Weight Watchers-Friendly Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or light butter)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (use a sugar substitute like Swerve for lower points)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (use fewer pecans or swap for walnuts to reduce points)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or a low-carb flour alternative)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for coating (use Swerve powdered sugar substitute for lower points)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1/4 cup powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add in the flour, salt, vanilla extract, and finely chopped pecans. Mix until well blended.
- Form the Cookies:
- Shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You should get about 36 cookies.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are just starting to turn golden brown on the bottoms.
- Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Coat in Powdered Sugar:
- Once cooled, roll the cookies in the remaining 1/2 cup powdered sugar to coat them.
- Serve: Enjoy your lighter version of these classic holiday treats!
Tips:
- Lighten the Butter: Using light butter or a butter substitute can significantly reduce the points without sacrificing too much flavor.
- Nut Substitutes: Consider using walnuts instead of pecans, as they can be slightly lower in points.
- Sugar Substitutes: Use a powdered sugar substitute like Swerve to cut down on points without losing sweetness.
- Portion Control: These cookies are small, so be mindful of portion sizes to stay within your points.
Benefits:
- Lower Points: This version of the cookie cuts down on points while keeping the buttery, nutty flavor you love.
- High in Fiber: By using a low-carb flour alternative, you can increase the fiber content, which helps with digestion and satiety.
- Satisfying Sweetness: These cookies provide a sweet treat that fits into your Weight Watchers plan, making it easier to indulge without overdoing it.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Cookie, 36 cookies):
- Calories: ~50 kcal
- Protein: ~1g
- Fat: ~3g
- Saturated Fat: ~1g
- Carbohydrates: ~5g
- Fiber: ~0.5g
- Sugars: ~2g
- Weight Watchers Points: Approximately 2 points per cookie (using light butter and a sugar substitute)
This Weight Watchers-friendly version of Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies allows you to enjoy a festive treat with fewer points, making it a great addition to your holiday baking lineup!