Easy Keto Butter Cookies (Danish Style)

Homemade Danish Butter Cookies now come in a great low carb and keto version. Made with only a handful of ingredients that are probably already in your kitchen, they are only 1.2 net carbs per cookie!

Today we have a new cookie recipe to share with you. If you have tried our Keto Shortbread Cookie Recipe, then I have a feeling that you are going to love our new Keto Butter Cookie Recipe.

Are you a fan of the Royal Dansk Cookies that come in the blue tin?? If so, then this is the recipe for you. We use a combination of almond flour, low carb sweetener, and of course BUTTER.

I can’t wait for you guys to try these butter cookies, they are bursting with flavor and have the perfect texture.

What are Butter Cookies?

Butter cookies, also known as Danish cookies or Danish biscuits, are cookies that originate from Denmark. They consist mostly of butter, flour, and sugar.

They are light and fluffy on the inside with an outer crispy edge. Usually, you see them in the grocery stores in some sort of blue tin. You can find them plain, or even dipped in chocolate. So many people love to dip them in their coffee or tea.

Difference Between Butter Cookies and Shortbread Cookies?

A lot of people feel that there is not a big difference between butter cookies and shortbread cookies, which in my opinion I have to agree with.

However, the biggest difference is the texture of a butter cookie compared to a shortbread cookie. A butter cookie is a lot less crumbly, they hold their shape and don’t fall apart the way shortbread does. 

Are Butter Cookies Keto-Friendly?

Normal butter cookies that you will find in the grocery store are not keto-friendly. Honestly, you will not find many store-bought cookies that are keto-friendly. But if you were to buy butter cookies at the grocery store, they are about 4-5 net carbs per cookie. 

Now if you aren’t diabetic and you want to cheat on one of these, well then go ahead it’s up to you. But if you want a delicious low carb butter cookie then try our recipe! You will love them!

How Many Carbs in Danish-style Butter Cookies?

For one of our low carb danish-style butter cookies, it’s only 1.2 NET CARBS. 

That’s pretty stinking good!!

I made my keto butter cookies using a 2” cookie scoop, so my nutrition facts are based on a little bit of a larger cookie. Keep in mind that if you want to use a 1” cookie scoop all you need to do it cut the net carbs in half.

What Ingredients are in Keto Butter Cookies?

• Almond Flour – 1 ¼ cup blanched almond flour. Don’t use almond meal it won’t come out well. 
• Sweetener – ⅓ cup powdered Swerve. I prefer using powdered in this recipe because it blends really nicely. 
• Salt – ¼ tsp salt
• Baking Powder – 1 tsp baking powder helps the butter cookies to rise. 
• Egg – 1 egg helps to act as a binder. 
• Butter – 8 tbsp (1 stick) salted butter. Be sure it’s at room temperature. 
• Vanilla – 1 tsp vanilla, it’s not a necessity but I like the added flavor it gives.

Best Sweetener Options

I like the way a powdered low carb sweetener blends perfectly into the cookie dough. You don’t have any grittiness to the cookie dough.

My favorite powdered low carb sweetener is Swerve Powdered Sweetener or Lakanto Powdered Monk Fruit. Both can be purchased on Amazon.

Salted or Unsalted Butter?

It’s funny because almost every baker has a different viewpoint on whether to use salted or unsalted butter for shortbread.

Some bakers will always use unsalted butter in all of their recipes, and some will only use salted butter. I’m one of the ones that will always use salted butter in my recipes.

If you use unsalted butter in your shortbread recipe then I suggest adding a bit more salt than the recipe calls for. I add salt to so many of my recipes because I feel that it adds some needed flavor.  

You can also choose to use a European-style butter like Kerrygold. European butter tends to be denser, which means that they have less water and more fat in them and it can be richer in color.

Different Variations & Substitutions

Butter cookies are pretty simple and you don’t typically change the ingredients too much. But here are a few variation suggestions.

Add-Ins

• Vanilla Extract 
• Almond Extract 
• Crushed pecans, walnuts, or almonds.

Topping Ideas

• Melted Chocolate – Melt your favorite sugar-free chocolate chips with coconut oil and dip the cooled cookie into it. Let set. 
• Sprinkles – Add a few sprinkles before baking, or after they are dipped in the chocolate. 
• Nuts – Crushed pecans, walnuts, or almonds.

Can I Make These Cookies Vegan?  Egg-Free?  Dairy-Free?

I found that the egg in the recipe helps to find the dough together. However, if you have an egg allergy, or you are vegan then go ahead and try not using the egg, but stick with all the other ingredients in the recipe.

I have not tried it personally, but other people have and they were happy with the results. If you try it then leave a comment below and let me know how it worked out.

Are you dairy-free? If so, then use dairy-free butter. I typically use Earth Balance when I need something to be dairy-free.

Can I Substitute the Almond Flour?

I have not personally tried another flour instead of using almond flour. I really love the way they taste with just the almond flour. However, if you have a nut allergy and can’t use almond flour, there is a good nut-free substitution: Sunflower Seed Flour – 1:1 ratio.

Now if it’s a matter of just not liking almond flour, go ahead and try walnut flour, it’s also a 1:1 ratio.

Don’t replace almond flour with just coconut flour, it will leave you with a super crumbly cookie. The texture just won’t be right at all.

