Weight Watchers-Friendly Banana Pudding Cookies 🍌🍪
Points: 2 points (based on WW Blue Plan; check your current plan for accuracy)
Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (reduce to lower points)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (replaces half of the butter for moisture and fewer points)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar substitute (like Stevia or Splenda)
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar substitute (like Swerve Brown Sugar)
  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (can use whole wheat flour for added fiber)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup vanilla wafer crumbs (use reduced-fat vanilla wafers)
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional; can be omitted to reduce points)
  • 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional; can be omitted to reduce points further)

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Dough:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
    • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, applesauce, granulated sugar substitute, and brown sugar substitute until light and fluffy.
    • Beat in the mashed bananas until well combined.
    • Add the egg, beating well. Stir in the vanilla extract.
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
    • Fold in the vanilla wafer crumbs and chopped nuts (if using). Gently fold in the mini marshmallows if you’re using them.
  2. Form and Bake:
    • Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
    • Flatten each ball of dough slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
    • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
    • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  3. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Enjoy these delicious Banana Pudding Cookies with a glass of skim milk or tea.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 24 cookies

Nutritional Information (per cookie):

  • Calories: 80 kcal
  • Protein: 1g
  • Carbs: 11g
  • Fat: 3g

Tips:

  • Lower the Points: By replacing some butter with unsweetened applesauce and using sugar substitutes, you can significantly lower the points without losing the moist texture.
  • Optional Add-Ins: Mini marshmallows and nuts are optional and can be omitted to further lower the points.
  • Boost the Flavor: Add a little extra cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the banana flavor.

Benefits:

  • Lower in Points: This recipe is tailored to be low in Weight Watchers points by using substitutions like unsweetened applesauce and sugar alternatives.
  • Moist and Flavorful: The applesauce keeps the cookies moist, while the ripe bananas add natural sweetness and flavor.
  • Healthy Fats and Fiber: Using whole wheat flour adds fiber, and optional nuts provide healthy fats.

These Weight Watchers-friendly Banana Pudding Cookies are a perfect way to enjoy a beloved flavor with fewer points. Enjoy baking and snacking without the guilt!