4 Ingredient Keto Lemon Sugar Cookies
A Soft Bite of Sunshine from My Homestead Kitchen
4 ingredient keto lemon sugar cookies are one of those rare treats that manage to feel indulgent and refreshing all at once. Around here, simple ingredients and honest flavors are the heartbeat of everything I bake. This recipe checks every box: it’s quick, easy, low in carbs, and rich with bright lemon flavor. It takes me back to spring afternoons with my grandmother, her hands dusted with flour, pressing out lemony rounds onto a tin baking sheet that had seen better days. These cookies bring that same joy with just almond flour, lemon, sweetener, and an egg—all in one bowl, no mixer needed. That’s it. And yet they taste like you spent the whole afternoon fussing over them. These 4 ingredient keto lemon sugar cookies are one of my favorite quick bakes when the lemon tree is heavy with fruit.
From Mountain Memories to Keto Magic
Back when we were first figuring out how to homestead our land near the Catskills, I learned the value of making do with what we had. That often meant turning out baked goods from pantry staples, and citrus was always a favorite. The original lemon sugar cookies I grew up with weren’t keto, but their flavor stuck with me. This version stays true to the spirit—soft, chewy, melt-in-your-mouth bites with just enough lemon zest to make you smile. Whether you’re deep in your keto journey or just craving something simple and sweet, these 4 ingredient keto lemon sugar cookies fit the bill. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, holiday trays, or a quiet morning with coffee. And best of all? These 4 ingredient keto lemon sugar cookies don’t taste like a compromise—they taste like a win.
Table of Contents
4 Ingredient Keto Lemon Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 10.5 cookies 1x
Description
Soft, chewy, and full of zesty lemon flavor, these 4 ingredient keto lemon sugar cookies are a simple low-carb treat perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
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1 1/2 cups (132 g) superfine blanched almond flour
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1/2 cup (53 g) powdered monkfruit or erythritol
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1 large egg
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1 tbsp lemon juice + 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour and powdered sweetener until evenly combined.
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Add the egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until a soft dough forms and the egg is fully incorporated.
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Use a 1.5 tbsp scoop to portion dough. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten to 1/4-inch thick disks on the baking sheet.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are golden and tops are set.
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Let cool completely on the baking sheet. Optional: drizzle with lemon glaze before serving.
Optional Lemon Glaze:
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1/2 cup powdered sweetener
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1–2 tbsp water (adjust for consistency)
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Drizzle over cooled cookies and let set.
Notes
Notes:
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Use only superfine blanched almond flour for the best texture.
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Regular almond meal or coarse almond flour will result in a gritty texture.
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Adjust sweetness with more sweetener or glaze, depending on your preference.
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Cookies will firm up as they cool. Store in a sealed container at room temp for 1 day or refrigerate for longer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 88
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 7mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: 4 ingredient keto lemon sugar cookies, low carb lemon cookies, keto lemon dessert
The Ingredients That Make These Cookies Work
Just Four Ingredients, All Pulling Their Weight
What makes 4 ingredient keto lemon sugar cookies such a keeper is how each component does double duty. There’s no filler here—just pure purpose. You’ll need almond flour, lemon (both juice and zest), powdered sweetener, and one egg. That’s it. And with the right prep, these few ingredients come together into soft, chewy cookies with that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s the kind of simplicity that works for busy weekdays or late-night cravings. No special tools. No chilling. Just mix, scoop, and bake.
Let’s talk flour. Superfine blanched almond flour is your best friend here. It gives the cookies structure without adding carbs, and it keeps the texture tender, never gritty. Almond meal or coarse almond flour will weigh things down and ruin that soft bite. So if there’s one thing to get right, it’s this: use superfine blanched almond flour every time.
Lemon Flavor: Bright, Fresh, and Not Overwhelming
These cookies wouldn’t be the same without fresh lemon. The zest carries the aromatic oils that hit your nose the moment the cookies come out of the oven, while the juice brings in a little tartness that balances the sweetness. If you’ve ever wondered how to add lemon flavor to cookies, this is it—use both zest and juice for a well-rounded citrus bite. And skip the bottled stuff. Fresh lemons make all the difference.
