Weight Watchers Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins (1 point)

Makes: 12 muffins
Points per muffin: 1 WW point (using the WW Freestyle program)

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (acts as a fat replacer)
  • 1/3 cup sugar substitute (like Stevia, Swerve, or Splenda)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour (or whole wheat flour for extra fiber)
  • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (use sugar-free or dark chocolate to keep the points low)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners (or spray with non-stick cooking spray).
  2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin, eggs, applesauce, sugar substitute, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Add dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
  4. Combine: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined (don’t overmix).
  5. Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips.
  6. Fill muffin tin: Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
  7. Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Muffins should be lightly golden on top.
  8. Cool: Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions:

  • You can store these muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
  • For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

Tips:

  • For extra flavor, try adding chopped nuts or a little extra cinnamon on top before baking.
  • Using mini chocolate chips ensures that each muffin has a nice distribution of chocolate while keeping the points low.

Here’s the approximate nutrition information and Weight Watchers points breakdown for the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins recipe (based on 12 servings):

Nutrition Information (per muffin):

  • Calories: 90-100 calories
  • Total Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 190mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 19g
    • Fiber: 1g
    • Sugar: 6g (from the pumpkin and chocolate chips)
  • Protein: 3g

Weight Watchers Points (per muffin):

  • WW Freestyle Points: 1 point
  • WW SmartPoints: 2 points
  • WW PointsPlus: 3 points

The 1-point total is calculated by using sugar substitutes, unsweetened applesauce, and a controlled amount of mini chocolate chips. Keep in mind that the points may vary slightly depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use (especially chocolate chips or flour).