Name: Keto Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (224 g) almond flour; 2 teaspoons cocoa powder; 1 tablespoon ground ginger; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup (113.5 g) butter, softened; ½ cup (91 g) Swerve Brown or other brown sugar replacement; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 ounces (113.4 g) sugar-free white chocolate chips; 2 tablespoons butter; Cinnamon for sprinkling

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 27 reviews

If you love the warming spices of the holiday season but want to keep things low-carb and sugar-free, this Keto Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat. Imagine soft, tender almond flour cookies infused with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, gently pressed down with that signature thumbprint dip filled with luscious sugar-free white chocolate. Each bite perfectly balances spice and sweetness without breaking your keto goals, making these cookies a must-bake for cozy nights or festive gatherings. Let me walk you through making these delightful little gems that bring comfort and joy, all while keeping it keto-friendly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six steps of making round chocolate cookies with white cream in the center. The first step shows thick chocolate dough inside a metal bowl with a green spatula stirring. The second step shows many rolled chocolate dough balls placed evenly on a white marbled surface covered with a baking mat. The third step shows the dough balls flattened with an indentation in the middle, still on the white marbled surface with the baking mat. The fourth step shows a spoon held by woman's hand drizzling white cream into the center of each cookie. The fifth step shows a shaker held by woman's hand sprinkling brown powder on the white cream-filled cookies. The last step shows a close-up of two cookies, one whole with white cream and brown powder on top, and one broken in half to show its soft texture inside, all on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients come together simply but are absolutely essential for creating that perfect texture and flavor profile in your gingerbread thumbprint cookies. From the rich almond flour to the warm spices and creamy filling, each component plays an important role in shaping these keto delights.

2 cups almond flour: This forms the base of our cookies, giving them a tender, nutty texture that’s perfect for keto baking.
2 teaspoons cocoa powder: Adds a subtle depth and richness that complements the spices beautifully.
1 tablespoon ground ginger: The star spice here, bringing the iconic zing of gingerbread.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides warmth and a cozy scent that feels like a hug in cookie form.
¼ teaspoon ground cloves: Adds a hint of complexity and spice, enhancing the overall gingerbread experience.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough to be soft and tender.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and spices, making flavors pop.
½ cup softened butter: Creates a rich, buttery base for the dough, ensuring moistness and flavor.
½ cup Swerve Brown sugar substitute: Keeps these cookies sweet without sugar, maintaining keto standards.
1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness to the dough.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a touch of sweetness and fragrance that lifts the whole cookie.
4 ounces sugar-free white chocolate chips: For the creamy, dreamy filling that nestles perfectly in each thumbprint.
2 tablespoons butter (for filling): Melts with the white chocolate, creating a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth center.
Cinnamon for sprinkling: A final sprinkle to enhance aroma and taste at the last moment.

How to Make Keto Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by heating your oven to 325ºF and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone liners to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, cocoa powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking powder, and salt. This combination sets the stage for that rich, spicy cookie base.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sweetener

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar substitute until light and fluffy—this usually takes about a minute. This step is key for giving the cookies a tender crumb and just the right hint of sweetness.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until everything is thoroughly combined. These ingredients add moisture and depth of flavor that perfectly complement the spices.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in the almond flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Keep beating until the dough comes together nicely, making sure there are no dry patches or lumps. You’re aiming for a dough that’s easy to shape but still holds together.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into one-inch balls and space them a few inches apart on your prepared sheets. Press each ball down gently with the heel of your hand to about half an inch thick—this forms the cookie shape before making your signature thumbprints.

Step 6: Create Indents for Filling

Use a rounded tablespoon or a similar rounded tool to press a generous, deep indent in the center of each cookie. This is where the heavenly sugar-free white chocolate filling will go later, so don’t be shy!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for about 12 minutes, switching the pans halfway through, until the edges turn golden but the centers remain soft and puffed. Once baked, remove them from the oven and gently reshape the thumbprint wells while the cookies are still warm, as they will firm up upon cooling.

Step 8: Prepare the Filling

For the filling, melt the sugar-free white chocolate chips and butter together in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water. Stir constantly until smooth and glossy—a dreamy filling that melts in your mouth.

Step 9: Fill and Finish

Use a small spoon to gently dollop the white chocolate mixture into each thumbprint well. Finish with a light sprinkle of cinnamon for that extra touch of holiday magic. Let the cookies sit to set before serving—patience pays off!

How to Serve Keto Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

A pile of round brown cookies stacked on a round white plate, each cookie has a cracked texture with a dollop of creamy white frosting in the center sprinkled with light brown powder on top. The plate stands on a white marbled surface and is decorated with green fir branches and red berries along with green holly leaves with white edges around its base. The scene feels festive and cozy, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes not only gives your cookies a lovely finish but also enhances their flavor and presentation. Try sprinkling a little extra ground cinnamon or finely chopped toasted almonds for added texture and aroma. A tiny dash of powdered erythritol can add a frosty look without extra carbs.

Side Dishes

These thumbprint cookies pair wonderfully with a warm mug of keto-friendly chai tea or creamy bulletproof coffee. Their spicy sweetness cuts through richer drinks, creating a balanced combination that’s both satisfying and cozy. They also make a delightful companion to a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream or a small serving of keto eggnog.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving these cookies at a festive party, plate them on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh rosemary or pine needles for a natural holiday vibe. You can also stack them in a decorative tin, layering with sheets of parchment paper, perfect for gifting or creating an irresistible dessert tray centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Keto Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe cookies can be stored in an airtight container on the counter for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft and flavorful while maintaining the perfect balance of spices and sweetness. If you prefer a cooler option, refrigerating them extends their freshness for up to 10 days without drying out.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully, which makes them perfect for holiday prep or simply stocking up. Arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep well for several months, ready whenever a cozy keto treat calls your name.

Reheating

To enjoy these cookies as if freshly baked after freezing, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. If you want to refresh their warmth and softness, pop them in a preheated 300ºF oven for 5 minutes or until just warm. Avoid microwaving, which can sometimes alter texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different flour instead of almond flour?

Almond flour is key to keeping this recipe keto-friendly, but if you want to experiment, coconut flour could work with adjustments to the amount since it absorbs more moisture. Avoid grains or wheat-based flours as they add carbs and change the texture.

Is there a substitute for the sugar-free white chocolate chips?

Yes! You can use sugar-free dark chocolate chips or even a homemade keto chocolate ganache. The white chocolate adds a lovely sweetness and creaminess, but dark chocolate will provide a richer, deeper flavor.

How do I make sure the cookies don’t spread too much during baking?

Keep your dough chilled if it feels too soft, and make sure your butter isn’t overly melted when beating. Pressing the cookies down before baking helps with even thickness and prevents excessive spreading.

Can I omit any of the spices if I don’t have them all?

Absolutely! Ground ginger and cinnamon are the essentials here for that gingerbread feel. Cloves and cocoa powder add depth but can be left out if needed. Your cookies will still be delicious and keto-friendly.

Are these cookies suitable for diabetics?

Yes, because they’re sweetened with sugar-free alternatives and made from low-carb ingredients, they are suitable for most diabetic diets. However, always consult with your healthcare provider for personal dietary advice.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say this Keto Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is the perfect way to enjoy festive flavors while staying on track with your keto lifestyle. These tender, spiced cookies filled with creamy white chocolate bring both comfort and indulgence without the guilt. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just because, they’re guaranteed to brighten your day and fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas. So put on your favorite holiday tunes, grab those ingredients, and make a batch that everyone will love!