Whether you call them pfeffernusse, German spice cookies, or you’ve never even heard of them, these Keto peppernuts are the perfect cookie to add to your holiday tradition!
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Keto Peppernuts
Have you ever heard of pfeffernusse cookies or peppernuts? If not, then let me paint a picture for you of soft, sweet, mini cookies baked with aromatic, seasonal spices for just the right amount of warmth.
Does that sound like the perfect holiday cookie? That’s because they are!
I grew up baking pfeffernusse cookies, also known as peppernuts or German spice cookies, with my mom for Christmas. Smelling them in the oven takes me right back.
So this holiday season, I decided to whip up a batch of Keto peppernuts for me and the family!
…okay, who am I kidding? They were mostly for me. The fact that the family loved them was just icing on the cake.
Of course, making Keto peppernuts means that I had to deviate a little bit from the traditional recipe. But let me tell you right now, the result is oh-so worth it.
Now, I can carry on this Christmas tradition and share a little bit of my childhood with my own kids. And I get to eat some pretty tasty cookies in the process!
What Does Pfeffernusse Mean?
The German word “pfeffernusse” quite literally translates to “pepper nuts.” And yes, there is pepper in this recipe! In fact, these little cookies get their kick from white pepper along with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
They’re kind of like a ginger snap or gingerbread cookie in terms of spiciness, but with a slightly different flavor profile. However, unlike gingerbread cookies, peppernuts are baked in a thicker shape to keep them soft in the center.
Some say the “nut” part of the name comes from using ground nuts in the dough while others claim it’s because of their size. In any case, our Keto recipe uses almond flour, so it works either way!
How Many Carbs In Pfeffernusse or Peppernut Cookies
Because pfeffernusse cookies have become so popular as a traditional holiday cookie, many confectioners have a slightly different version of the recipe. For most, the variations have been passed down for generations.
So naturally, the nutrition is going to vary based on the recipe. But if you look at the traditional ingredients — flour, sugar, brown sugar, and spices — you can bet they aren’t very Keto friendly.
One recipe I saw had about 2 carbs per cookie… and each cookie was only the size of a quarter!
These low carb pfeffernusse, on the other hand, are made with a low carb sweetener and almond flour. Each serving, which is about 10 quarter-sized cookies, only has 3 net carbs.
So let’s compare: 2 carbs in ONE traditional peppernut, or 3 net carbs in TEN Keto peppernuts. I think I know which one I’m reaching for.
Can You Store Keto Peppernuts?
Absolutely! But beware… these tiny cookies will be so tempting every time you pass through the kitchen. Yes, I speak from experience.
I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for at least 4 days. I’ve kept them for longer than that, but I always like to err on the side of caution!
How To Make Keto Peppernuts
Add all of the ingredients to a mixing bowl.
Beat on high until a well-combined dough has formed, then place the dough into the freezer to chill for 30 minutes.
Remove the dough from the freezer, separate it into 4-5 sections, and roll each section into a long log shape about ½-1 inch in diameter.
Slice each log of dough into small round pieces.
Form into circles and press down slightly on a parchment or silicone mat lined baking sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes.
Other Dessert Options From The Keto Option That You Might Like
Keto and Gluten Free Thumbprint Cookies
Keto Peppermint and Chocolate Pudding Cups
Keto Peppernuts
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour
- ½ cup low carb brown sweetener
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum
- ¼ cup softened butter unsalted
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Add all of the ingredients to a mixing bowl and beat on high until a well-combined dough has
formed. - Place the dough into the freezer to chill for 30 minutes.
- Remove the dough, separate it into 4-5 sections, and roll each section into a long log shape
about ½-1 inch in diameter. - Slice each log of dough into small round pieces.
- Form into circles and press down slightly on a parchment or silicone mat lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
Nutrition
Trina Krug is a Holistic Nutritionist, Integrative Health Coach and host of the Carbless Conversations Podcast. With a Master’s Degree in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, her single mission in life is to facilitate self-healing in herself and those around her through awareness, lifestyle shifts and low-carb eating. As a current Doctor of Science student, she continues her studies in functional nutrition.
