WW Soft Ginger Cookies are a delicious and healthier version of the classic ginger cookie, offering all the spicy, warm flavors of the traditional treat while being lighter and more Weight Watchers-friendly. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with the perfect balance of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, without the extra sugar and fat found in regular cookies. With a few simple swaps, such as using a sugar substitute and replacing butter with a lighter alternative, these cookies are a perfect way to indulge in a sweet treat without feeling guilty about your WW points.
What makes these WW Soft Ginger Cookies stand out is their delightful texture. The combination of applesauce and a small amount of oil helps keep the cookies soft and chewy, while the spices give them that cozy, wintertime flavor. The molasses adds richness and depth to the cookies, which is what gives ginger cookies their signature taste, while the ginger and cinnamon provide a warming, fragrant aroma. Because these cookies are made with whole wheat flour and use sugar substitutes, they are much lighter than traditional ginger cookies but still taste just as delicious.
These WW Soft Ginger Cookies are not only healthier, but they are also versatile and easy to make. You can mix up the spices to suit your personal preference, adding more or less ginger and cinnamon depending on how bold you like the flavors. They can also be made in advance, making them a great treat for meal prep or for gifting during the holidays. Whether you’re craving a cozy snack with a cup of tea or need a sweet dessert that won’t sabotage your healthy eating goals, these cookies are a perfect option. They’re quick to bake, soft and satisfying, and low in WW points, making them an ideal sweet treat to keep on hand when you need a little indulgence.
The great thing about these WW Soft Ginger Cookies is that they’re perfect for a variety of occasions, from holiday gatherings to simple afternoon snacks. Because they’re so light, you can enjoy a couple of these flavorful cookies without worrying about your WW points. The recipe is simple to follow, and the cookies keep well for several days when stored in an airtight container. They’re the perfect way to enjoy the delicious, spicy warmth of ginger cookies while staying on track with your Weight Watchers goals. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply because you’re in the mood for something sweet, these cookies will hit the spot every time!
WW Soft Ginger Cookies Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour for a lighter version)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup applesauce (unsweetened, to replace some of the fat)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or coconut oil (light or reduced-fat options work well)
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup sugar substitute (such as Stevia, Swerve, or Erythritol)
- 1 large egg (or a flax egg for a vegan option)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Sugar (for rolling the dough, optional)
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 for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, vegetable oil, molasses, sugar substitute, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until everything is fully incorporated. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
5. Form the Cookies:
- Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, scoop out small portions of the dough and roll them into balls. If you prefer, you can roll each ball in a little sugar for extra sweetness and a nice texture, though this is optional.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake the Cookies:
- Gently flatten each cookie dough ball slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown on the edges but still soft in the center. Be careful not to overbake, as these cookies are meant to be soft and chewy.
7. Cool and Enjoy:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will firm up as they cool but will remain soft and chewy.
Tips:
- Sugar Substitute Options: You can use your favorite WW-friendly sugar substitute (like Stevia, Swerve, or Erythritol). Just be sure to check the sweetness level as some substitutes are sweeter than regular sugar, and you may need to adjust the amount used.
- Make it Vegan: To make these cookies vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water, let sit for a few minutes until thickened).
- Customize the Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. You can add a pinch of nutmeg or more cinnamon if you prefer stronger spice flavors.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at roo