The key is balance. You want to taste the lemon, not pucker from it. One tablespoon of juice plus a teaspoon of zest is just enough to lift the flavor without overpowering the cookie. If you like it extra zippy, a bit more zest won’t hurt. Just don’t go overboard on the juice or you’ll end up with dough that’s too wet.
From Mixing Bowl to Cookie Sheet
How to Make 4 Ingredient Keto Lemon Sugar Cookies
These 4 ingredient keto lemon sugar cookies are the kind of treat that doesn’t ask much from you—just one bowl, a spoon, and about 20 minutes of your time. Start by combining the almond flour and powdered sweetener until evenly mixed. This step matters more than you’d think. It makes sure the sweetness gets distributed so you don’t end up with bitter bites.
Next, stir in the lemon juice, zest, and egg. The dough will look soft and slightly wet—that’s how it should be. Use a 1.5 tablespoon scoop to portion out the dough. Roll each scoop into a ball with your hands, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and press each one into a disk about a quarter-inch thick. They’ll spread just a little while baking, so leave a bit of space in between each of your 4 ingredient keto lemon sugar cookies for even baking.
Bake at 350°F for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden and the tops look set but still soft. Don’t try to move them right away—they’ll be fragile straight out of the oven. Let them cool completely on the pan to finish setting. One thing I love about these 4 ingredient keto lemon sugar cookies is how they firm up perfectly as they cool without getting hard or dry. If you love lemon desserts that don’t take much effort, you’ll also enjoy this refreshing 4-ingredient no-bake lemon cookies recipe—another easy favorite that doesn’t even need an oven.
A Glaze to Make Things Fancy (Optional but Worth It)
If you’re looking to add a little extra sparkle, a lemon glaze can do just that. Mix ½ cup of powdered sweetener with a tablespoon of lemon juice and just enough water to get a drizzle-ready texture. Spoon it over the cooled cookies and let it firm up for a glossy finish. It’s not necessary, but it adds a lovely tang and an elegant touch.
You can also sprinkle a bit of fresh zest on top of the glaze for extra brightness. These cookies are beautiful on their own, but a little dressing up never hurt anyone—especially if you’re serving these 4 ingredient keto lemon sugar cookies for guests, holidays, or a Sunday treat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keto Lemon Cookies
Can you eat sugar-free cookies on keto?
Yes, as long as they’re made with low-carb ingredients. These 4 ingredient keto lemon sugar cookies are a perfect example. They’re sweetened with keto-approved powdered sweeteners like monkfruit or erythritol and contain no grains, sugars, or high-carb fillers. Always double-check labels if you’re using store-bought options—some “sugar-free” cookies still contain starches or hidden sugars.
How to add lemon flavor to cookies?
The best way to get bright, natural lemon flavor is by using both zest and juice. Lemon zest carries the essential oils that give baked goods a strong citrus aroma, while the juice adds a gentle tartness. In 4 ingredient keto lemon sugar cookies, one teaspoon of zest and a tablespoon of juice is just the right ratio to make the lemon shine without overpowering the cookie.
What keto flour is closest to all-purpose flour?
Almond flour is often the best keto substitute for all-purpose flour when it comes to cookies. It’s naturally low in carbs and has a mild, nutty taste that works beautifully in 4 ingredient keto lemon sugar cookies. For best results, always go with superfine blanched almond flour—it gives you that smooth, tender texture similar to traditional cookie dough.
Is peanut butter keto?
Yes, in moderation. Natural peanut butter without added sugars is low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making it a solid option for keto diets. While it’s not used in this particular recipe, peanut butter can be a great ingredient in other keto-friendly cookies or snacks.
Conclusion
These 4 ingredient keto lemon sugar cookies are proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or fancy steps to make something truly satisfying. They come together quickly, require minimal cleanup, and bring all the brightness of fresh lemon to your low-carb table. Whether you’re new to keto baking or a seasoned pro looking for a quick win, this recipe delivers on taste and simplicity.
Sometimes, the best kind of comfort comes from a soft, homemade cookie—and this time, it’s one you can enjoy without any guilt. Pour yourself a cup of tea, grab a cookie (or two), and savor a little sunshine in every bite. And if you’re looking for more rustic, no-fuss recipes that celebrate the seasons and simple ingredients, you’ll feel right at home over at RecipesNYC.
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