Let me tell you, this Keto Apple Fritter Cookies Recipe is one of those amazing low-carb treats that feels indulgent but keeps you right on track with your keto goals. I love this recipe because it captures the warm spice and soft texture of classic apple fritters, but without all the sugar and carbs that usually come with them. When I first tried these, I was honestly surprised at how moist and flavorful they turned out — the little bites of apple chunks add such a lovely freshness.
These cookies work perfectly for afternoon snacks or even a quick keto-friendly dessert after dinner. You’ll find that they’re just sweet enough, thanks to a clever mix of allulose and monkfruit sweeteners, and the cinnamon glaze on top really seals the deal. Plus, it’s super satisfying to make a homemade treat that everyone in the family goes crazy for — no one believes these are keto!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Apple Fritter Flavor: The cinnamon and apple chunks give you that nostalgic taste without the carbs.
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: Perfect for sticking to your diet without feeling deprived.
- Easy to Make: No complicated techniques, just a simple mix and bake that anyone can do.
- Family & Crowd-Pleaser: I make these for parties and keto meetups, and they disappear fast every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Keto Apple Fritter Cookies Recipe really starts with the right almond and coconut flours, which give a tender base without relying on wheat. The combination of natural keto-friendly sweeteners and real butter creates that rich, satisfying bite we all crave.
- Almond Flour: Use finely ground almond flour for the softest texture; it’s the keto staple here.
- Coconut Flour: Adds a bit of structure and absorbs moisture so the cookies aren’t too wet.
- Arrowroot Starch (or Cornstarch): Helps with the cookie’s lightness and texture; I recommend arrowroot for keto but cornstarch works if you’re not strict.
- Xanthan Gum: Optional, but definitely recommended to get that chewy, pillowy texture like classic fritters.
- Cinnamon: The warming spice that ties the whole flavor together—don’t skimp on it!
- Baking Soda: For a nice rise and lightness.
- Salted Butter: Softened for easy mixing, salted adds just the right hint of salt to balance sweetness.
- Cream Cheese: I love how it adds moisture and slight tang, helping these cookies stay soft.
- Sweeteners (Allulose & Monkfruit/Erythritol): The blend keeps the sweetness balanced and not overpowering, with no aftertaste.
- Egg: Room temperature so it mixes evenly, binding everything well.
- Vanilla Extract: For that warm, cozy flavor boost.
- Large Apple: Chopped small, these add juicy bursts and authenticity without excess carbs when used in moderation.
- Cinnamon Sugar Topping: I usually use a keto-friendly granular sweetener mixed with cinnamon for that signature apple fritter crunch.
- Simple Glaze: Powdered monkfruit sweetener, vanilla extract, and cream come together for a shiny, sweet finish.
Variations
I’m all about tweaking recipes to fit your taste or what you have on hand, and this Keto Apple Fritter Cookies Recipe is no exception — it’s super adaptable! Whether you want to make these dairy-free, add nuts, or turn them into muffins, I’ve got some ideas that have worked wonderfully for me.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap butter and cream cheese with coconut oil and dairy-free cream cheese, and your cookies still come out moist and yummy.
- Nutty Upgrade: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts gives extra crunch and a lovely earthy flavor.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of nutmeg or ground clove in your cinnamon mix amps up those cozy fall vibes.
- Muffin-Style: Use the same batter but divide into muffin tins for a grab-and-go breakfast option.
How to Make Keto Apple Fritter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together Your Dry Ingredients
Start by combining your almond flour, coconut flour, arrowroot starch, cinnamon, baking soda, xanthan gum (if using), and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk these dry ingredients really well so you get an even distribution — this helps avoid those annoying clumps and gives your cookies consistent texture.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sweeteners
In a larger bowl, beat together the softened salted butter, cream cheese, allulose, powdered monkfruit/erythritol sweetener, and vanilla extract. You want a smooth, fluffy mixture — this is where the magic starts for those melt-in-your-mouth textures. I usually use a hand mixer and it only takes about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Egg
Crack in the room temperature egg and beat again until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, but just enough so the batter looks silky and uniform.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly stir your dry mixture into the wet batter until you get a thick, slightly sticky dough that holds together but isn’t too wet. This is exactly what you want – if it feels loose, just add a tiny pinch more almond flour.
Step 5: Fold in Apple Chunks
Gently fold in the chopped apple pieces, making sure they are evenly distributed without smashing them. I love the surprise bites of fresh apples that pop up while enjoying these cookies!
Step 6: Portion and Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping
Grease two baking sheets or line them with parchment paper. Drop 12 spoonfuls of cookie dough spaced evenly apart. Then, mix your cinnamon with the granular sweetener, and sprinkle generously over the tops of each cookie — this gives that unmistakable apple fritter look and crunch.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies at 325°F (165°C) for about 13 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully browned and the edges are just firm. I always watch them closely the last few minutes to prevent overbaking because you want them soft inside. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 8: Make and Drizzle the Simple Glaze
While your cookies cool, whisk together powdered monkfruit/erythritol sweetener, vanilla, and cream until smooth. Drizzle this glaze liberally over the cooled cookies, then let it set for a few minutes before digging in — that finishing touch really makes them pop!
Pro Tips for Making Keto Apple Fritter Cookies Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter, cream cheese, and eggs mix better and give you smoother dough.
- Chop Apples Small: Smaller chunks keep the cookies from falling apart and help with even baking.
