Weight Watchers-Friendly Cream Cheese Cookies
Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature: 12 points
  • 4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, at room temperature: 8 points
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar: 24 points
  • 1 egg: 2 points
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: 0 points
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: 0 points
  • 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour: 24 points
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt: 0 points
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting: 0 points (if using a light dusting)

Total Points for the Entire Recipe: 70 points
Points per Serving (for 24 cookies): 3 points per cookie

Preparation

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese:
    • In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and cream cheese until smooth and well combined.
  3. Add Sugar and Egg:
    • Add the sugar and beat for 1 minute. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until everything is fully incorporated.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients:
    • In three additions, add the baking powder, flour, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined, making sure not to overmix.
  5. Chill the Dough:
    • Cover the dough and refrigerate for 1 hour to make it easier to handle.
  6. Shape the Cookies:
    • Once the dough is chilled, dust your hands with flour and roll the dough into 1-2 inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with your fingers.
  7. Bake:
    • Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes. The tops should remain pale while the bottoms turn golden.
  8. Cool and Dust:
    • Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, lightly dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips:

  • Reduced Sugar: You can reduce the sugar further or use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Splenda to lower the points.
  • Portion Control: Keep the cookie size consistent to ensure accurate point tracking.
  • Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.

Benefits:

  • Lighter Option: By using reduced-fat cream cheese and controlling portion sizes, this recipe is a lighter take on a classic treat.
  • Indulgence with Moderation: These cookies provide a sweet treat that fits into your Weight Watchers plan, allowing for indulgence without guilt.
  • Versatile: The recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to include flavor variations like lemon zest or almond extract for different tastes.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per 1 cookie)

  • Calories: 100 kcal
  • Protein: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Fat: 4g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 7g

These Weight Watchers-Friendly Cream Cheese Cookies offer a delightful, creamy texture and sweet flavor, perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings while staying on track with your points!