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:
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.
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.
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