Weight Watchers-Friendly Churros
Ingredients:

  • 1 cup water
    • Points: 0 points
    • Note: Water is calorie-free.
  • 2 tablespoons sugar substitute (like Swerve)
    • Points: 0 points
    • Tip: Use a sugar substitute to cut down on points.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • Points: 0 points
    • Tip: Salt is essential for flavor, but doesn’t add points.
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce (replacing vegetable oil)
    • Points: 0 points
    • Tip: Unsweetened applesauce keeps the dough moist with zero points.
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • Points: 24 points
    • Tip: Consider using a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for added fiber.
  • Cooking spray (instead of 2 quarts oil for frying)
    • Points: 0 points
    • Tip: Bake the churros instead of frying to significantly reduce points.
  • 1/4 cup sugar substitute (like Swerve)
    • Points: 0 points
    • Tip: Keeps the churros sweet without the added sugar points.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • Points: 0 points
    • Tip: Adds a warm, spiced flavor with no additional points.

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Dough:
    • In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar substitute, salt, and unsweetened applesauce.
    • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then remove from the heat.
    • Stir in the flour until the mixture forms a ball.
  2. Pipe the Churros:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
    • Transfer the dough to a sturdy pastry bag fitted with a medium star tip.
    • Pipe 5- to 6-inch strips of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Bake the Churros:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the churros are golden brown.
    • Optionally, you can lightly spray the churros with cooking spray and bake for an additional 5 minutes for extra crispiness.
  4. Coat the Churros:
    • Combine the sugar substitute and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish.
    • Roll the warm churros in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.
  5. Serve:
    • Enjoy your churros warm, either plain or with a low-point dipping sauce like sugar-free chocolate syrup.

Nutritional Information:

  • Serving Size: Approximately 12 churros
  • Estimated WW Points: About 1-2 points per churro (depending on size and ingredients used)

Tips & Benefits:

  • Baking Instead of Frying: Baking the churros drastically reduces the points and makes them a healthier option.
  • Sugar Substitute: Using a sugar substitute helps keep the traditional sweet flavor without adding extra points.
  • Portion Control: Keep an eye on portion sizes to ensure you stay within your points.

These Weight Watchers-friendly churros are a lighter version of the classic treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while keeping your points in check!