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**Soft Christmas Cookies: A Weight Watchers-Friendly Recipe**
The holiday season is a time for celebrating, and Christmas cookies are a staple treat that brings joy to any gathering. If you’re following the Weight Watchers plan and want to indulge in festive flavors without straying from your goals, these Soft Christmas Cookies are just what you need. They’re light, delicious, and easy to make, with a soft texture that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, this recipe is customizable, so you can add your favorite holiday decorations while keeping things Weight Watchers-friendly.
### Ingredients
To make these Weight Watchers-friendly Soft Christmas Cookies, you’ll need:
– **1 cup all-purpose flour**
– **1/2 teaspoon baking powder**
– **1/4 teaspoon baking soda**
– **1/4 teaspoon salt**
– **1/4 cup unsalted butter**, softened
– **1/4 cup granulated sugar**
– **1/4 cup light brown sugar**, packed
– **1 large egg**
– **1 teaspoon vanilla extract**
– **2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce**
– **Optional:** Sugar-free powdered sugar or sugar-free sprinkles for decorating
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### Instructions
1. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. **Mix the Dry Ingredients:**
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. **Cream the Butter and Sugars:**
– In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. **Add Wet Ingredients:**
– Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and applesauce until well combined.
5. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:**
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
6. **Shape the Cookies:**
– Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with your fingers to form a cookie shape.
7. **Bake:**
– Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly puffed. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking.
8. **Cool and Decorate:**
– Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, dust with sugar-free powdered sugar or add sugar-free sprinkles for a festive touch.
### Tips for Making Perfect Weight Watchers-Friendly Soft Christmas Cookies
– **Measure Ingredients Accurately:** Weighing or carefully measuring the flour helps to ensure the cookies are light and tender.
– **Don’t Overmix:** Once the dry ingredients are added, mix just until combined. This helps maintain the cookies’ soft texture.
– **Cool Completely Before Decorating:** If using any toppings like sugar-free icing, make sure the cookies are fully cooled, so the decorations don’t melt.
### Recipe Variations
There are many ways to customize these cookies while keeping them Weight Watchers-friendly:
– **Add Flavor Extracts:** For extra holiday flair, try adding almond, peppermint, or maple extract instead of vanilla.
– **Mix In Mini Chocolate Chips:** Use a small handful of sugar-free chocolate chips for some chocolatey goodness.
– **Cinnamon Spice Version:** Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a spiced twist.
### Serving Suggestions
These soft cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of tea. Here are a few ideas to enjoy them:
– **With a Cup of Coffee or Hot Chocolate:** The cookies pair perfectly with a festive drink.
– **Make a Cookie Sandwich:** Spread a light layer of low-fat cream cheese or sugar-free frosting between two cookies for a sweet treat.
– **Cookie Decorating Party:** Set up a decorating station with sugar-free sprinkles, icing, and other Weight Watchers-friendly toppings.
### Storing and Freezing
– **Storing:** Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
– **Freezing:** To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
### Weight Watchers Points
The exact points for each cookie will vary depending on your plan and the specific ingredients you use. However, with portion control and ingredient choices, these cookies can be a low-point treat. Using light ingredients like applesauce to replace some of the fat helps keep the points value down.
### Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Soft Christmas Cookies allow you to enjoy a holiday tradition while sticking to your Weight Watchers plan. They’re light and soft, with just the right amount of sweetness. This recipe provides a healthier option for holiday baking without sacrificing taste. Perfect for those who want to stay on track while still indulging in the season’s joy.
### Conclusion
With this Weight Watchers-friendly recipe for Soft Christmas Cookies, you don’t have to miss out on the joy of holiday baking. These cookies are easy to make, taste delicious, and can be customized with your favorite holiday decorations. Enjoy a guilt-free treat that brings festive cheer to your celebrations. Bake a batch, share them with friends and family, or keep them for yourself as a light, sweet indulgence. Happy baking!
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