Low-Point Butter Cookies (Just 4 Ingredients!) – WW-Friendly Version

A Classic Treat Made Lighter Without Compromising Taste

Butter cookies are a nostalgic favorite—simple, crumbly, and just the right amount of sweetness. Whether served with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or as an after-dinner treat, they never go out of style. But if you’re following Weight Watchers and watching your SmartPoints, you might think these buttery delights are off-limits. Not anymore.

This revamped version of classic butter cookies uses just 4 ingredients, each carefully chosen to bring down the points while keeping flavor and texture intact. They’re perfect for anyone craving a cookie fix while staying on track.

These cookies are light, slightly crisp on the outside, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. They’re made with a handful of pantry staples and come together in minutes—no complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. You’ll want to bake a batch every week.

Ingredients (Makes about 20 cookies)

  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
  • 4 tbsp (56g) light butter (such as Land O’Lakes Light Butter with Canola Oil)
  • 2 tbsp powdered sweetener (like Swerve or Lakanto Monk Fruit)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins (minimal point impact if portioned carefully)

  • 1 tsp lemon zest for brightness
  • A pinch of salt to enhance flavor
  • 1 tbsp mini chocolate chips (adds 1 point to entire batch)
  • 1 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans (adds ~2 points to entire batch)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and helps achieve even browning.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a medium bowl, combine the light butter and sweetener. Use a hand mixer or whisk to cream them together until smooth and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This step helps create a light, airy texture.

Step 3: Add Vanilla

Add in the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated. If using optional zest or salt, stir them in now for an extra depth of flavor.

Step 4: Add the Flour

Slowly add the flour into the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula or fork until it forms a soft dough. If the dough feels too crumbly, you can add 1–2 teaspoons of unsweetened almond milk or water to help bind it.

Step 5: Chill (Optional)

For easier handling and better texture, chill the dough in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. This step helps prevent spreading and makes the dough easier to roll into balls.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out 1 tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly with your palm or the back of a fork.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake—they’ll continue to set as they cool.

Step 8: Cool

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. The texture improves as they cool.

Storage Tips

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just separate layers with parchment to avoid sticking.

WW SmartPoints Breakdown (Per Cookie)

Based on the WW PersonalPoints system (or SmartPoints for Blue Plan):

  • All-purpose flour (1 cup) – 11 points total
  • Light butter (4 tbsp) – 8 points total
  • Sweetener (0-calorie powdered) – 0 points
  • Vanilla extract – 0 points

Total for batch: 19 SmartPoints
Per cookie (20 cookies per batch): ~1 SmartPoint per cookie

If you make smaller cookies (24–26), the point value drops to 0.5 points each, making them perfect for snacking.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie – 20 per batch)

  • Calories: ~45
  • Fat: 2.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 5.5g
  • Fiber: 0.3g
  • Protein: 0.6g
  • Sugar: <1g (depending on sweetener)

Tips for Lowering the Points Even More

  • Swap flour for oat flour: Slightly lower in points and adds fiber.
  • Use only 3 tbsp light butter: Cuts fat and points but keep texture in check.
  • Add zero-point ingredients like cinnamon, lemon zest, or extracts (almond, maple, etc.).
  • Divide into smaller portions: If you make 24 cookies, most will remain 1 point or less.

Why These Cookies Work on WW

These cookies are a great example of indulgence with mindfulness. Each cookie gives just enough richness to feel satisfying without using up a large chunk of your daily points. By using light butter and sugar substitutes, you can keep flavor and texture while cutting calories.

They’re also great for portion control—one cookie is often enough to hit the spot. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee and you’ve got yourself a treat that feels indulgent but is completely aligned with your goals.

Who Will Love This Recipe

  • Busy parents: Bake a batch and pack them in lunchboxes.
  • Weight Watchers veterans: These cookies are familiar, flexible, and friendly on the points.
  • Beginner bakers: Only 4 ingredients and no mixer required.
  • Sweet tooth warriors: Tame your cravings without breaking your points bank.

Recipe Variations

  • Cinnamon Butter Cookies: Add 1 tsp cinnamon to the dough.
  • Chocolate Chip Butter Cookies: Add 1 tbsp mini chips for a cookie that feels indulgent.
  • Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle crushed walnuts or almonds on top.
  • Festive Flair: Use almond extract instead of vanilla and add sprinkles for holidays (minimal point change).