Weight Watchers-Friendly Churro Cheesecake Cookies

Servings: 18-20 cookies
WW Points (Freestyle): 2-3 points per cookie (depending on ingredient adjustments)

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

  • 1/2 cup reduced-fat cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (or 1/4 cup butter if you prefer)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or sugar substitute like Stevia, depending on preference)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (or sugar substitute like Monk Fruit)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Churro Coating:

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or sugar substitute)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

2. Make the Cookie Dough:

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, applesauce (or butter), granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and well-combined. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for ease.
  • Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be thick.

3. Form the Cookies:

  • Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie and roll it into a ball between your palms. Place each dough ball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  • Press each dough ball lightly with your fingers to flatten it slightly.

4. Make the Churro Coating:

  • In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
  • Roll each flattened dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat completely, then place the coated dough balls back onto the baking sheet.

5. Bake:

  • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges.
  • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Serve:

  • Once completely cooled, serve your delicious Churro Cheesecake Cookies and enjoy!

Storage:

  • Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Nutrition (Per Cookie – Based on 20 servings):

  • Calories: 90-110
  • Protein: 1g
  • Fat: 4g
  • Carbs: 14g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • WW Points: 2-3 points per cookie (depending on ingredient choices)

These Weight Watchers-Friendly Churro Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet, cinnamon, and creamy cheesecake flavor, all while keeping the points low for your WW plan! Enjoy these as a snack or treat without feeling guilty.