Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles: A Weight Watchers Friendly Recipe
Introduction
Welcome to a delightful treat that perfectly balances indulgence with health-conscious choices—Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles. This Weight Watchers-friendly recipe transforms the classic snickerdoodle cookie into a seasonal favorite with the addition of pumpkin. These cookies maintain their soft, chewy texture while being mindful of WW (Weight Watchers) points. This comprehensive guide provides detailed instructions, nutritional information, and helpful tips to ensure you can enjoy these delicious cookies guilt-free.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
1 cup whole wheat flour (approximately 120 grams) – 3 SmartPoints
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (approximately 60 grams) – 2 SmartPoints
1 teaspoon baking powder – 0 SmartPoints
1/2 teaspoon baking soda – 0 SmartPoints
1/2 teaspoon salt – 0 SmartPoints
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – 0 SmartPoints
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger – 0 SmartPoints
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – 0 SmartPoints
1/2 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) – 0 SmartPoints
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce – 0 SmartPoints
1/4 cup light brown sugar – 2 SmartPoints
1/4 cup granulated sugar – 2 SmartPoints
1 large egg – 2 SmartPoints
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – 0 SmartPoints
1/4 cup coconut oil (solidified or melted) – 4 SmartPoints
For Rolling:
2 tablespoons granulated sugar – 2 SmartPoints
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – 0 SmartPoints
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
Prepare the Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents the cookies from sticking and ensures they bake evenly.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. This mixture will ensure that the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the canned pumpkin, unsweetened applesauce, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer or whisk to blend these ingredients until smooth and well combined.
Incorporate Coconut Oil: If you’re using solidified coconut oil, melt it gently before adding it to the wet ingredients. Mix the melted coconut oil into the pumpkin mixture until fully incorporated. This adds a subtle coconut flavor and contributes to the cookies’ moist texture.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the cookies’ texture. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
Chill the Dough: For best results, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to scoop and shape the cookies.
Prepare Rolling Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This will be used to roll the cookie dough balls, adding a sweet and spicy coating.
Shape the Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough and roll it into balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should be set around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cookies set and prevents them from breaking apart.
Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutritional Information and WW Points
Per Cookie (assuming 24 cookies total):
Calories: 80
Total Fat: 4 grams
Saturated Fat: 3 grams
Cholesterol: 15 milligrams
Sodium: 85 milligrams
Total Carbohydrates: 10 grams
Dietary Fiber: 1 gram
Sugars: 6 grams
Protein: 1 gram
WW SmartPoints:
Whole Wheat Flour: 3 SmartPoints per cup
All-Purpose Flour: 2 SmartPoints per 1/2 cup
Light Brown Sugar: 2 SmartPoints per 1/4 cup
Granulated Sugar: 2 SmartPoints per 1/4 cup (for dough) and 2 SmartPoints per 2 tablespoons (for rolling)
Coconut Oil: 4 SmartPoints per 1/4 cup
Total WW SmartPoints per Cookie: 4 SmartPoints
Useful Tips and Variations
Lower the Points Further: To reduce the points, consider using a zero-calorie sweetener instead of granulated sugar and light brown sugar. You can also substitute the coconut oil with a lower-point oil or applesauce for even fewer points.
Add-ins: For added texture, mix in a small handful of nuts or chocolate chips, though this will increase the point value. Opt for mini chocolate chips to keep the points lower.
Flour Substitutes: You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends if you have dietary restrictions. Be sure to adjust the recipe according to the specific blend’s guidelines.
Pumpkin Alternatives: If pumpkin is not available, try using mashed sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a different flavor profile.
Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to handle but also helps the cookies retain their shape while baking.
Serving Suggestions: These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of herbal tea or a glass of almond milk. They also make a great addition to a fall-themed dessert table.
Conclusion
Our Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles recipe offers a delightful and Weight Watchers-friendly twist on a beloved classic. With a careful balance of flavors and a smart approach to ingredients, these cookies provide a comforting treat without derailing your health goals. Enjoy baking and savoring these soft, spiced cookies knowing you’re making a deliciously smart choice for your wellness journey. Whether for a special occasion or a simple snack, these cookies are sure to become a cherished favorite.