How to Make Danish-style Keto Butter Cookies 

Follow our step-by-step instructions on how to make the easiest danish-style Keto butter cookies.

STEP 1: Mixing the Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients together. Using the food processor, place in the dry ingredients first, then add the butter and egg.

Turn on the food processor, and mix until the dough forms.

Scrape the keto dough out and place it onto a piece of plastic wrap. Form it into a ball, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

*PREHEAT THE OVEN TO 350 DEGREES WHILE THE DOUGH IS CHILLING*

STEP 2: Forming the Cookies

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

When the dough is done chilling take it out of the refrigerator. Use a 1” or 2” cookie scoop to make equal-sized balls.

Roll each one into a round ball.

Take a fork and gently press down diagonally to make a crisscross pattern.

STEP 3: Baking

Bake the keto butter cookies for 12-14 minutes.

How to Tell When the Cookies are Done?

Depending on your oven will determine how long they actually need to cook. You want them to be slightly golden brown on the top.

STEP 4: Cool the Cookies

After the cookies have come out of the oven, using a spatula transfer them over to a cooling rack. Let them sit for a few minutes, then dig in!

STEP 5: Add Chocolate (Optional)

I didn’t add chocolate to my batch this time, but you can never go wrong with chocolate in my opinion.

1. Melt ⅓ cup sugar-free chocolate chips with ½ tbsp coconut oil. 
2. Dip half of each cookie into the melted chocolate. Place on a piece of parchment paper and let the chocolate set.

FAQs and Best Tips

• Use a food processor to make the dough, it will make the dough more cohesive and well combined. 
• Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature. 
• Use a fork to make a crisscross pattern. 
• 1” cookie scoop makes 28 cookies. 
• 2” cookie scoop makes 14 cookies.

Use Softened Butter

Make sure the butter you use is softened, not melted, just softened. Why is that? Because if the butter is too firm, the cookie dough will not be as cohesive and won’t blend with the other ingredients as well.

To soften the butter, leave it on the counter for about 30 minutes before starting to prepare the dough. If you are on a tighter timetable, go ahead and pop it in the microwave for only about 10 seconds or so.

How to Make the Perfect Fork Mark Pattern

I like to make a crisscross pattern in my easy keto butter cookies but you can do just one direction with the fork if you want.

Crisscross Pattern: After your cookie is rolled into a ball, take your fork and gently press down on a diagonal. Then carefully pull the fork up, and press down going in the opposite direction. Continue doing with all of the cookies.

How to Make Butter Cookies Crispier

To make crispier butter cookies:

• Option 1: You can leave them in the oven for an extra 2-4 minutes to help crisp them up. 
• Option 2: Turn the oven off, crack the door and let them sit for another few minutes. The hot air will help them dry out without cooking them too much.

How to Make Butter Cookies Chewier

Adding ¼ cup of coconut flour to the cookie dough will help you get a chewier keto butter cookie. If you choose to add the coconut flour, be sure to add 1 more egg to the dough as well.

What to Serve with This Recipe?

If you are like my sister-in-law then these keto butter cookies will be eaten for breakfast. But you can eat them any time of the day. You can serve these cookies by themselves or even make a beautiful cookie platter with any of our other keto cookie recipes.

Don’t forget that they go fabulous dipped into your morning coffee or tea.

Drink Dipping Options

Now, who loves to dip their cookies into their favorite drink? I personally love it. Here are some yummy beverages you can make to accompany these keto butter cookies.

• Keto Coffee 
• Creamy Keto Hot Chocolate 
• Tea (your favorite flavor) 
• Chai Tea Latte 
• Latte or Cappuccino 
• Keto Eggnog

How to Store Sugar-Free Butter Cookies?

The best way to store these low carb butter cookies is to keep them in an airtight container or in a Ziploc bag then place them in the fridge.

With low carb and keto cookies, remember they don’t have the same preservatives as store-bought cookies. So leaving them out on the counter will cause them to become stale quicker. So definitely keep them in the fridge.

Take out a few minutes before eating so they warm back up to room temperature.

Can You Freeze Butter Cookies?

Yes, you absolutely can freeze your keto butter cookies, and it’s easy to do.

To Freeze: Place them in an airtight container or Ziploc bag and freeze for up to 1 month. Be sure the bag or container is completely sealed, otherwise they will end up getting freezer burn.

Tools to Use

• Food Processor 
• Measuring Cups and Spoons 
• 1” or 2” Cookie Scoop 
• Baking Tray 
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat 
• Cooling Rack

Other Diets This Recipe is Good For

• Gluten-Free: We use almond flour making these keto butter cookies completely gluten-free. 
• Egg-Free: If you have an egg allergy or are vegan you can try omitting the egg altogether. I have not done it myself, but others have and have had success. 
• Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with dairy-free or vegan butter. I tend to use Earth Balance, but use your favorite brand.

Easy Keto Cookie Recipes

Looking for some other great keto cookie recipes, check out these: 

• Sugar-Free Keto Oatmeal Cookies
• Low Carb Sugar Cookies
• Fudgy Keto Chocolate Cookies
• Keto No-Bake Cookies
• 3-Ingredient Keto Peanut Butter Cookies
• Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Keto Cream Cheese Cookies

All of them are Keto-friendly and low carb, and will have your friends raving!

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