- Watch Baking Time Closely: These cookies brown quickly; take them out just as edges set to keep them soft inside.
- Don’t Skip the Xanthan Gum: I learned the hard way that it really improves texture, especially in keto baking where gluten is missing.
How to Serve Keto Apple Fritter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I love to garnish these with a light dusting of extra cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans for extra crunch. Sometimes, a tiny dollop of whipped cream on the side just elevates them into a special occasion treat — it pairs beautifully with the glaze and spice.
Side Dishes
These Keto Apple Fritter Cookies are delightful alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea, especially cinnamon or chai blends. For a brunch spread, they go well with keto-friendly cream cheese spreads or even a cheese platter to balance their sweet notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For fall parties, I like arranging these cookies on a rustic wooden board with fresh apple slices and small jars of cinnamon honey (or sugar-free syrup) for dipping. Wrapping individual cookies in parchment with cinnamon twine also makes them perfect little gifts or lunchbox treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Keto Apple Fritter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, but only for about 2 days because they’re best fresh. If your kitchen is warm, keeping them in the fridge helps maintain their texture for up to 5 days.
Freezing
Freezing works great! I let the cookies cool completely, then wrap them individually in parchment and place them in a freezer bag. They keep wonderfully for up to 2 months, making them ideal for meal prep or spontaneous keto treats.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop frozen or refrigerated cookies in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm them briefly in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to restore their softness and fresh-from-the-oven feel.
FAQs
-
Can I use any type of apple for this Keto Apple Fritter Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! I recommend using firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp because they hold their shape well during baking and provide that nice crisp bite without releasing too much moisture.
-
Do I have to use both allulose and monkfruit sweeteners?
Nope! The recipe provides options – you can use just powdered monkfruit/erythritol sweetener if you prefer, but combining the two sweeteners often yields a more rounded sweetness and better texture in the cookies.
-
Can I omit the xanthan gum?
You can, but the texture might be a bit more crumbly and less chewy. Xanthan gum acts like gluten, giving the cookies better structure and that soft, classic apple fritter feel.
-
How many carbs are in these cookies?
Each cookie contains roughly 3–4 net carbs, depending on the size and your specific apple variety. The recipe focuses on keeping carbs low while still offering flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
I’m genuinely thrilled whenever I make this Keto Apple Fritter Cookies Recipe because it feels like I’m treating myself without guilt, and honestly, that’s what keto baking should be about. If you love apple fritters but want to steer clear of sugar and carbs, give these a try — you’ll be amazed at how satisfying they are. I promise, once you bake a batch, you’ll keep coming back for more, just like my family does!
PrintKeto Apple Fritter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
These Keto Apple Fritter Cookies offer a delightful low-carb twist on the classic apple fritter. Made with almond and coconut flour, warm cinnamon, and real apple chunks, they provide all the comforting flavors of traditional apple fritters without the carbs. Finished with a cinnamon-sugar topping and a light monkfruit glaze, these cookies are soft, moist, and perfect for anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
Ingredients
Apple Cookies
- 1 cup almond flour (112g)
- 1 tbsp coconut flour (7g)
- 1 1/2 tsp arrowroot starch (4g) or cornstarch
- 1 tsp xanthan gum (optional, but recommended for texture)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/8 tsp salt (1/4 tsp if using unsalted butter)
- 2 tbsp salted butter, softened (30g)
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened (30g)
- 5 1/2 tbsp allulose (66g)
- 3 tbsp powdered monkfruit/erythritol sweetener (36g) OR 6 tbsp (72g) powdered monkfruit/erythritol sweetener (if no allulose used)
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 a large apple, chopped into small pieces (size of chocolate chunks)
Cinnamon “Sugar” Topping
- 1-2 tbsp granular sweetener of choice (e.g., Truvia)
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Simple Glaze
- 3 tbsp powdered monkfruit/erythritol sweetener (36g)
- 1/8 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp light cream (15g) (any cream or milk preferred)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and allow it to preheat fully to ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, arrowroot starch (or cornstarch), xanthan gum (if using), cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a larger bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, allulose (and monkfruit sweetener if using both), and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fluffy.
- Add Egg: Beat in the egg until fully incorporated, making sure the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until a thick cookie dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Apple Chunks: Gently fold in the chopped apple pieces, distributing them evenly through the dough.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Grease two baking sheets or line them with parchment paper. Spoon 12 even spoonfuls of the batter onto the sheets, spacing them out to allow for spreading.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Mix the granular sweetener and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the tops of the cookie dough on the baking sheets.
- Bake Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for approximately 13 minutes or until the tops of the cookies are lightly browned and set.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack or plate to cool completely.
- Make the Glaze: While the cookies cool, combine powdered monkfruit sweetener, vanilla extract, and light cream in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Glaze the Cookies: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cookies and allow it to set before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the glaze has set, serve your keto apple fritter cookies fresh and enjoy their low-carb, comforting flavors.
Notes
- The xanthan gum is optional but helps improve the texture and elasticity of the cookies.
- If you prefer, use only powdered monkfruit/erythritol sweetener (6 tbsp) to replace both sweeteners combined.
- Use salted butter or adjust salt in the recipe accordingly if using unsalted butter.
- Allow the glaze to fully set before stacking or storing cookies to avoid sticking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Feel free to use any low-carb sweetener that you prefer for this recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg