1-Point Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Cookies – A WW-Friendly Recipe

Are you looking for a delicious, guilt-free cookie that satisfies your cravings without compromising on your wellness journey? Look no further! These 1-Point Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Cookies are the perfect balance of indulgence and nutritional goodness. Whether you’re following Weight Watchers (WW) or just want a low-point snack that won’t derail your progress, these cookies are a fantastic option.

In this recipe, we’ve replaced traditional ingredients like milk chocolate chips with unsweetened cocoa powder, making it both a healthier and more WW-friendly choice. With the added benefit of protein from the peanut butter and protein powder, each cookie only costs 1 SmartPoint on the WW plan, making it a guilt-free treat.

This recipe is easy to follow, and the end result is a batch of soft, chewy, and chocolatey cookies. It’s a perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth without going overboard on calories or points. Here’s everything you need to know to make these delicious treats!

Ingredients

For this recipe, we’ll use a selection of wholesome ingredients to keep the points low while ensuring a rich, satisfying flavor. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

  • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (preferably no sugar added)
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup protein powder (use your preferred flavor, but chocolate or vanilla works best)
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (provides a rich chocolate flavor with minimal points)
  • 1/4 cup honey or a low-calorie sweetener of choice (to keep the sugar content in check)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt (to balance sweetness)
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk (or any low-calorie milk of choice)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, but will add extra sweetness and texture; you can use sugar-free chocolate chips to lower points further)

Instructions

The process for making these WW-friendly chocolate peanut butter protein cookies is incredibly simple. With just a few steps, you’ll have a batch of cookies ready to enjoy. Here’s how to make them:

Step 1: Preheat your oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is ready to bake the cookies evenly once you’re done preparing the dough.

Step 2: Prepare the baking sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This helps prevent the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 3: Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to ensure all the dry ingredients are fully incorporated and there are no clumps.

Step 4: Mix the wet ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the natural peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, egg, and unsweetened almond milk until smooth. If your peanut butter is a bit thick, you can microwave it for a few seconds to make it easier to mix.

Step 5: Combine the wet and dry ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined and a dough-like consistency forms. The dough should be thick but easy to scoop.

Step 6: Add chocolate chips (optional)
If you want an extra touch of sweetness and texture, fold in the mini chocolate chips. If you’re trying to keep the points as low as possible, feel free to skip the chocolate chips or use sugar-free chips to reduce the points.

Step 7: Portion the dough
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, scoop out portions of the dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each scoop slightly with the back of the spoon to form cookie shapes. These cookies won’t spread too much during baking, so make sure to shape them to your desired size.

Step 8: Bake
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. The cookies should be set and slightly golden around the edges. Don’t overbake, as they can become too hard.

Step 9: Cool and enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them once they’ve fully cooled for the best texture.

Nutritional Information

Let’s break down the nutritional benefits of each cookie so you can feel confident about your choice. Each cookie, when made using the exact ingredients and portion sizes listed, has the following nutritional profile:

Per Cookie (if recipe makes 12 cookies):

  • Calories: 90
  • Protein: 5g
  • Carbs: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 18mg
  • Sodium: 45mg
  • SmartPoints: 1 SmartPoint per cookie (on Weight Watchers Freestyle/Blue Plan)

WW Points Breakdown

When following the WW (Weight Watchers) program, SmartPoints are the key to tracking your food. The breakdown of the SmartPoints for this recipe is as follows:

  • Peanut Butter: 5 points for 1/2 cup (adjusted based on type of peanut butter used)
  • Rolled Oats: 3 points for 1/2 cup
  • Protein Powder: 2 points (based on 1/4 cup serving)
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 0 points
  • Honey: 4 points for 1/4 cup
  • Mini Chocolate Chips: Optional; roughly 1 point per tablespoon
  • Other ingredients (egg, almond milk, vanilla extract, baking soda): Minimal points or 0 points in total

This recipe yields 12 cookies, and with the adjustments made (like substituting regular chocolate chips for cocoa powder and using natural sweeteners), the overall point count comes down to just 1 point per cookie! This makes these cookies a perfect snack for those following WW or anyone looking to keep their treat options low-calorie and nutritious.

Additional Tips for Success

  1. Peanut Butter Selection:
    For a WW-friendly version, use natural peanut butter that is free of added sugars and oils. Many commercial peanut butters have hidden sugars and extra calories, which can quickly add up in points. Look for brands that only list peanuts and salt as ingredients.
  2. Sweetener Substitutes:
    If you’re trying to cut out extra sugars, you can replace the honey with a zero-calorie sweetener such as Stevia, Monk Fruit, or Erythritol. Adjust the quantity based on the sweetness level you prefer.
  3. Protein Powder Choice:
    Choosing a high-quality protein powder with minimal sugar is essential to keeping the points low. Opt for a chocolate or vanilla-flavored protein powder to enhance the taste of the cookies without needing extra sugar.
  4. Batch Size Adjustments:
    You can make smaller or larger cookies depending on your needs. The SmartPoints count is based on making 12 cookies, so if you make 24 smaller cookies, the point value per cookie will be even lower (about 0.5 SmartPoints each!).
  5. Freezer-Friendly:
    These cookies freeze well, making them a great option for meal prepping. Simply store them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds when you’re ready to enjoy.

Why This Recipe Works for WW (Weight Watchers)

This recipe is optimized for those following the WW program for a few key reasons:

  • Protein-Rich: The protein powder and peanut butter in this recipe provide a satisfying dose of protein, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods. Protein is also important for building and repairing muscles, making these cookies a great post-workout snack.
  • Low in Sugar: We’ve minimized the sugar content by using unsweetened cocoa powder and a small amount of honey. By swapping out typical sweeteners, you’re reducing the sugar load without compromising on flavor.
  • High in Fiber: The rolled oats provide fiber, which is key for digestion and keeping you feeling full. Fiber also helps regulate blood sugar levels and supports weight loss.
  • One SmartPoint: Perhaps the most important reason this recipe is ideal for WW followers is that it’s 1 SmartPoint per cookie. This makes it easy to track, portion out, and fit into your daily allowance.

Conclusion

If you’re craving something sweet but still want to stay on track with your WW journey, these 1-Point Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Cookies are the perfect solution. With just a few simple ingredients and a straightforward baking process, you can enjoy a delicious snack that fits seamlessly into your day.

Each cookie provides a balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats while keeping the SmartPoints low, making them a guilt-free indulgence. Plus, with their freezer-friendly nature, you can always have a batch ready when the cravings hit. Give this recipe a try today, and enjoy a healthy, delicious treat that won’t set you back!