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:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Coat in Powdered Sugar:
    • Once cooled, roll the cookies in the remaining 1/2 cup powdered sugar to coat them.
  6. 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!