Nothing says holiday cheer quite like the delightful look and taste of Christmas Crinkle Cookies. These light, fluffy cookies, with their signature crackled surface dusted with powdered sugar, are a festive favorite. This WW-friendly version is optimized for a healthier lifestyle while maintaining all the classic holiday flavors. Perfect for gatherings, gift-giving, or satisfying your sweet tooth, this recipe ensures indulgence without guilt. Follow along for a detailed, professional recipe complete with tips, nutritional information, and WW SmartPoints breakdown.
Ingredients (Makes 24 cookies)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (use high-quality for richer flavor)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar substitute (such as monk fruit sweetener or erythritol, for lower SmartPoints)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar substitute (for rolling)
- 1/2 tsp cornstarch (to prevent clumping)

Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar substitute using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for a boost of flavor.
Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients in three additions, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies dense.
- The dough will be sticky, which is normal for crinkle cookies.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
- Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling ensures the dough is firm enough to roll and helps create the iconic crinkle effect during baking.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Coating
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar substitute with cornstarch. The cornstarch prevents clumping and helps the sugar adhere better to the cookies.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion out the dough into 24 even balls (about 1 tablespoon each). Roll each portion into a smooth ball with your hands.
- Roll each dough ball generously in the powdered sugar mixture, ensuring it’s completely coated.
Step 6: Arrange on Baking Sheets
- Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still slightly soft in the center.
- The cookies will puff up and form beautiful cracks on the surface, revealing the rich cocoa beneath the powdered sugar.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or low-fat milk for a festive treat.
Pro Tips for Perfect Christmas Crinkle Cookies
- Chill the Dough: Chilling is crucial to prevent the cookies from spreading too much and to achieve the signature crinkled appearance.
- Coat Generously: A thick layer of powdered sugar substitute ensures the cracks are prominent and gives the cookies their iconic look.
- Use High-Quality Cocoa: A good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder enhances the flavor and makes the cookies more decadent.
- Avoid Overbaking: The cookies should be set around the edges but slightly soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
Why These Cookies Are WW-Friendly
- Lower Sugar Content: Using sugar substitutes reduces calories and WW SmartPoints without compromising sweetness.
- Moderate Fat Content: Only a small amount of butter is used, keeping the cookies rich yet light.
- Portion Control: Each cookie is bite-sized, making it easier to enjoy in moderation.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 60
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 50mg
WW SmartPoints (Per Cookie)
- Blue Plan: 2 points
- Green Plan: 2 points
- Purple Plan: 2 points
The Story Behind Crinkle Cookies
Crinkle cookies are a staple during the holiday season, cherished for their festive appearance and rich, chocolatey flavor. The contrast of dark chocolate and snowy powdered sugar symbolizes the magic of a winter wonderland. This WW version retains the nostalgia while aligning with your wellness goals, making it a perfect addition to your holiday traditions.
Pairing Suggestions and Storage Tips
- Pair With: Light peppermint tea, hot cocoa made with unsweetened almond milk, or a frothy latte.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the dough balls (pre-coated) and bake fresh as needed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These WW Christmas Crinkle Cookies are the epitome of holiday cheer. With their festive appearance, rich flavor, and low SmartPoints, they’re a treat everyone can enjoy without guilt. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, bringing them to a holiday party, or enjoying them at home, these cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite!