The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe (Weight Watchers Low Point)
Welcome to the ultimate chocolate chip cookie recipe, optimized for those on a Weight Watchers (WW) program. This recipe combines classic flavors with mindful ingredient choices, ensuring that you can indulge in delicious cookies without straying from your goals. Follow this detailed guide for step-by-step instructions, nutritional information, and helpful tips to create the best chocolate chip cookies while keeping the points low.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick, approximately 227g)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark, depending on your preference)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Mix-Ins
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (you can use dark chocolate for a richer flavor)
Special Ingredient
- 1 tablespoon hot water (to activate the baking soda)
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheets (lined with parchment paper)
- Cooling rack
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that your cookies bake evenly, resulting in the perfect texture.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Whisk these ingredients together until well blended. This step ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for proper leavening and flavor.
Step 3: Activate the Baking Soda
In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of hot water. Stir to dissolve. This step is vital because it activates the baking soda, enhancing the cookie’s rise and texture. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer or whisk, beat the mixture on medium speed until it is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This aeration process is crucial for achieving a soft and chewy cookie.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well combined. This mixture should be smooth and creamy, creating a rich base for your cookies.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
Step 7: Incorporate the Baking Soda Mixture
Add the baking soda mixture (from Step 3) to the dough and mix until fully incorporated. This step ensures that the activated baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Step 8: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Ensure that the chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough for a consistent chocolate experience in every bite.
Step 9: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows for even baking and prevents the cookies from merging into each other.
Step 10: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft. This ensures that the cookies have a chewy texture.
Step 11: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the cookies to firm up slightly before transferring them to a cooling rack. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer the cookies to the cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 12: Enjoy Your Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed! Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, based on 24 cookies)
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- SmartPoints: 4-5 points per cookie (this may vary based on the type of chocolate chips used)
Tips for Making the Best Cookies
- Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your cookies largely depends on the quality of the ingredients. Use high-quality butter and pure vanilla extract for the best results.
- Do Not Skimp on Brown Sugar: The recipe calls for a full cup of brown sugar. This not only adds sweetness but also moisture, which prevents the cookies from spreading too thin.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, consider chilling the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. This can help to reduce spreading and enhance the cookie’s texture.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to customize your cookies by adding nuts, dried fruit, or using different types of chocolate chips (such as dark chocolate or white chocolate) to suit your taste preferences.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Since every oven is different, keep an eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking. Remove them from the oven when the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked for the chewiest texture.
Conclusion
This Weight Watchers low-point chocolate chip cookie recipe delivers a classic treat that is both satisfying and mindful of your health goals. With its rich flavor and chewy texture, you can indulge without the guilt. Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Happy baking!