Celebrate National Shortbread Day with Traditional and Keto-Friendly Shortbread

January 6th is National Shortbread Day, a perfect excuse to indulge in the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of this classic cookie. Shortbread is a simple yet luxurious treat, traditionally made with just three ingredients: butter, sugar, and flour. But for those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, traditional shortbread can be off-limits—fortunately, a keto-friendly version lets everyone enjoy the same rich flavor with fewer carbs.

In this post, we’ll compare traditional shortbread with keto-friendly shortbread, explain every ingredient, provide full recipes, nutrition info, and answer your most common questions.

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Traditional Shortbread vs. Keto Shortbread

Key Takeaway:

Keto shortbread swaps carb-heavy flour and sugar for low-carb flours and allulose, while keeping the buttery, delicate texture intact.

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Ingredient Breakdown

Traditional Shortbread Ingredients:

1. Unsalted Butter – The main flavor; provides richness and tenderness.

2. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and contributes to the slightly sandy texture.

3. All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure and the classic crumbly texture.

4. Optional: Vanilla Extract or Salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.

Keto-Friendly Shortbread Ingredients:

1. Unsalted Butter – Same as traditional; key for flavor and texture.

2. Almond Flour – Low-carb, provides body and slightly nutty flavor.

3. Coconut Flour – Absorbs moisture to prevent crumbling.

4. Keystone Pantry Allulose – A keto-friendly sweetener that caramelizes and browns like sugar.

5. Vanilla Extract & Salt – Same flavor enhancers as traditional.

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Recipes

1. Traditional Shortbread Recipe

Ingredients (Makes ~12 cookies):

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).

2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add vanilla and salt, mix until combined.

4. Gradually add flour, mixing until dough forms.

5. Roll dough into a log, wrap in plastic, chill 30 min.

6. Slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds, place on a baking sheet.

7. Bake 20–25 min until edges are lightly golden.

8. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Nutrition (per cookie, 12 total):

• Calories: 165

• Fat: 9g

• Carbs: 17g

• Fiber: 0g

• Protein: 2g

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2. Keto Shortbread Recipe

Ingredients (Makes ~12 cookies):

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/3 cup Keystone Pantry Allulose

• 1 1/4 cups almond flour

• 1/4 cup coconut flour

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).

2. Cream butter and allulose until fluffy.

3. Add vanilla and salt, mix well.

4. Stir in almond flour and coconut flour until dough forms.

5. Roll dough into a log, wrap in plastic, chill 30 min.

6. Slice into 1/4-inch rounds, place on a baking sheet.

7. Bake 18–22 min until edges are lightly golden.

8. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Nutrition (per cookie, 12 total):

• Calories: 120

• Fat: 11g

• Carbs: 3g

• Fiber: 1g

• Protein: 3g

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FAQ

Q1: Can I use other keto sweeteners besides allulose?
Yes, you can substitute erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, but texture and browning may slightly vary.

Q2: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Traditional shortbread is not gluten-free, but keto shortbread is naturally gluten-free with almond and coconut flours.

Q3: How should I store shortbread?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Q4: Can I flavor shortbread differently?
Absolutely! Try adding citrus zest, cocoa powder, or finely chopped nuts.

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Whether you prefer classic buttery shortbread or a keto-friendly version, National Shortbread Day is a perfect reason to indulge in these timeless cookies. Try both recipes and see which one becomes your go-to treat!