WW Low-Point Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe
Introduction: Making Gooey Butter Cookies WW-Friendly
The holidays are a time for indulging in your favorite treats, but that doesn’t mean you have to abandon your Weight Watchers (WW) goals. One of the most beloved Christmas cookies, Gooey Butter Cookies, is often a decadent, sugar-filled treat that can be high in SmartPoints. However, with some smart ingredient swaps, you can still enjoy this melt-in-your-mouth delight without compromising your health or your WW points allowance.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through a WW Low-Point Gooey Butter Cookies recipe that keeps the traditional flavor while cutting back on sugar and calories. These cookies are a perfect blend of soft, chewy texture and creamy richness, all while staying within your WW plan.
Whether you’re looking for a treat to serve at a holiday gathering or something to enjoy with a cup of tea, this lightened-up recipe offers a healthier alternative that still delivers on taste.
What Makes This Christmas Gooey Butter Cookie Recipe WW-Friendly?
Reduced Sugar Content
Traditional gooey butter cookies use a substantial amount of sugar, contributing to both the calorie count and SmartPoints. In this healthier version, we swap out the refined sugar for a sugar substitute like Stevia or Monk Fruit, which lowers the point value without sacrificing sweetness.
Low-Fat Substitutes
Butter, the star of many cookie recipes, is typically high in fat. In our WW-friendly version, we use lightened-up butter or even Greek yogurt to cut the fat content while still retaining that rich, gooey texture.
Flour Swap
Instead of using traditional all-purpose flour, we’ll use a mix of whole wheat flour or almond flour. This increases fiber content and helps lower the glycemic index, making these cookies even more suitable for those following a low-carb or diabetic-friendly diet.
Smaller Serving Sizes
To keep the portion size reasonable and within WW SmartPoints, we’ve adjusted the size of each cookie. These cookies are still large enough to satisfy your sweet tooth, but they’re smaller than traditional gooey butter cookies.
Ingredients for WW Low-Point Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
To make WW Low-Point Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
1 ½ cups whole wheat flour (or almond flour for a lower-carb option)
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon zest (adds a refreshing flavor)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (helps create the gooey texture)
Wet Ingredients:
4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened (substitute with fat-free cream cheese for even fewer points)
2 tablespoons light butter (or coconut oil for a dairy-free option)
½ cup sugar substitute (such as Stevia or Monk Fruit for 1:1 sweetness)
1 large egg
1 tablespoon vanilla extract (for flavor)
2 tablespoons low-fat Greek yogurt (adds creaminess while reducing fat)
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (to complement the lemon zest and enhance flavor)
Topping (Optional):
¼ cup powdered sugar substitute (like Swerve Confectioners for dusting)
Instructions for WW Low-Point Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
Now, let’s get started with this WW Low-Point Gooey Butter Cookies recipe. Follow these detailed steps to create a delicious batch of cookies:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly spray them with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, baking powder, salt, cornstarch, and lemon zest. Whisk the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened reduced-fat cream cheese and light butter using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This will take about 2 minutes. Then, add the sugar substitute and continue mixing until well combined.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Flavorings
Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice to the wet ingredients. Mix until everything is fully incorporated. The mixture will be slightly creamy and thick.
Step 5: Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing well. Once the batter is formed, it should be thick but spreadable, similar to a dough. If the dough is too thick, add a tablespoon of low-fat Greek yogurt to loosen it up a bit.
Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough into small balls about the size of a tablespoon. Roll them gently between your hands to create uniform balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon to form a thick disc.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should be golden brown around the edges but slightly soft in the center. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Add the Finishing Touch
Once the cookies are cooled, dust them lightly with powdered sugar substitute (optional). This adds a festive touch and gives them that signature gooey butter cookie look.
Nutritional Information for WW Low-Point Gooey Butter Cookies
Let’s break down the nutrition per cookie so you can enjoy them without guilt:
Nutritional Information per Cookie (Assuming 20 Cookies):
Calories: 95 kcal
Total Fat: 5 g
Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 10 g
Dietary Fiber: 2 g
Net Carbs: 8 g
Sugars: 1 g
Protein: 2 g
Sodium: 85 mg
WW SmartPoints Breakdown
Here’s the SmartPoints breakdown for each serving size, assuming 20 cookies:
Green Plan: 3 SmartPoints per cookie
Blue Plan: 2 SmartPoints per cookie
Purple Plan: 2 SmartPoints per cookie
These cookies are an excellent option if you’re following the Green Plan, Blue Plan, or Purple Plan on WW. You can indulge in these cookies without feeling like you’re sacrificing too many points, making them perfect for your holiday celebrations.
Tips for Making These Cookies Even Healthier
Make Them Gluten-Free: To make these cookies gluten-free, simply swap out the whole wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The almond flour option in the ingredient list is already gluten-free, so you can use that for a lower-carb option as well.
Sugar-Free Option: If you’re looking to reduce the sugar substitute even further, you can eliminate the powdered sugar topping. The cookies will still be sweet and delicious without the added sugar.
Low-Carb Option: By substituting almond flour for whole wheat flour, you can reduce the carbohydrates even further. Just be mindful that almond flour can produce a slightly denser cookie, but they will still be tasty!
Make a Batch and Freeze for Later: These cookies freeze well! If you’re looking to bake ahead for the holidays, freeze the dough balls before baking. When you’re ready, simply bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
These WW Low-Point Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are the perfect way to indulge in a classic holiday treat without sabotaging your weight loss goals. With a reduced fat and sugar content, these cookies are not only healthier but also maintain the sweet, gooey, and delicious flavor that makes them a family favorite. They’re ideal for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying a light dessert after a meal.
The easy swaps in this recipe allow you to enjoy the magic of holiday baking, all while staying within your WW points range. No need to feel deprived—these cookies are just as satisfying as the traditional version!
Enjoy your festive season with a guilt-free treat and share the joy of this healthy twist on a beloved classic!