Carbs: 3g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 70mg
- Sugar: 1g
- Calcium: 35mg
- Iron: 1mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the brands of sweeteners and ingredients used.
