2-Ingredient Cookies: A Comprehensive WW-Friendly Recipe

Welcome to our detailed guide on making 2-Ingredient Cookies, a healthy and delightful treat that’s perfect for those following a Weight Watchers (WW) plan. This recipe is designed to be both simple and nutritious, using only two ingredients to create a cookie that is low in SmartPoints, free from sugar, flour, eggs, and milk, and ideal for a quick and satisfying snack or breakfast.

Ingredients

For the 2-Ingredient Cookies:

  • 2 ripe bananas (about 1 cup mashed)
  • 1 cup rolled oats

Optional Add-ins (for added flavor, not included in the base SmartPoints calculation):

  • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cookies bake evenly and develop a nice, golden-brown color.
  2. Prepare Baking Sheet:
    • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
  3. Mash the Bananas:
    • Peel and place the ripe bananas into a mixing bowl. Use a fork or a potato masher to mash the bananas until they are smooth and free of lumps. The bananas should be overripe for optimal sweetness and moisture.
  4. Mix in the Oats:
    • Add 1 cup of rolled oats to the mashed bananas. Stir until the oats are fully incorporated and the mixture is evenly combined. The oats should be coated with the banana mash, forming a dough-like consistency.
  5. Add Optional Ingredients:
    • If desired, mix in 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips or raisins, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and/or 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. These optional add-ins can enhance the flavor but will adjust the SmartPoints value.
  6. Form the Cookies:
    • Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of the spoon to help them cook evenly.
  7. Bake the Cookies:
    • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges and firm to the touch.
  8. Cool the Cookies:
    • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle.
  9. Store the Cookies:
    • Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer.
  10. Reheat Instructions:
    • To enjoy the cookies warm, microwave them for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, reheat them in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.
  11. Nutritional Benefits:
    • These cookies are naturally sweetened with bananas and provide fiber and nutrients from rolled oats. They are a good source of quick energy and are suitable for a low-point diet.
  12. Dietary Considerations:
    • This recipe is vegan and gluten-free, provided you use certified gluten-free oats. It is also free from common allergens like eggs and dairy, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
  13. Flavor Variations:
    • Experiment with different mix-ins, such as chopped nuts, dried fruit, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. These additions can add texture and variety while still keeping the recipe WW-friendly.
  14. Meal Prep Tips:
    • Prepare a batch of these cookies and keep them on hand for a quick breakfast or snack. They are perfect for busy mornings or as a healthy on-the-go option.
  15. Serving Suggestions:
    • Enjoy these cookies on their own, or pair them with a cup of tea or coffee. They also make a great addition to a fruit and yogurt breakfast.
  16. Adjusting Sweetness:
    • If you prefer a sweeter cookie, you can add a touch of honey or maple syrup, but this will increase the SmartPoints value. Be sure to adjust your serving size accordingly.
  17. Customizing the Recipe:
    • Feel free to customize the recipe by adding spices like nutmeg or ginger, or by incorporating other fruits such as blueberries or apple chunks for a different flavor profile.
  18. Weight Watchers Considerations:
    • The basic recipe, without optional add-ins, is low in SmartPoints and aligns well with WW guidelines. Adjusting the ingredients or adding optional mix-ins will affect the SmartPoints, so be sure to recalculate if you make changes.
  19. Special Occasions:
    • These cookies are versatile and can be dressed up for special occasions by adding a drizzle of sugar-free chocolate or a sprinkle of powdered erythritol.
  20. Nutritional Information and SmartPoints:

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Makes 12 Cookies)

  • Calories: 80
  • Total Fat: 1.5g
    • Saturated Fat: 0.2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 16g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Sugars: 7g
  • Net Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Protein: 2g

Weight Watchers SmartPoints Value:

  • SmartPoints: 2 (per cookie, based on Weight Watchers 2024 calculation, without optional add-ins)

Conclusion

These 2-Ingredient Cookies are a fantastic option for those following a Weight Watchers plan, providing a quick, easy, and low-point treat. With only two primary ingredients, they are simple to prepare and offer a healthy alternative to traditional cookies. Enjoy the natural sweetness of bananas combined with the wholesome goodness of oats, and feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste. This guide ensures you have all the information needed to make these delicious cookies while keeping track of your SmartPoints and maintaining a balanced diet.