Carnivore Butter Cookies

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
Total Time: 52-55 minutes
Recipe Intensity: Easy – Perfect for beginners.
Yield: 10-12 small cookies

Table of Contents

Ingredients

1 stick (1/2 cup / 115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 large egg yolk
2 tablespoons (30ml) raw honey (Optional: For strict carnivore, omit or use a tiny pinch of pure powdered monk fruit for sweetness without carbs)
1 ¼ cups (125g) finely grated Parmesan cheese (or a dry, hard cheese like Pecorino Romano)

Kitchen Equipment:

Mixing bowl
Hand mixer or whisk
Spatula
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough (10 minutes)
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and egg yolk. Using a hand mixer on medium speed, beat for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined. If using honey or an alternative sweetener, add it now and beat for another 30 seconds until incorporated.

2. Incorporate the Cheese
Add the finely grated Parmesan cheese to the butter mixture. Use a spatula or your hand mixer on low speed to fold and mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. It will come together into a cohesive ball.

3. Chill the Dough (30 minutes)
For best results and to prevent excessive spreading, wrap the dough ball in parchment paper and place it in the refrigerator to firm up for about 30 minutes. Tip: If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this, but your cookies will be slightly flatter and more delicate.

4. Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Roll them into balls and place them on the prepared sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each. Gently press down with the tines of a fork to create a classic criss-cross pattern and slightly flatten them to about 1/2-inch thick.

5. Bake to Perfection (12-15 minutes)
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are a deep golden brown and the tops are just set. They will still feel soft but will firm up as they cool. Keep a close eye after the 12-minute mark to prevent burning.

6. Cool Completely
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 10 full minutes. They are very fragile when hot. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely, about another 20 minutes. They will crisp up nicely as they cool.

Chef’s Notes & Tips for Success

Cheese is Key: Use a very finely grated, dry cheese. Pre-grated bagged Parmesan works perfectly. Avoid moist, fresh Parmesan wedges as they can make the dough too wet.
Butter Temperature: Your butter must be softened but not melted. It should hold a slight indent when pressed but still be cool to the touch.
Flavor Variations: Add a pinch of cinnamon, a few drops of vanilla extract (if you allow it), or mix in 1-2 tablespoons of crushed pork rinds for extra savoriness.
Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition Information (Per Cookie, based on yield of 12, with honey)

Calories: ~110 kcal
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 120mg
Total Carbohydrates: 1g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Net Carbs: 1g
Protein: 4g

Important Disclaimer: Nutrition information is an estimate calculated using a third-party online tool. For strict dietary needs, please calculate using the specific brands and ingredients you use.

Conclusion

These Carnivore Butter Cookies prove that dietary simplicity doesn’t mean sacrificing the joy of a homemade treat. In less than an hour, with minimal effort, you can create a batch of genuinely delicious cookies that align with your carnivore lifestyle. They’re the perfect answer to a craving for something rich, baked, and satisfying without any plant-based ingredients. Give them a try—your taste buds (and your inner minimalist) will thank you!

Hayyat

Hayyat is a talented content writer and digital marketer with expertise in SEO, social media management, and online marketing. She excels at creating impactful, data-driven content to help businesses connect with their target audience and achieve measurable outcomes.